Bringing a partner, child or relative to the UK — the routes, the £29,000 income requirement and the evidence that decides these applications.
Spouse · Fiancé(e) · Unmarried partner · Children · Adult dependants · Ancestry.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-14.
TL;DR
UK family visas for partners cost £2,064 outside the UK (extensions £1,407) with a minimum income requirement of usually £29,000. Partner routes lead to settlement after 5 years. Decisions usually take 12 weeks outside the UK and 8 weeks inside.
£2,064
Partner visa fee (outside UK)
£29,000
Minimum income (usually)
12 weeks
Typical decision (outside UK)
Partner Routes
For married, engaged and long-term partners of British citizens and settled people.
Children & Relatives
Dependent children, adult relatives needing care, and Commonwealth ancestry.
After Five Years: Settlement
Partner routes lead to permanent status — plan the timeline from day one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about family visas in 2026.
How much does a UK family visa cost in 2026?
Partner and child routes cost £2,064 from outside the UK and £1,407 to extend inside the UK. The adult dependent relative route is £3,635, and the Ancestry Visa is £726. Most applicants also pay the £1,035-per-year health surcharge.
What is the minimum income for a spouse visa?
Usually £29,000 per year, met by the UK partner’s employment income or other permitted sources. Savings can supplement or replace income under the rules.
How long does a spouse visa take?
Applications from outside the UK usually take 12 weeks; extensions inside the UK usually take 8 weeks. Priority services can shorten this where available.
What is the difference between a fiancé(e) and spouse visa?
A fiancé(e) visa gives 6 months to enter the UK and marry, with no health surcharge at that stage; after the wedding you switch to the spouse route. A spouse visa is for couples already married and gives 2 years 9 months initially.
Can unmarried partners get a UK visa?
Yes — the unmarried partner route mirrors the spouse visa for couples who have been living together in a genuine, lasting relationship. Evidence of cohabitation is central.
Do family visas lead to settlement?
Partner and child routes lead to indefinite leave to remain, usually after 5 years on the route. The Ancestry Visa also leads to settlement after 5 years.
Can I work on a family visa?
Yes. Spouse, partner and ancestry visa holders can work without restriction, and there is no employer sponsorship involved.
How hard is the adult dependent relative visa?
It is one of the most demanding routes in the system: you must prove the relative needs long-term care for everyday tasks AND that suitable care is not available or affordable in their country. Evidence preparation decides these cases.
Can children over 18 apply as dependants?
Only in limited circumstances — normally where their family permission started when they were under 18. Adult children otherwise need their own route.
Can Morgan Smith Immigration handle family applications?
Yes. Our IAA-regulated advisers prepare the full application — relationship and income evidence, timing strategy and the settlement plan — for partners, children and relatives.
Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Keep Your Family Together
Evidence-led family applications, prepared properly the first time.