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:
- Freelancers or contractors with fluctuating income
- Business owners and self-employed individuals
- Parents who don’t work
- Retirees or those between jobs
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:
- Held in your name, your partner’s, or both
- Instantly accessible (even if there’s a withdrawal penalty)
- Stored in a recognised, regulated financial institution
- Supported by bank statements and an explanation of where the money came from
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:
- The first £16,000 of savings is excluded
- Every £2.50 above that amount reduces your income requirement by £1
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:
- UK current or savings accounts with monthly statements
- Deposit accounts in regulated banks
- Investment accounts (such as ISAs) – if the cash value is clear and withdrawable
- Pension accounts – as long as funds can be accessed immediately
The key conditions are:
- The account is regulated in the country it’s held
- Regular bank statements are provided
- Funds have been held continuously for at least six months
- Savings are in cash or a clearly identifiable cash value
- The money is under your or your partner’s control
- The origin of the funds is legal and documented
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:
- Have inconsistent or unpredictable income
- Are newly self-employed without full tax records
- Are earning abroad without UK-based income
- Are currently between jobs but have a savings pot
- Have recently received an inheritance or sold a property
What Documents Will You Need?
To apply using savings, you’ll need:
- Bank statements showing the full £88,500 has been held for six months
- A letter from the financial institution confirming the funds
- Evidence of how the funds were acquired (e.g. sale documents, inheritance letters)
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.