Costs involved for a UK Partner Visa

For those looking to join a loved one in the United Kingdom, obtaining a partner visa is an important step. Finances play a critical role in this process and there are certain financial requirements that must be met before applying for a partner visa. Let’s explore what these requirements are and how you can prepare yourself financially for success. 

Minimum Income Requirements 

One of the most important financial requirements is the minimum income requirement. This is not an easy number to reach due to its high value. The total minimum income requirement is £18,600 per year plus an additional amount for any accompanying dependents, such as children or elderly family members. The additional amount needed per dependent varies based on whether they are considered “adult dependents” or not; adult dependents require more money than minor ones do. 

Income Sources 

To meet the minimum income requirement, there are several different sources of income that can be taken into consideration when filing your application. These include wages from full-time employment (including self-employment), rental income from properties owned by yourself or your partner, investment returns, pensions, and other sources of regular taxable income. It's important to note that savings alone will not meet the financial requirements; however, if you have saved up enough money to cover the required amount for at least 6 months prior to submitting your application then these funds may make up part of your income requirement. 

Any non-UK funds will also need to be converted into GBP before being taken into consideration; this conversion rate should be based on the date at which you submit your application rather than when you received the original funds to ensure accuracy in meeting the financial requirements.  

Additional Costs 

It's also important to take into account any additional costs associated with obtaining a partner visa before applying such as healthcare surcharges and legal fees (if applicable). These costs may vary depending on country of origin and other factors so it’s best to research these expenses thoroughly prior to submitting your application. Additionally, if you plan on bringing any possessions with you when moving then it’s wise to consider shipping costs as well as any storage fees you may incur while settling in once arriving in the UK.  

Applying for a UK Partner Visa can seem like a daunting task but with proper planning and preparation it can be done. Be sure that you understand all of the necessary financial requirements before taking the plunge and start saving ahead of time if possible so that you are ready when it comes time to file your application. With some careful budgeting and research into additional costs associated with immigration, you will be able to successfully finance your move abroad and begin life anew alongside your loved ones in Britain.