UK Fiance Visa Requirements

Your complete guide to UK Fiance Visa requirements 2025 covering eligibility, documents, costs, process, and timelines for a successful Fiance Visa application.
To qualify for the UK Fiance Visa, you and your partner must meet specific requirements for relationship, finances, accommodation, and English language.
UK immigration law is a fast-changing and complex area of law, making it important to seek legal assistance from expert UK immigration solicitors for your Fiance Visa application.
We ensure your UK Fiance Visa application is completed accurately and meets all the eligibility requirements. It will boost your chances of approval.
For guidance on UK Fiance Visa requirements and application assistance, contact our immigration solicitors in London at 0208 616 5535 or via our online form.
Table of Contents
- What is a Fiance Visa UK?
- What are the requirements for a Fiance Visa in the UK?
- Financial (minimum income) requirements for a Fiance Visa UK
- Genuine relationship requirement for Fiance Visa UK
- English requirement for Fiance Visa UK
- Adequate accommodation requirement for Fiance Visa UK
- How to apply for a Fiance Visa UK?
- How long does it take to process a UK Fiance Visa?
- How much does a UK Fiance Visa application cost?
- How immigration solicitors can assist with UK Fiance Visa applications
- Contact UK Fiance Visa solicitors
- FAQs about UK Fiance Visa
What is a Fiance Visa UK?
The UK Fiance Visa allows eligible foreign nationals over 18 to come to the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person.
UK Fiance Visa is a short-term visa that grants you entry into the UK for up to 6 months, during which you must marry your partner or enter a civil partnership.
Key facts about the UK Fiance Visa
- Purpose: It's for couples planning to marry or register a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
- Duration: The visa is valid for six months. During this time, the couple must get married or enter into a civil partnership.
- Restrictions: You are not allowed to work in the UK while on a Fiance Visa and you cannot access public funds or benefits.
What are the requirements for a Fiance Visa in the UK?
The Fiance Visa UK requirements in 2025 are as follows:
- The application must be made from outside the UK.
- Both, you and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
- You must plan to marry within six months of arrival in the UK.
- There must be an intention to settle in the UK.
- The financial requirements must be met.
- The relationship requirements must be satisfied.
- The English language requirement must be fulfilled.
- Adequate accommodation must be demonstrated.
- The tuberculosis requirement must be met.
- Suitability criteria must be satisfied.
- A valid application must be submitted.
Depending on the type of your application and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.
Financial (minimum income) requirements for a Fiance Visa UK
As a Fiance Visa applicant, you and your UK-based partner must meet the minimum income requirement, currently set at £29,000 gross per year (before tax).
On April 11, 2024, the minimum income requirement for out-of-country fiancé(e) visa applications rose from £18,600 to £29,000.
Acceptable forms of income
There are many ways to show we meet the financial requirements for a UK Fiance Visa. These include:
- Salary from employment
- Self-employed earnings
- Pensions
- Using savings over £16,000
- Rental income from property
You need to gather detailed evidence of your income. This could be payslips, bank statements, and tax returns. By clearly showing your financial situation, you increase your chances of approval. For more advice, contact Vanguard Solicitors at 0208 616 5535.
Using cash savings towards the financial requirement
To calculate the required level of cash savings:
- Start with the minimum income requirement: £29,000 for applications submitted on or after April 11, 2025, or £18,600 (adjusted for children if applicable) for those already on the route before this date.
- Multiply the chosen figure by 2.5 (the number of years of leave granted).
- Add a base amount of £16,000.
For a partner without children, the cash savings needed to meet the income threshold would be £88,500 for applications after April 11, 2024, or £62,500 for those on the route before this date.
Genuine relationship requirement for Fiance Visa UK
To meet the "genuine relationship" requirement for a Fiance Visa, the applicant's relationship with their UK-based partner must be genuine and not solely to obtain a visa. The couple must demonstrate a genuine intention to get married within six months of the visa being granted.
Proof of genuine relationship
If the Home Office suspect that the relationship between the applicant and their partner is not genuine, they may refuse the visa. You'll need documents like:
- Photographs together, capturing different moments in time.
- Communication records, like messages or call logs.
- Travel itineraries showing trips taken together.
Failing to provide adequate evidence may result in the visa being refused, so it’s essential to submit comprehensive documentation. For any questions, please contact Vanguard Solicitors at 0208 616 5535.
English requirement for Fiance Visa UK
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
You can meet the requirements by:
- passing an approved test at or above the required CEFR level, with an approved provider as set out on gov.uk at: Approved Secure English Language Tests and Test Centres
- being a national of a majority English-speaking country
- having an academic qualification which is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree or PhD
Adequate accommodation requirement for Fiance Visa UK
To meet the adequate accommodation requirement for a UK Fiance Visa, the couple must demonstrate that they have suitable accommodation in the UK that meets certain criteria. The accommodation must:
- Be owned or occupied exclusively by the UK-based partner, or be owned or leased jointly by the couple.
