UK spouse visa savings route: how much do you need?

The savings-only route

If you cannot meet the £29,000 Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) through employment income alone, cash savings can meet the requirement — either fully or in combination with income.

The savings-only figure is not arbitrary. It is calculated from the MIR using a formula published on gov.uk/uk-family-visa/proof-income. At the current MIR of £29,000, the savings-only threshold is approximately £88,500.

Always confirm the current MIR and savings formula on gov.uk before relying on any figure.

The 6-month holding rule

Cash savings must be held for at least 6 months before the date of application. This means:

• The money must be in a cash account (current or savings)
• The balance must not drop below the required threshold during those 6 months
• Bank statements must cover the full 6-month period

A large deposit made 2 months before applying does not qualify — even if the total balance is sufficient.

Combining savings with income

You do not need the full £88,500 if you also have some income. The combination formula works roughly like this:

1. Calculate your annual income shortfall (MIR minus your income)
2. Multiply the shortfall by a factor set out on gov.uk
3. Add a base amount (£16,000 per current rules)
4. The result is the savings you need in addition to your income

For example, if your sponsor earns £20,000 per year, you need less in savings than if they earn nothing.

VisaEvo's financial calculator applies this formula automatically.

What counts as cash savings?

Accepted:

• Money in current or savings accounts
• Joint accounts (subject to rules on access)
• Proceeds from a property sale (if deposited and held for 6 months)

Not accepted:

• Property equity (the value of a house you own)
• Investments that cannot be readily converted to cash
• Money in someone else's account that you cannot access
• Loans or borrowed money

Evidence you need

• Bank statements covering the full 6-month period
• Statements must be from an accepted financial institution
• If using a joint account, evidence of both parties' access
• If savings came from a property sale, evidence of the sale and deposit

Common refusal reasons on savings

• Savings held for less than 6 months
• Balance dipping below the threshold during the period
• Using property valuation instead of cash in an account
• Bank statements that do not cover the full period
• Currency conversion errors

Read our full financial requirement guide for the complete evidence checklist across all income routes.