UK Spouse/Partner Visa 2025: The Minimum Income Rule Explained (With Real Examples)

Why this matters now

If you’re applying to bring your partner to the UK (or to extend on a new partner route), the minimum income requirement (MIR) is one of the most common reasons for refusals. For most new partner applications, the MIR is £29,000. Transitional rules apply if your first partner application was before 11 April 2024.

The current rule at a glance

• New partner applications: show £29,000 combined gross annual income (unless exempt).

• Extending with the same partner where the first application was before 11 April 2024: £18,600 still applies.
• Cash savings can help: savings above £16,000, held for 6 months, can be converted using (Savings − £16,000) ÷ 2.5 to count towards the MIR.

Quick examples (illustrative)

• Salary + savings: Household income £25,000 → shortfall £4,000. You’d need savings of £26,000 above £16,000 (because £10,000 ÷ 2.5 = £4,000). Total savings needed: £26,000 + £16,000 = £42,000.
• Savings only (entry clearance/extension): To meet £29,000 alone you’d need £88,500 (because (£88,500 − £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = £29,000).

Tip: Evidence rules are strict (payslips, bank statements, employer letters). Always align your documents to Appendix FM-SE.

What counts as income?

• Employment (A, B categories), self-employment, non-employment income, pensions—each with strict evidence windows and formats. Caseworker guidance sets out how different categories can (and can’t) be combined.

Common pitfalls (and how we fix them)

• Timing: submitting too early before 6 months of evidence are complete.
• Wrong category mix: combining self-employment income incorrectly with savings.
• Employer letters missing required lines (salary, role, start date, authenticity).

Exemptions & alternatives

If you receive certain benefits, you may meet an “adequate maintenance” test instead – different to MIR and with its own savings rules for ILR.

Contact Prime Legal Solicitors Today

Contact Prime Legal Solicitors today at 01706644144 or complete our online enquiry form to book a consultation.

Ensure that your affairs are protected, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind.