Navigating the Dependent Visa UK (often called the Spouse or Partner Visa) has become increasingly complex following major policy shifts. Whether you are applying to join a partner who is a British citizen, a settled person, or someone on a Skilled Worker visa, understanding the latest financial and relationship criteria is vital for a successful application.
1. The Financial Requirement (2026 Update)
As of March 2026, the standard minimum income requirement (MIR) for most new family-based applications is £29,000 per year.
Unlike previous years, there is no longer a separate “child element”—the threshold remains £29,000 regardless of the number of children involved in the application.
Meeting the Requirement via Employment
- Category A: If the sponsor has been with their employer for 6 months or more, you must show 6 months of payslips and bank statements confirming a gross annual salary of at least £29,000.
- Category B: If the sponsor has been with their employer for less than 6 months, you must prove two things:
- The current annual salary is £29,000+.
- The total earned over the last 12 months (across all jobs) was also £29,000+.
2. Using Savings (If Not Working)
If your sponsor is not working or earns less than the threshold, you can use Cash Savings to bridge the gap or meet the requirement entirely.
- The £16,000 Rule: The first £16,000 of savings is “ignored.”
- The Multiplier: To meet the full requirement using only savings, the formula is:$$(£29,000 \times 2.5) + £16,000 = £88,500$$
- Total Required: You must show £88,500 held in a regulated bank account for at least 6 consecutive months.
Note: Savings can be in the name of the applicant, the sponsor, or both jointly. Large gifts from family are allowed, but you must provide a letter confirming the gift and the source of the funds.
3. Disability Exemptions: “Adequate Maintenance”
If your UK sponsor receives specific disability-related or carer’s benefits, you are exempt from the £29,000 income threshold. Instead, you must meet the “Adequate Maintenance” test.
Qualifying Benefits include:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
Under this rule, you only need to prove that after paying for housing (rent/mortgage) and Council Tax, the couple has at least as much money left over as a family on Income Support would have (approximately £155–£160 per week for a couple in 2026).
4. Proof of Marriage & Relationship
The Home Office applies high scrutiny to ensure relationships are “genuine and subsisting.”
Marriage Rules:
- Legal Recognition: Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it took place and must not conflict with UK law (e.g., proxy marriages are often scrutinized).
- Unmarried Partners: If you are not married, you must prove you have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years.
Essential Evidence Checklist:
- Joint Financial Responsibility: Joint bank statements or utility bills.
- Shared Address: Tenancy agreements, Council Tax bills, or official letters (doctor/HMRC) addressed to both.
- Communication: If living apart, provide logs of messages, photos together, and travel tickets showing visits.
5. Summary Checklist for Applicants
| Requirement | Threshold / Detail |
| Minimum Income | £29,000 (standard) |
| Savings Only | £88,500 (held for 6 months) |
| English Language | CEFR Level A1 (Entry) or higher |
| Relationship | Legally married OR 2 years cohabitation |
| Accommodation | Must not be “overcrowded” by UK standards |
Need Expert Assistance?
The Dependent Visa UK application is document-heavy, and a single missing bank statement can lead to a refusal. At METIN.LONDON, we provide detailed analysis of your specific situation to ensure your application meets every UKVI requirement.
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