How Much Is a UK Spouse Visa in 2025? Full Breakdown of Costs After the April Fee Changes:
If you’re planning to join, or remain with, your British partner in the UK, understanding the cost of a UK spouse visa is crucial. Whether you’re applying from outside or inside the UK, the process comes with significant financial commitments.
On 9 April 2025, the UK Home Office introduced new visa fees, affecting both entry clearance and in-country applications. Below, we break down the current costs, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), optional priority services, and the visa duration.
Fiancé Visa Fees (Applications from Outside the UK)
The UK Fiancé Visa allows eligible foreign nationals over 18 to come to the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK, such as a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status. This visa allows you to enter the UK for six months to get married or enter a civil partnership.
- Application Fee: £1,938
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Not required for the Fiancé Visa
- Priority Service (optional): £500
- A decision is typically made within 6 weeks from the biometrics appointment if you pay for priority service and 12 weeks if you don’t and sometimes sooner.
Important: These timeframes can change, so always check the current processing times or contact us for the latest information.
Visa Duration: If successful, your visa will be granted for 6 months. You must marry within this period and then apply for a Spouse Visa from within the UK.
Currency Conversion Tip:
Fees must usually be paid in your local currency. Due to exchange rate fluctuations and foreign transaction fees, we recommend budgeting an extra 5% to cover variations in cost.
Spouse Visa Fees (Applications from Outside the UK)
If you’re married and applying for a spouse visa from abroad (commonly referred to as “entry clearance”), here are the updated costs as of 9 April 2025:
- Application Fee: £1,938
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £3,105
- Priority Service (optional): £500
- A decision is typically made within 6 weeks from the biometrics appointment if you pay for priority service and 12 weeks if you don’t and sometimes sooner
Important: These timeframes can change, so always check the current processing times or contact us for the latest information.
Visa Duration: If successful, your visa will be granted for 33 months.
Currency Conversion Tip:
Fees must usually be paid in your local currency. Due to exchange rate fluctuations and foreign transaction fees, we recommend budgeting an extra 5% to cover variations in cost.
Spouse Visa Fees (Applications from Inside the UK)
If you’re already in the UK and applying to switch to or extend your spouse visa, the fees differ slightly:
- Application Fee: £1,321
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £2,587.50
- Super Priority Service (optional): Additional £1,000
- This service aims to provide a decision by the end of the next working day after your biometric appointment.
- If you don’t pay for priority service, you should normally receive a decision within 8 weeks.
Note: This service is not always available. Please call us to check whether it is currently being offered before applying.
Visa Duration: In-country applications are granted for 30 months (2.5 years).
Quick Comparison: In-Country vs. Out-of-Country Spouse Visa Fees
| Fee Type | From Outside UK | From Inside UK |
| Application Fee | £1,938 | £1,321 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £3,105 | £2,587.50 |
| Priority/Super Priority (Optional) | £500 | £1,000 |
| Visa Duration | 33 months | 30 months |
Other Costs to Consider
- English Language Test (A1 or A2 level) – £150–£200
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test (required in certain countries) – £65–£150
- Document translation/certification/legalisation
- Legal fees
Budgeting for a Spouse Visa Application
You should expect to pay around:
- £5,300–£5,800 for an out-of-country application (including priority and currency buffer)
- £3,900–£4,900 for an in-country application (with or without super priority)
Need Help or Have Questions?
Processing times and optional services can vary, and government policies do change, so it’s essential to check the latest before applying.
Feel free to contact us if you need assistance with your spouse visa application or want to confirm the availability of priority services. We’re happy to support you every step of the way.
Contact Us
Not quite ready to book an appointment yet or unsure if it’s the right step for you? No worries! We understand that making decisions regarding legal matters can be daunting.
Reach out to our Client Care Manager, Rikki, who will be more than happy to assist you and guide you in the right direction.
Your peace of mind matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact Rikki today for personalised guidance and assistance.
