Family Visa UK: Requirements, Costs and How to Apply [2026]

Bringing your loved ones together is one of the most important reasons people apply for a UK visa. The Family Visa UK is designed to let you live in Britain with your partner, children, or parents if they are already settled in the country. For couples, this includes the fiancé visa, spouse visa, and the unmarried partner visa, each with slightly different rules depending on your situation.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Family Visa UK, including requirements, costs, processing times, and how to choose the right route for you.

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What is a Family Visa UK?

A Family Visa UK allows you to join close relatives who are living in Britain. It’s most commonly used by partners who want to live together in the UK, but it can also apply if you’re coming to care for a child or dependent family member.

The main partner routes under the family visa category are:

• Fiancé visa to UK – for engaged couples who plan to marry in Britain.
• Spouse visa UK – for people already married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person.
• UK unmarried partner visa – for couples who can prove they’ve lived together in a committed relationship for at least two years.

All of these visas fall under the same family visa umbrella and eventually lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) if you meet the rules.

Family Visa UK Requirements

To qualify for a UK family visa, you’ll need to meet several important requirements:

• Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
• Relationship: You must show your relationship is genuine and recognised (engaged, married, civil partners, or cohabiting).
• Financial requirement: Combined income must usually be at least £29,000 per year. This amount increases if you have dependent children.
• Accommodation: You must have suitable housing without relying on public funds.
• English language: Applicants must meet the English language requirement by passing an approved test, unless exempt.

These are the core Family Visa UK requirements, but you’ll also need to supply detailed supporting documents to prove your situation.

Cost of Family Visa UK

The fees for a UK Family Visa depend on where you apply from. As of 2025, the standard costs are:

• £1,938 if applying from outside the UK
• £1,321 if applying from inside the UK

On top of the visa fee, you’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), currently set at £1,035 per year. This gives you access to the NHS while you’re in Britain.

Other possible costs include document translation, TB testing (for applicants from certain countries), and optional priority processing.

Fiancé Visa to UK

The Fiancé Visa UK is for engaged couples who want to marry or enter a civil partnership in Britain. It lasts for six months, during which time you must get married. Once you’re married, you can switch to a spouse visa for a longer stay.

• You must prove your intention to marry within six months (e.g. wedding bookings or registry appointments).
• You cannot work on a fiancé visa. Work rights only begin once you switch to a spouse visa.

This visa is a good option if you want your wedding in the UK but aren’t married yet.

Spouse Visa UK

The Spouse Visa UK is one of the most popular types of family visa. It’s for people who are already married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone who has settled status (for example, Indefinite Leave to Remain).

• It lasts for 2.5 years and can be renewed.
• It allows you to work and study freely in the UK.
• After 5 years on a spouse visa, you may be eligible for settlement.

Like the fiancé visa, you must meet the financial requirement, English language test, and accommodation rules.

UK Unmarried Partner Visa

If you’re not married but live together in a committed relationship, you may qualify for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa.

To be eligible, you must show proof of at least two years of cohabitation, such as joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, or financial records in both names.

This visa is valid for 2.5 years, allows full work rights, and can also lead to permanent settlement. It’s a good option for long-term couples who don’t want to marry immediately.

Comparing Fiancé, Spouse and Unmarried Partner Visas

• Fiancé visa: 6 months, no work rights, must marry in the UK.
• Spouse visa: 2.5 years, full work rights, already married or civil partners.
• Unmarried Partner visa: 2.5 years, full work rights, proof of 2 years cohabitation required.

All three are part of the Family Visa UK category, and all can eventually lead to settlement if you meet the requirements.

How Long Does a Family Visa Take?

Processing times depend on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. On average, it takes 8 to 12 weeks. Priority services are sometimes available at an extra cost, which can speed up the decision to around 6 weeks.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💍 Can I bring my fiancé to the UK?
Yes. If you meet the financial and relationship requirements, your fiancé can apply for a fiancé visa to join you and marry within 6 months.

⏳ How long does a family visa take in the UK?
Most applications take between 8 and 12 weeks, though priority services may reduce the waiting time.

💼 Does a fiancé visa allow you to work in the UK?
No. You can only work after switching to a spouse visa.

⚖️ Is it better to get a fiancé visa or spouse visa in the UK?
If you’re already married, apply for a spouse visa. If you want to marry in the UK, the fiancé visa is the right route. Both fall under the family visa category.

📑 What are the main family visa UK requirements?
You must show a genuine relationship, meet the financial threshold (£18,600+), provide suitable accommodation, and meet the English language requirement.

💷 What is the cost of a family visa UK?
The fee is £1,938 outside the UK or £1,321 inside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year).

Have questions or want help choosing the right visa? Subscribe or explore more articles on UK visas and immigration tips.

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