UK Spouse Visa Documents Checklist (2025)

This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current UK immigration policy. Confirm your visa requirements via Our UK Visa Guidance.

To apply for a UK Spouse Visa, you must provide supporting documents that prove your identity, relationship, financial stability, and accommodation arrangements. The Home Office carefully reviews this evidence to verify that all eligibility requirements are met under UK Immigration Rules Appendix FM. This checklist reflects updates as of October 2025.

Core Documents Required

Every applicant must include the following essential documents:

• Valid passport or travel document (for both applicant and sponsor).
• Completed visa application form (online).
• Proof of payment for visa application and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Biometric enrolment confirmation letter.

Relationship Evidence

The Home Office must be satisfied that your marriage or partnership is genuine and ongoing. You’ll need to provide:

• Original marriage or civil partnership certificate.
• Photos together showing a genuine relationship over time.
• Chat logs, call records, and travel evidence (where appropriate).
• Proof of shared financial responsibility (joint accounts, bills, tenancy).

For full details, visit Proof of Relationship Requirements (2025).

Financial Requirement Documents

Applicants must meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year or demonstrate qualifying savings. Required financial documents include:

• 6 months of payslips (12 months for self-employed).
• 6 months of bank statements showing income deposits.
• Employment contract and letter from employer confirming position and salary.
• Tax return (SA302) or company accounts for self-employed sponsors.
• Proof of savings (if applicable).

See Financial Requirement Guide (2025) for full breakdowns.

Accommodation Evidence

• Tenancy agreement or property ownership documents.
• Letter of consent from landlord or homeowner (if living with family).
• Recent council tax or utility bills.
• Property inspection report (if required).

Read our Accommodation Requirement (2025) guide for further details.

English Language Proof

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved SELT test or qualifying degree.

• Approved English test certificate showing CEFR level (A1, A2, or B1).
• ECCTIS confirmation letter for degrees taught in English.

See English Language Requirement (2025) for accepted test providers.

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Divorce decree absolute or death certificate (if previously married).
• Birth certificates for dependent children.
• Evidence of previous UK immigration history (visas, BRP cards).
• TB test certificate (for applicants from listed countries).

Check Tuberculosis Test Rules (2025) for full country list and clinic information.

Document Submission Format

All documents must be scanned and uploaded digitally through the VFS Global or TLScontact portal. You may also use the assisted scanning service at your biometric appointment.

Common Document Mistakes

• Submitting blurred or incomplete scans.
• Using outdated financial documents.
• Missing signatures on letters or statements.
• Failing to translate foreign documents into English by a certified translator.

To avoid refusal, review Common Spouse Visa Refusal Reasons (2025) before submission.

People Also Asked

Do I need to send original documents for a UK Spouse Visa?

No, all documents are submitted digitally via your visa application centre’s upload portal.

Can I submit photos as proof of relationship?

Yes, but photos alone are not sufficient — include joint bills, tenancy agreements, and financial proof of partnership.

Do I need translations for non-English documents?

Yes. Any non-English or non-Welsh documents must be translated by a certified translator.

How recent must my bank statements be?

Bank statements should cover the most recent six months prior to submission.

Related Guidance

• Eligibility Criteria (2025)
• Financial Requirement (2025)
• Proof of Relationship (2025)
• Accommodation Requirement (2025)

About This Page

Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: November 2025