United Kingdom

UK Spouse Visa Cost 2025: Complete Breakdown of All Fees

Planning to bring your partner to the UK? Before you start the application, you need a clear picture of the total cost — because it is substantially more than just the headline visa fee. This guide breaks down every fee involved in a UK spouse or partner visa application, including the often-overlooked Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) that can cost thousands of pounds on its own.

What Does a UK Spouse Visa Cost in 2025?

The total cost of a UK spouse visa depends on four main factors: where you are applying from (inside or outside the UK), how many people are applying, the length of the visa, and whether you want faster processing. For a single applicant applying from outside the UK on a 2.5-year visa with standard processing, expect to pay around £4,545 in fees alone — before translation, English tests, and travel costs.

The Visa Application Fee

The primary visa fee is set by the UK Home Office and updated periodically:

Application Route	Fee (2025)
Outside UK (entry clearance)	£1,938 per person
Inside UK (leave to remain / switching)	£1,321 per person

This fee applies to each person on the application — the main applicant and each dependent child each pay separately. The fee is non-refundable if your application is refused.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — What Is It and How Much?

The IHS is a mandatory charge that gives visa holders access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK. It must be paid in full upfront when you submit your application and cannot be paid in installments.

Applicant Type	Rate Per Year	2.5-Year Total	5-Year Total
Adult	£1,035/yr	£2,587.50	£5,175
Child (under 18)	£776/yr	£1,940	£3,880

Good news: the IHS is fully refunded if your visa application is refused or withdrawn. It is not refunded if your visa is granted and you then leave the UK early.

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Fee

When applying from outside the UK, there is a small fee of approximately £19.20 per person for the Biometric Residence Permit — the physical card you receive as your proof of visa. This is separate from the main application fee and the IHS.

If you are already in the UK and switching your visa status, the BRP cost is typically included in the leave to remain fee.

Priority and Super Priority Processing

Standard UK visa processing can take up to 24 weeks. If you need a faster decision, two optional services are available:

Service	Target Timeline	Fee (per application)
Standard	Up to 24 weeks	Free
Priority service	~5 working days	£500
Super priority	Next working day	£800

Priority and super priority services are not always available at all visa application centres and are not available for all visa types. They are optional and do not affect the outcome of your application — only the speed of the decision.

Total Cost Examples

Scenario	Visa Fee	IHS	Biometrics	Total
Single adult, outside UK, 2.5yr, standard	£1,938	£2,587.50	£19.20	£4,544.70
Single adult, outside UK, 5yr, standard	£1,938	£5,175	£19.20	£7,132.20
Couple (2 adults), outside UK, 2.5yr, standard	£3,876	£5,175	£38.40	£9,089.40
Single adult, outside UK, 2.5yr, priority	£1,938	£2,587.50	£19.20	£5,044.70

Hidden Costs to Budget For

The government fees are just part of the picture. Budget for these additional costs:

• English language test: £150–200 (IELTS Life Skills A1/B1 — required for most applicants)
• Document translation: £50–150 per document if not in English
• Relationship evidence: Printing costs, certified copies
• Visa application centre fee: Variable by country (typically £50–100 for appointment)
• Immigration solicitor/adviser: £1,000–3,000+ if using professional help
• Financial requirement evidence: Payslips, bank statements, employer letters

How to Pay and What Happens If You Are Refused

All fees are paid online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) application portal. Payment is typically by debit or credit card. The IHS is paid separately through a dedicated IHS payment portal before completing the main application.

If your application is refused: the IHS is automatically refunded to the card used. The visa application fee is not refunded. You have the right to an administrative review or appeal in certain circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions