What Are The Requirements For A UK Spouse Visa?

If you are married to a Thai national and want to live together in the UK, your wife or husband may be able to apply for a UK family visa as a spouse. A legal marriage is essential for the spouse route, but it is only one part of the application. You must also address the relationship, financial, English language and accommodation requirements.

Who can apply for a UK spouse visa?

Both partners must be at least 18. The UK-based partner must have an eligible status, such as British or Irish citizenship or settled status. Other qualifying statuses are listed in the official family visa guidance.

The marriage must be legally recognised in the UK, the relationship must be genuine and continuing, and the couple must intend to live together permanently in the UK. If you are not yet married, read our fiancée visa versus spouse visa comparison before choosing a route.

What is the financial requirement?

For many new partner applications, the usual minimum income requirement in September 2026 is £29,000 a year. The rules for which income can be counted and how to prove it are detailed. Savings may be used in some cases.

Different requirements can apply if the sponsor receives certain disability or carer’s benefits. Transitional rules may also apply to someone extending with the same partner after first applying before 11 April 2024. Do not assume that the old £18,600 figure applies to a new application. Check the current GOV.UK financial guidance before relying on any figure.

If you are returning to the UK from Thailand, the timing and evidence for your employment or other income deserve particular attention. Our article on moving back to the UK with your Thai wife discusses that situation.

What evidence shows a genuine marriage and relationship?

A legally registered marriage certificate establishes the marriage, but the application should also explain your relationship and plans to live together. The useful evidence depends on your history: time spent together, shared residence or expenses, travel, children, and ongoing contact may all be relevant.

Do not rely on photographs alone. Present a clear account that matches the documents and addresses any periods when you lived apart. For a fuller evidence list, see what documents are needed for a UK spouse visa.

Does the Thai applicant need an English test?

An applicant usually needs to meet the English language requirement unless an exemption applies or they can rely on another accepted form of evidence. The required level and approved evidence depend on the stage of the family route. Check the official English language guidance before booking a test.

What about accommodation in the UK?

The couple must have suitable accommodation available in the UK without relying on public funds. You do not necessarily need to own a property. The evidence should explain where you will live, your right to occupy it and who else lives there.

Are a TB test and biometrics required?

An applicant living in Thailand may need a tuberculosis test from an approved clinic for a visa lasting more than six months, unless an exemption applies. Check the GOV.UK TB testing guidance before booking. The applicant will also follow the application instructions for proving identity and providing biometrics.

How long is the initial spouse visa?

A partner granted a family visa from outside the UK can generally stay for up to 2 years and 9 months. They will normally need to apply for an extension before their permission expires. The earliest point for settlement on the usual five-year partner route is after five years of continuous qualifying residence, provided the requirements are met.

A spouse visa holder can normally work in the UK, subject to the conditions of the permission granted. Follow UKVI’s instructions for accessing and checking digital immigration status.

Can a visitor switch to a spouse visa in the UK?

A person in the UK as a Standard Visitor normally cannot switch to the family partner route from inside the UK. It is important to choose the correct route before travel. Individual cases can be complex, especially where children or exceptional circumstances are involved, so obtain advice about the actual facts.

What happens if the sponsor does not earn £29,000?

Do not assume the application is impossible. Savings, other permitted income sources, transitional arrangements or the rules for sponsors receiving certain benefits may be relevant. In some cases there are provisions concerning children or exceptional circumstances. The evidence and likely route need an individual assessment.

Our forum includes a practical question about sponsoring a Thai wife while receiving disability benefits. You can also ask a question in the UK family visa forum.

Updated September 2026. Requirements can change, and UK Visas and Immigration decides each application on its individual facts. No visa outcome can be guaranteed.