If you want your Thai wife to live with you in the UK, you will usually need to meet the financial requirement for a family visa. For many new spouse or partner applications, the minimum income requirement in September 2026 is £29,000 a year. The answer can be different if you are extending an older visa, receive certain benefits or rely on savings or another permitted income source.
Unsure whether your income qualifies?
Tell us whether you are employed, self-employed, retired or living in Thailand. We can check which financial category applies before you prepare the application.
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Is the UK spouse visa income requirement £29,000?
For many people making a new partner application, yes. GOV.UK currently states that the couple usually needs to demonstrate qualifying income of at least £29,000 a year. Meeting the number is only part of the test: the income must come from a permitted source and be supported by the specified evidence.
Read the current GOV.UK financial requirements alongside our overview of UK spouse visa requirements.
Does the old £18,600 rule still apply to anyone?
Yes. Some people who first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner remain subject to transitional financial rules. Additional amounts for relevant children may apply under those arrangements. Do not assume that either £18,600 or £29,000 applies until you have checked the date and history of the first successful family visa application.
Our forum discusses a real question about whether an existing partner needs £18,600 or £29,000 when extending.
Which types of income may count?
Depending on the circumstances and the applicable rules, permitted sources can include:
- Employment income.
- Self-employment or income as a company director.
- Pension income.
- Certain non-employment income, such as rental income.
- Qualifying cash savings.
These sources have different calculation periods and evidence requirements. For example, payslips alone may not be enough for employment income, and a company director’s records are assessed differently from those of a salaried employee. See our spouse visa documents guide.
Can savings replace income?
Qualifying cash savings may be used instead of income or, in some circumstances, to make up a shortfall. The required amount depends on the application stage and the income available. Ownership, control, the period the funds have been held and the source of the money can all matter.
Do not assume that money temporarily placed in an account will meet the rules. Assess the amount and evidence before transferring funds or submitting the application.
What if I receive disability or carer’s benefits?
Where the sponsor receives one of the specified benefits, the usual minimum income threshold may not apply. Instead, the couple may need to demonstrate adequate maintenance and accommodation. The calculation considers the household’s income and housing costs.
Our forum answer discusses sponsoring a Thai wife while receiving DLA or other benefits.
What if I live and work in Thailand?
A British sponsor living in Thailand may still be able to sponsor a partner while planning to return to the UK. Overseas employment, a confirmed UK job offer, pensions, savings or other permitted sources may be relevant, but each route has specific conditions and evidence rules. A UK job offer by itself will not necessarily satisfy the requirement.
Read our guide to moving back to the UK with your Thai partner before changing jobs or setting travel dates.
Can my Thai wife’s earnings count?
That depends on where she is applying and which financial category applies. Do not assume that employment income earned in Thailand can be counted in the same way as permitted UK employment income. For a spouse visa extension in the UK, qualifying earnings of the applicant may be relevant alongside the sponsor’s income.
Need a financial assessment?
Send us a summary of the income or savings you intend to rely on, your employment history and whether this is a first application or extension. We can identify the relevant evidence category and explain what needs checking before submission.
Updated September 2026. Financial thresholds and evidence rules can change. UK Visas and Immigration decides each application on its individual facts.