If you and your partner are planning to build a life together in the United Kingdom and you’re not yet married, the UK fiancé visa could be the route to legally and permanently bringing you together. This visa is designed for genuine couples who intend to marry or enter a civil partnership shortly after arriving in the UK. It gives the non-UK partner permission to travel to the UK for marriage and stay for up to 6 months while final wedding arrangements are completed.
Once the marriage or civil partnership has taken place, you can then apply to switch to a UK spouse or partner visa from inside the country. This next stage allows you to live together in the UK long term, gain work rights, and eventually progress toward settlement and British citizenship.
The UK fiancé visa rules have seen many updates in 2024 and 2025 particularly around the financial requirement. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we break down everything you need to know.
What is a UK fiancé visa?
A “fiancé visa” (sometimes called “fiancée visa” or “proposed civil partner visa”) is a type of UK family visa for individuals outside the UK who intend to marry or form a civil partnership with a UK citizen or someone settled in the UK. Once granted, the visa permits them to enter the UK but only on the basis that they will marry (or civil-partner) within 6 months of arrival.
It’s important to understand as pointed out by GOV.UK, this route differs from a spouse visa (for couples already married) mainly in that marriage must happen within 6 months of arrival, and the initial visa does not automatically grant the full rights of a spouse visa (e.g., work rights are restricted until you switch).
UK fiancé visa requirements
To succeed in a fiancé visa application, you and your partner must meet several criteria covering relationship, finances, accommodation, English language, and general eligibility. Here’s what you need to know in 2025.
1. Relationship requirements: proving a genuine commitment
Potentially the most important requirement to qualify for a UK fiancé visa, you and your partner must demonstrate that your relationship is real, long-term, and genuinely intended to lead to marriage. The Home Office will expect clear evidence of the following:
- You are in a genuine and subsisting relationship: meaning your relationship is ongoing, committed, and not solely for immigration purposes.
- You intend to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK on this visa. Wedding planning documents, venue enquiries, or communications about your plans can help support this.
- Any previous marriages or civil partnerships have legally ended, and you can provide the necessary divorce decrees or dissolution certificates if applicable.
There is no fixed minimum relationship duration required for a fiancé visa. Instead, the Home Office focuses on the quality and credibility of the evidence you provide. You must show that your relationship has developed over time, that you maintain regular communication, and that you have met in person. Strong supporting documents such as photographs, travel history, call logs, and messages play a crucial role in proving that your relationship is authentic, stable, and intended to lead to marriage in the UK.
2. Financial requirement: meeting the minimum income threshold
From 11 April 2024, the UK-based partner (the sponsor) must meet a minimum annual income of £29,000 gross to bring their fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner to the UK. Meeting this financial requirement is one of the most important parts of the application, and it is often where many couples experience difficulty.
If the sponsor’s employment or self-employment income alone does not meet the £29,000 threshold, the Home Office allows applicants to combine income with cash savings. These savings must:
- Be held for at least 6 consecutive months,
- Be under the sponsor’s or applicant’s control, and
- Not be borrowed or gifted for the purpose of meeting the requirement alone.
If using savings, the amount needed is calculated using a specific formula, ensuring the shortfall between actual income and £29,000 is fully covered.
In a few limited situations, the financial requirement may be waived. This applies when the sponsor receives certain qualifying benefits such as disability benefits, Carer’s Allowance, or other forms of permitted support. In these cases, instead of meeting the income threshold, the couple must demonstrate they can maintain themselves “adequately without recourse to public funds.”
Meeting the financial requirement is crucial for a successful fiancé visa application, and providing the correct documents such as payslips, bank statements, employment letters or self-employment records is essential to avoid delays or refusals.
3. Accommodation requirement: suitable accommodation in the UK
You must show you have adequate, suitable accommodation in the UK for you, your partner (and any dependants) without relying on public funds. This usually means a tenancy agreement or property ownership, showing there is enough space and that the living arrangements are permanent.
4. English language requirement
If the non-UK partner is not a native English (or Welsh) speaker, they must show a basic level of English (CEFR A1 – speaking and listening) for the initial fiancé visa application.
Exemptions may apply: for instance, if the applicant has a degree taught in English or is from a majority English-speaking country.
5. Other eligibility requirements
- The UK-based partner must be a British citizen or a settled person (or otherwise eligible to sponsor).
- The applicant must be 18 or over.
- Immigration rules must be respected: no outstanding bans, no serious criminal record, etc. (As with any visa under Appendix FM / FM-SE).
- If the applicant is from certain countries, a TB test may be required, plus acceptable translations of non-English documents.
How long should a relationship be for a fiancé visa?
There is no strict minimum duration requirement (e.g., six months, one year) for how long the couple must have been together. What matters is convincing evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing (or as the Home Office puts it “genuine and subsisting”). This could include:
- Evidence of in-person meetings (photos, travel records, tickets)
- Joint travel, visits to each other’s countries
- Communication records (emails, chat logs, call logs) over a period of time
- Engagement or intention to marry, wedding plans, correspondence with family/friends confirming plans
- Joint financial commitments or shared responsibilities (where applicable – though many couples use other evidence)
Essentially, the Home Office wants to see that the relationship is real, not purely for the visa.
