August 4, 2025

Many couples abandon their plans for a UK spouse visa too soon, assuming that only a fixed salary can satisfy the financial requirement. But there’s another path you may not have considered – cash savings. The Misunderstanding To bring your spouse or partner to the UK, you need to prove you meet the Home Office’s financial requirement. If relying solely on income, this threshold is currently £29,000. Understandably, this can be a challenge for: But the assumption that income is your only option is incorrect. The Cash Savings Route If you or your partner have £88,500 or more in savings, you can meet the requirement without showing any income at all. The key rule is that the funds must have been in your account (or your partner’s, or held jointly) for at least six consecutive months before submitting your application. The savings must be: While often overlooked, this route can be the simplest and most secure path for many applicants. Combining Income and Savings Don’t have the full £88,500? You can still use your savings to reduce the income you need to show. Here’s how it works: So even a modest amount of savings can ease the pressure. The more you’ve saved, the lower the required income becomes. What Kinds of Accounts Qualify? Not all accounts are suitable for the savings route. Your funds must be held in a way that meets specific Home Office standards. Acceptable account types include: The key conditions are: If the funds aren’t accessible, legally sourced, or properly evidenced, your application may be refused. Is This the Right Option for You? The cash savings route is ideal for people who: What Documents Will You Need? To apply using savings, you’ll need: All this forms part of your visa application to prove you meet the requirement through savings. There will be additional personal documents required, and the full checklist is part of the service we offer, as well as assessing whether they will be sufficient for the application. Don’t Count Yourself Out Too Early Many couples give up before understanding all their options. The financial rules can be complex, but if you or your partner have access to savings, you may already be eligible to apply. First Move Immigration has helped many clients successfully use the savings route when income alone wasn’t enough. If you’re unsure where you stand, we’re here to help you explore every possibility. We also help with extensions and Indefinite Leave to Remain applications if you and your partner are already in the UK. Don’t let the numbers stop you – cash savings might be the gateway to your life together in the UK. If you would need advice, or are looking for a reliable company to assist you with your application, please contact us on info@firstmove.co.za or give us a call on +27 (0) 21 140 8763.