Can I Still Bring My Partner to the UK in 2025?

Legally reviewed by: Sherena Lawrence Aug 2025 In: Immigration

You can still apply for a UK Partner Visa in 2025 to bring your partner to the UK. However, the requirements have changed, particularly concerning financial thresholds.

UK Partner Visa 2025 Rules:

• Sponsor’s Status: You must be a British citizen, have indefinite leave to remain, refugee status, or EU Settled Status.
• Relationship: You must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner.
• Intent to Live Together: You should plan to live together in the UK permanently.
• Financial, Accommodation, and English Language Requirements: You must meet specific criteria in these areas.

If your UK Partner Visa application is successful, your partner will be granted a Family visa (Partner route). This visa is typically valid for 2 years and 9 months, with the possibility of extension and eventual settlement.

New Financial Requirements to Bring Your Partner to the UK in 2025

The financial threshold to sponsor a partner has increased. As of April 11, 2024, the minimum income requirement rose from £18,600 to £29,000 per year. Additionally, while there were plans to increase this threshold further to £34,500 and then to £38,700, these have been paused pending a review by the Migration Advisory Committee. A report on these increased is expected in June 2025 .

If you applied as a partner before April 11, 2024, and are extending your visa with the same partner, the previous income requirement of £18,600 still applies .

What If I’m Not Married to My Partner?

You don’t have to be married to apply. You can apply as, a spouse, a civil partner or an unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together for at least 2 years).

You’ll need to provide evidence of your genuine and subsisting relationship, such as joint bills, tenancy agreements, photos, travel records, and written statements.

Accommodation Requirements

You must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation in the UK that is legally owned or occupied exclusively by you, your partner, or a family member. Additionally, the accommodation but not be overcrowded and must meet public health regulations.

These rules apply whether the accommodation is owned or rented.

English Language Requirement

Your partner must prove they can speak and understand English to the required level by passing an approved English language test at the A1 level for the initial application. Alternatively, they can hold a degree taught in English or be a national of a majority English-speaking country.

It’s worth noting that for visa extensions, a higher level (A2) may be required.

Alternatives If You Don’t Meet the Income Threshold

If you don’t meet the income requirement through employment, you may still qualify by using your savings. This means that if you do not have an income, you’ll need £88,500 in savings to meet the requirement.

Additionally you can qualify by using a combination of income and savings in order to meet the threshold.

Furthermore, you may be eligible for a benefits exemption, if you’re receiving certain disability or carer’s benefits. Being eligible will mean that you are exempt from the income requirement.

Finally, if refusal would breach your right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, you may apply on these grounds.

These applications can be complex, and professional legal support can make all the difference. At Cartwright King, our immigration solicitors will guide you through every step. Our team is here to help you gather strong evidence, avoid common mistakes, and build the best possible case for you and your partner. Whether you’re applying under exceptional circumstances or facing a visa refusal, we’re here to protect your rights and help to reunite your family.

Contact Us

If you’re considering bringing your partner to the UK in 2025 and need expert legal advice, contact Cartwright King’s immigration team today for a confidential consultation.