Can I Apply for a UK Spouse Visa If I’m Self-Employed?

Can I Apply for a UK Spouse Visa If I’m Self-Employed?

Introduction

If you’re self-employed and looking to sponsor your spouse or partner for a UK spouse visa, you might be wondering if your self-employment will affect your eligibility. The financial requirements for a UK spouse visa are strict, and one of the primary hurdles for applicants is proving they can financially support their partner.

Can you meet these requirements as a self-employed individual? The short answer is yes, but there are certain steps and documentation you’ll need to provide. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about applying for a UK spouse visa if you're self-employed, including how to prove your income and meet the financial threshold.

Financial Requirements for a UK Spouse Visa

Before diving into how being self-employed affects your application, let's quickly go over the financial requirement for a spouse visa.

To sponsor your spouse or partner for a UK visa, you need to demonstrate that you meet the following minimum income threshold:

• £18,600 per year (gross income) if you are sponsoring a spouse or partner.

If you have dependent children, the threshold increases:

• £22,400 for one child

• An additional £2,400 for each further child

This income can come from:

• Employment or self-employment

• Savings (such as bank balances or investments)

• Property income

Now, let’s focus on the self-employment aspect of sponsoring a spouse visa.

How to Meet the Financial Requirement as a Self-Employed Individual

1. Proving Your Self-Employed Income

As a self-employed sponsor, you will need to prove that you meet the £18,600 income threshold through your self-employed earnings. To do this, you must provide the following documents as evidence:

A. Your Most Recent Tax Returns (Self-Assessment)

The Home Office will require a copy of your Self-Assessment tax return for the most recent financial year. This will show your total income, profits, and the tax you paid.

• HMRC Tax Return (SA100 form): This is the key document that proves your income.

• Self-Assessment Statement of Account: This document shows what you owe in taxes.

If you’re self-employed, you need to ensure your tax returns are filed correctly and that your income is accurately reported.

B. Your Business Accounts or Profit and Loss Statement

You will need to provide:

• Annual accounts: These are the records of your business's income and outgoings, showing profits and how much you earn.

• Profit and Loss statement: This should ideally cover the last 12 months and show your gross income.

2. Additional Evidence for Self-Employed Individuals

In addition to your tax returns and business accounts, you may need to provide other documents to strengthen your application:

• Bank statements showing the business income and personal income deposits.

• Invoices, contracts, and proof of payment from clients, to demonstrate a steady flow of income.

• Proof of business registration (e.g., your business’s registration with Companies House or any other regulatory body).

3. How Long Have You Been Self-Employed?

The Home Office requires that you provide evidence of income from at least 12 months if you are self-employed. If your business has been running for less than a year, you may need to provide alternative documents (like a forecasted income statement or plans to prove future income) to show that you will meet the financial requirement.

🔗 UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements – GOV.UK

What If My Self-Employment Income Isn’t Enough?

If your self-employed income doesn’t meet the £18,600 minimum requirement, you have a few options:

• Combine income from other sources: You can combine income from other sources, such as savings or a second job, to meet the requirement. If you have significant savings, you may use this instead of employment income.

• Use savings: If you have £62,500 in savings, this can be used to meet the income requirement instead of relying on your earnings.

• Alternative evidence of financial stability: You could provide other evidence that demonstrates you can financially support your partner, such as rental income, pension payments, or other business assets.

Can My Partner’s Income Help Meet the Financial Requirement?

If your self-employment income doesn’t meet the financial threshold, your partner’s income can help. If your partner is employed or has significant savings, their earnings can be added to the application to meet the £18,600 threshold.

You will need to provide:

• Evidence of your partner’s income, such as payslips, bank statements, and employment contracts.

• If your partner is self-employed, they must also provide their tax returns and business accounts.

By combining both incomes, you can easily meet the financial requirements as long as you provide comprehensive documentation.

Do I Need an Accountant for My Spouse Visa Application?

While it's not mandatory, it can be extremely beneficial to hire a qualified accountant if you're self-employed. An accountant can help ensure:

• Your financial documents are correct and meet Home Office requirements.

• Your tax returns are filed accurately and on time.

• You’ve met the necessary criteria for the spouse visa financial requirement.

Working with an accountant can help avoid delays in your application and ensure your documents are presented clearly to the Home Office.

Conclusion

Applying for a UK spouse visa when you are self-employed is absolutely possible. By providing the right documents and proving that you meet the financial requirements, you can successfully sponsor your spouse or partner. The key is to keep your records up-to-date and ensure that your income is clearly demonstrated through tax returns, business accounts, and other supporting documents.

If you’re unsure whether your self-employed income meets the requirements or need help gathering the right documents, it’s always advisable to seek professional legal assistance.

Need Help with Your UK Spouse Visa Application?

Our expert immigration team can help guide you through the entire process:

✅ Help you meet the financial requirements
✅ Ensure your self-employment income is properly documented
✅ Assist with submitting a complete and accurate application

👉 Book a Consultation Now or Quick call with Immigration Expert