Spouse Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a Spouse visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a Spouse visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
£7,687 – £11,222
Mandatory UKVI fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Spouse Visa
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Spouse Visa application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (applying outside the UK) | £2,064 | — | Official ↗ |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £2,588 | £1,035/yr × 2.5 years for the initial family visa. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£1,500 – £4,000 in Average (UK). Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service: £500
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Spouse
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Establish relationship status (married, civil partner, or 2 years cohabiting) and that the UK partner is British, settled, or holds qualifying status.
- 2
Gather evidence
Compile relationship, financial (£29,000 minimum income threshold), and English language (A1 initially) evidence.
- 3
Apply online and verify identity
Pay fees, then verify identity via the app or a UKVCAS biometrics appointment.
- 4
Submit documents and await decision
Extend after 2 years 9 months, then apply for settlement after 5 years.
Typical processing time: Standard is 12 weeks for applications made outside the UK, or 8 weeks in-country; priority services can cut this to roughly 5–30 working days for a fee.
Documents you'll need
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate or 2-year cohabitation evidence
- Financial evidence: 6 months' payslips + bank statements, or self-employment tax returns
- English language test certificate (or exemption)
- Valid passport/travel document
- Proof of accommodation adequate for household size
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to meet the financial requirement precisely (missing payslips, wrong self-employed income calculation)
- Weak or thin relationship evidence (no communication logs, insufficient cohabitation proof)
- Accommodation or English language evidence gaps
- Document/translation errors or evidence older than the specified evidential window
Sources: gov.uk — Partner/spouse visa
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £4,652 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £6,152 – £8,652 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £7,687 – £11,222 |
How to save money on your Spouse Visa
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £1,500–£4,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Spouse Visa cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Spouse visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Spouse visa in 2026 ranges from about £6,152 to £11,222, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Spouse Visa application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Spouse visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Spouse visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Spouse visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Spouse visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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