How long does it take to get a UK fiancé visa?
For applications from outside the UK:
- Standard processing time is currently about 12 weeks.
- There may be optional priority services
However, it’s important to note that while a priority or super-priority service can speed up processing, it does not guarantee approval. If your application has issues or needs additional documentation, it may still be delayed or refused. Because of this, immigration lawyers advise many applicants to allow plenty of lead time before planned travel or marriage.
Costs and fees associated with a UK fiancé visa
The following points outline the main expenses to budget for when submitting a UK fiancé visa application in 2025. These amounts are typical estimates and may vary based on your location and personal circumstances.
- Visa application fee (outside the UK): Approximately £1,938
- Priority or super-priority processing (optional): Around £500–£1,000, depending on the visa centre and availability
- English language test (if required): Usually around £150, varies by test provider
- Tuberculosis (TB) test (if required): Roughly £65–£150, depending on the testing centre
- Document translation or legalisation: Costs vary depending on the number of documents and languages involved
- Biometric appointment / Visa Application Centre (VAC) fees: Standard charges apply and vary by country
- Immigration Solicitor for UK Fiance visa or legal representation (optional): Fees vary depending on the complexity of your situation and the level of support required
- After marriage – switching to a spouse visa: You will need to pay the spouse visa application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the years you are applying to stay
Because of the additional expenses (tests, translations, priority services, solicitor support, etc.), the total cost of the fiancé visa route can be significantly higher than the base application fee alone, so it’s important to plan your budget carefully.
How to prove your relationship is genuine
One of the most challenging parts of a UK fiancé visa application is demonstrating that your relationship is genuine, committed, and ongoing. This is especially important for couples who met online, live in different countries, or haven’t been able to spend long periods together in person. The evidence should show the Home Office that your relationship is authentic, consistent, and intended to lead to marriage within 6 months of arriving in the UK. Immigration experts typically recommend the following evidence to be submitted.
Recommended evidence types
- Photos of you together over time (with dates, locations if possible)
- Travel tickets / boarding passes / hotel bookings showing visits to meet
- Passports with entry/exit stamps
- Chat logs, emails, and video-call records ideally spanning a long time period
- Evidence of engagement or wedding plans: messages with family/friends, plans for registry or civil ceremony, venue bookings, correspondence with registrars
- Letters or statements from friends/family attesting to relationship genuineness (with contact details)
- Proof of intent to marry (engagement ring receipts, wedding invitations, translations if needed)
- Joint financial commitments if applicable (joint bank accounts, shared bills, property)
- For long-distance or online relationships: evidence of ongoing, regular communication and visits
Common mistakes/pitfalls to avoid
- Submitting solely recent evidence, e.g., only photos from the trip when you applied, rather than a documented history.
- Using only screenshots or informal chat logs without metadata, courts/UKVI may treat them as easy to fake.
- Weak accommodation evidence, e.g., informal promises to let you stay, rather than a tenancy agreement or proof of property.
- Poor translations or missing certified translations of documents not in English/Welsh.
- Failing to supply financial proof or not meeting the £29,000 threshold (or failing to supplement with savings properly).
- Underestimating additional costs (translations, tests, priority fee, legal fees).
Including a strong, varied set of evidence and ahead of time makes a big difference.
What happens after your fiancé visa is granted. What’s next?
Receiving the fiancé visa is only the first step. What follows determines your long-term future in the UK.
- Once in the UK, you must marry or register a civil partnership within 6 months.
- After marriage, you need to apply to switch to a spouse/partner visa (sometimes called FLR-M).
- Once switched, you gain broader rights: the ability to work, live permanently, access healthcare, and travel.
- After a qualifying period (usually after accumulating the required continuous residence via extensions), you may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), assuming all requirements are met (income, relationship, residence, etc.).
Key point: While you are in the UK on a fiancé visa, you are not permitted to work, whether employed or self-employed. You also cannot access public funds, including government financial support or most benefits. This means you must rely entirely on your partner’s income and your own savings during the 6 months. It’s important to plan your finances carefully so you can comfortably meet living costs until you marry and apply to switch to a spouse visa, which does allow you to work.
Can I work while on a fiancé visa?
No. The initial fiancé visa does not grant permission to work or claim benefits. Only after marriage and a successful application to switch to a spouse/partner visa will work rights (and other rights) typically be granted. Because of this, many applicants plan financially before applying, especially if their partner will not be working immediately or if savings are involved.
Top-rated UK fiancé visa consultancy firms and how to choose wisely
If you’re new to UK immigration, or your case is complex (long-distance relationship, self-employed sponsor, children, savings-only financial evidence, previous marriages, etc.), hiring an immigration lawyer or consultancy is a wise investment.
Here’s how to pick one smartly and avoid common pitfalls:
- Ask for clear fee structures and costs (application fees, solicitor fees, translation costs, extras), so you know the realistic total cost.