- Be able to accommodate both the UK-based partner and the fiancé(e), as well as any other dependents.
- Be free from overcrowding, and meet the relevant health and safety standards.
- Not be rented from a local authority or a housing association.
- Not be subsidized by public funds.
The accommodation requirement can be met in different ways, such as by providing evidence of ownership or occupancy of a property, a rental agreement, or a letter of support from a friend or family member who is willing to accommodate the couple. If the couple does not have suitable accommodation when the application is submitted, they may still be able to apply for a fiancé(e) visa, but they will need to demonstrate that they have made adequate arrangements to secure accommodation once they arrive in the UK.
How to apply for a Fiance Visa UK?
Applying for a UK visa involves several steps. Here is a general outline of the visa application process:
- Determine Eligibility: Before applying for a UK visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa category you are applying for.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents to submit along with your visa application.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the UK government's official visa application website and complete the online application form.
- Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). You will need to attend the appointment in person.
- Submit Application and Pay Fees: Once you have compiled all the necessary documents and completed the application form(s), submit your visa application online and pay the applicable visa fees. Fees vary depending on the type of visa and processing times.
- Wait for a Decision: Once you have submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment (if required), you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. Processing times can vary, so check the UK government website for current processing times.
You must carefully follow the application instructions and provide accurate and complete information and documentation to avoid delays or refusal of your visa application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consider seeking guidance from our expert UK immigration solicitor in London.
How long does it take to process a UK Fiance Visa?
The processing time for a UK Fiance Visa typically takes 2-3 months (within 12 weeks). However, you can choose a priority service to get a faster decision.
The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website.
How much does a UK Fiance Visa application cost?
The Fiance Visa application fee is £1,846 (as of 2025). An additional £500 is required if you opt for the priority service for a faster decision.
Here are some common costs associated with applying for a UK visa:
- Fiance Visa application fee of £1,846
- The 'priority service' fee to get a faster decision (if applicable)
- English language test fee (if required)
- Immigration lawyer fees (if using legal services to boost your chances of success & avoid mistakes)
How immigration solicitors can assist with UK Fiance Visa applications
Our immigration solicitors in London can assist with UK Fiance Visa applications in the following ways:
- Eligibility Assessment: Evaluate if the applicant meets the criteria for a Fiance Visa.
- Document Guidance: Help compile and organise necessary supporting documents (e.g., proof of relationship, financial evidence).
- Application Preparation: Ensure the visa application form is correctly completed and submitted.
- Advice on Financial Requirements: Advice on meeting the minimum income or savings requirements.
- Interview Preparation: Prepare applicants for potential visa interviews.
- Appeals and Reapplications: Assist in case of visa refusal, including advice on appeals or reapplication.
- Timely Submission: Ensure the application is submitted within the appropriate timeframe.
- Communication with Authorities: We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the visa application and provide updates to the applicant as needed.
Contact UK Fiance Visa solicitors
If you need legal assistance with your UK Fiance Visa application, call our UK fiance visa solicitors in London at 0208 616 5535 or fill in our contact form.
There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Harrow, London:
- Phone - Call us on 0208 616 5535
- Email us - info@vanguardlaw.co.uk
- Online - Fill in our online enquiry form
- Visit our office - 109 High Street, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 5DL
FAQs about UK Fiance Visa
- A Fiance Visa is for couples planning to marry or register a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK.
- To qualify, both partners must be at least 18. Age is non-negotiable.
- The relationship must also be genuine and ongoing.
- Applicant must meet all the eligibility requirements such as financial, accommodation, and English language requirements.
The Fiance visa allows you to stay in the UK for a period of 6 months. Within this time frame, you must marry your partner.
If you don't marry in six months, you must leave the UK. Or, you can apply for an extension in special cases.
No, you can't work on a Fiance Visa. However, once you're married, you can apply to switch to a Spouse visa without leaving the UK.
Spouse visa allows for longer residence, work, and study rights in the UK.
If your Fiance visa application is refused, you may be able to appeal the decision or apply for a reconsideration depending on the circumstances. It's advisable to seek advice from an experienced immigration solicitor in such cases.
Yes, once you're married, you can apply to switch to a spouse visa without leaving the UK.
To do so, you must meet the eligibility requirements for the Spouse Visa, including proving that your marriage to a British citizen or settled person is genuine, meeting the financial requirements, and demonstrating English language proficiency.
It's important to apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying.
No, if you're from a country where English is widely spoken (like the USA or Australia), you don't need to take an English test.
No, you cannot bring your children with you on a UK Fiance Visa. The Fiance Visa is specifically for individuals who plan to marry a British citizen or settled person, and it does not allow dependents, including children, to accompany you.
However, after you marry and apply for a Spouse Visa, you may be able to include your children as dependents in your application.
The place must be safe, meet health standards, and have enough room for you and your partner.
To schedule a consultation, you can contact our office by phone (0208 616 5535) or email (info@vanguardlaw.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.
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