Reputable immigration experts will provide a clear breakdown of all potential costs, including visa application fees, solicitor fees, translation services, and any additional charges. This transparency helps you plan and budget effectively from the start.
Many firms also offer an initial free consultation to help you determine whether the adviser is the right fit for your case. At Mulgrave Law, for example, you can book your consultation by calling 020 7253 7248, emailing info@mulgravelaw.co.uk, or completing a simple online contact form.
- Avoid firms that promise guaranteed approval
Be cautious of any adviser or consultancy that claims they can guarantee your fiancé visa will be approved. No solicitor, lawyer, or immigration firm has the power to secure a visa outcome the final decision always rests with the UK Home Office. Promises of guaranteed success are not only misleading but can also indicate an untrustworthy or unscrupulous provider. Instead, look for advisers who focus on preparing a strong, well-documented application, offering clear guidance on eligibility, evidence, and compliance with Home Office requirements. A reputable firm will explain the risks, provide realistic advice, and help you maximise your chances of approval without making false promises. - Check client reviews and reputation. Good communication, clarity on documentation, and realistic advice are more valuable than flashy promises.
- For complex cases (e.g., savings-only, children, previous marriages), seek an experienced adviser who has handled similar cases.
Choosing the right adviser can make a real difference, especially if your application is borderline or complicated. Immigration lawyers can significantly improve your chances as they have a better understanding of submitting a strong, well-documented fiancé visa application.
How a fiancée visa solicitor can help secure your future together in the UK
Working with a qualified immigration solicitor can significantly increase your chances of success, especially when your case involves complexities (long-distance relationship, savings instead of salary, previous marriages, non-English documents, children, etc.).
Here is how a good solicitor can add value:
- Help you assemble a robust evidence dossier from relationship proof to accommodation, finances, and translations.
- Guide you through financial requirement compliance, ensuring income/savings are correctly documented.
- Review and double-check all documentation (translations, certified copies, consistent evidence).
- Provide legal representation if UKVI requests further evidence, or there’s a complicated history.
- Help with fall-back plans, e.g., what happens if you don’t marry within 6 months, or you need to switch to a different visa route.
- Offer realistic advice on realistic success odds and cost–benefit trade-offs (e.g., do we need priority, do we have enough evidence).
In short, a good solicitor doesn’t “guarantee approval,” but they can make it far less likely you make avoidable mistakes.
Frequently asked questions (additional common queries)
1. Can we apply if we met online or via a dating app?
Yes, meeting online does not disqualify you. However, you need convincing evidence of a genuine relationship: long-term communication logs, online chats, call history, video calls, as well as visits, travel records, photos together, and clear wedding plans.
2. What if we have children from a previous relationship?
You can still apply, but you and your sponsor must show stable accommodation for all of you, and meet financial requirements. The sponsor must prove they can support the entire household without relying on public funds.
3. Can a self-employed sponsor qualify?
Yes, self-employed income can count toward the £29,000 threshold. You must supply appropriate documentation (tax returns, business accounts, bank statements) to prove income is genuine and continuing.
4. What happens if we don’t marry within 6 months of arrival?
If you fail to marry or register a civil partnership before the fiancé visa expires, your leave will end, and you will need to leave the UK. Switching to a spouse visa after 6 months without marriage is generally not permitted.
5. How long is the fiancé visa valid for?
The fiancé visa is valid for 6 months, enough time to enter the UK, marry or register a civil partnership, and submit a new application to switch to a spouse/partner visa.
Conclusion – plan carefully and prepare thoroughly
Applying for a UK fiancé visa requires careful planning, detailed documentation, and an understanding of your responsibilities and obligations.
Key takeaways:
- Ensure your partner meets the £29,000 income requirement (or that you have sufficient savings)
- Be ready to provide a strong evidence portfolio proving your relationship is genuine and subsisting
- Organise suitable UK accommodation and meet English language requirements (if applicable)
- Allow adequate time, standard processing is ~12 weeks. Faster service is available, but not a guarantee
- Budget realistically: the base application fee is just the start, expect additional costs (tests, translations, legal help, priority services)
- After arrival: marry within 6 months, then apply to switch to a spouse visa to access work rights, healthcare, and a path to settlement
If you or your partner has a complicated background (self-employment, previous relationships, children, long-distance connection, etc.), it is worth consulting an immigration solicitor. Their guidance can significantly improve your chances of success and help avoid costly mistakes, giving you the best possible start to your life in the UK together.
Ready to take the next step in your UK fiancé visa journey?
Immigration solicitors at Mulgrave Law can guide you through every stage of the application, ensuring your case is strong and fully compliant with Home Office requirements.
Book a free initial consultation today by calling 020 7253 7248, emailing info@mulgravelaw.co.uk, or completing our simple online contact form.
Continue your reading on UK visas and immigration:
UK Unmarried Partner Visa: 2025 Complete Guide for a Successful Application
UK Spouse Visa 2025: Processing Times, Priority Services, and Avoiding Delays
Free 30-Minute initial Immigration Consultation | Speak to an Expert UK Immigration Lawyer at Mulgrave Law