Applying for a UK spouse visa can be challenging, especially if you are self-employed. Understanding how to meet the financial requirements under Appendix FM is crucial to ensuring a successful application. This guide explains the specific financial requirements for self-employed individuals, acceptable income sources, and the supporting documents needed to meet the Home Office standards.
Can I apply for a UK spouse visa if me or my partner is self-employed?
Yes. if you or your UK-based partner is self-employed, you can still apply. The Home Office recognises self-employment as a valid income source when applying for a spouse visa. However, self-employed applicants must provide more detailed financial evidence compared to salaried applicants to meet the financial requirement.
Self-employment includes working as a sole trader, being in a business partnership, owning a franchise, or being a director of a limited company. Regardless of the type of self-employment, the income must meet or exceed the Home Office’s minimum income threshold and be proven through specified documentation.
The application process requires showing consistent and ongoing income supported by comprehensive financial documents such as tax returns, business accounts, and bank statements.
Base requirements for Self-employed applicant
- Meeting the minimum income threshold (£29,000 per year)
- Choosing the correct income category (Category F or G)
- Providing evidence of ongoing self-employment
- Submitting complete and accurate financial documentation
Current Minimum Income Threshold for 2025
- Without children: £29,000 per year
- With one child: £32,800 per year
- Each additional child: Additional £2,400 per child
Note: If your initial spouse visa was granted before April 2024, you may still be eligible to meet the lower threshold of £18,600.
How to meet Spouse Visa requirements if you or your partner is self-employed
Self-employed applicants fall under Category F or Category G within Appendix FM-SE:
Category G: This applies if you have been self-employed for less than 12 months. In this case, applicants can rely on an average income calculated over the last two full financial years, if applicable. This method benefits individuals with fluctuating earnings or newly established businesses.
Category F: This applies if you have been self-employed for more than 12 months. The Home Office will assess your income based on the gross taxable profit declared in your latest SA302 Self-Assessment Tax Return. This figure excludes any business expenses or deductions. Applicants are required to submit thorough documentation for the complete financial year.
Accepted Income Sources for Self-Employed Applicants
The Home Office recognises various forms of self-employed income, including:
- Sole trader income
- Partnership profits
- Director’s salary and dividends from a limited company (if structured as a specified limited company)
- Rental income
- Income from investments (if declared in tax returns)
How to Prove Ongoing Self-Employment to Home Office
Applicants must provide evidence that their business is actively trading at the time of the application. Suitable documents include:
- Recent invoices or client contracts
- Updated business insurance
- Proof of marketing activity (e.g., website updates, advertising materials)
- Business correspondence confirming active operations
Required Documents for Self-Employed Applicants
Meeting the financial requirement as a self-employed person involves providing extensive evidence to verify your income. Below are the mandatory documents depending on your business structure.
For Sole Traders and Partnerships (Category F & G)
Self-employed sole traders and business partners must demonstrate that their income is stable and consistent. It’s essential to maintain clear financial records and submit complete documentation to meet the Home Office’s financial requirements.
- Self-Assessment Tax Return (SA302):
- Issued by HMRC, covering the most recent full financial year.
- Tax Year Overview:
- Also from HMRC, confirming the submitted income and tax paid.
- Business Accounts:
- Fully audited or certified if required by law.
- Bank Statements:
- Business and personal bank statements covering the relevant financial year.
- Invoices and Receipts:
- Documentation of business transactions, if applicable.
- Proof of Ongoing Business:
- Business registration certificates, lease agreements, or contracts with clients.
- VAT Registration Certificate:
- If applicable, provide proof of VAT registration and VAT returns if turnover exceeds the threshold.
- Proof of Business Premises:
- Lease agreements or proof of ownership of business premises.
- Planning Permission or Local Authority Consent:
- If required, evidence of proper permissions to operate your business at the trading address.
Apply as a Director of a Limited Company (Categories F & G)
- Company Tax Return (CT600):
- Most recent company tax return filed with HMRC.
- Annual Accounts:
- Fully audited or certified company accounts.
- Company Bank Statements:
- Covering the relevant financial year.
- Payslips and Dividend Vouchers:
- For the income being relied upon.
- Current Appointment Report:
- From Companies House, confirming your role in the company.
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
Additional documents may be required depending on your specific business structure, the nature of your income, or if your business operates under certain legal or regulatory frameworks. For example, if your business operates in a regulated industry, you may need to provide licences or permits. Similarly, businesses operating from a physical location might need to submit planning permission or local authority consent. Providing these additional documents can help strengthen your application and offer comprehensive evidence of your financial stability.
- tenancy agreements (for rental income)
- Share certificates (for dividends)
- Business contracts (to show ongoing income)
- Signed franchise agreements (if operating under a franchise model)
- Proof of business insurance (to confirm ongoing business operations)
- Licences or permits (if your business requires special permissions to operate)
- Evidence of client retention (such as recurring contracts or service agreements)
Can I Combine Income Sources between me and my partner
Yes, Self-employed applicants can combine income from various sources to meet the financial threshold. However, specific combinations are allowed:
- Self-employment income (Category F/G) can be combined with:
- Cash savings (Category D)
- Dividends or director’s salary (if structured correctly)
- Cannot be combined with:
- Income from non-permitted sources (e.g., informal earnings)
Example
Alex runs a graphic design business as a sole trader, earning £25,000. He also has £12,000 in savings. By combining his self-employment income and savings, he meets the £29,000 income threshold.
Dealing with Variable Income
Self-employed income can fluctuate. The Home Office assesses the total gross income over the latest financial year. Therefore, maintaining clear and accurate financial records is essential.Submitting Provisional Tax Figures
If your tax return includes provisional figures, you must explain why and provide a cover letter clarifying how these figures were calculated. Include draft or unaudited accounts to support the figures submitted.
Tips for Managing Variable Income
- Keep detailed records of all business income and expenses.
- Maintain a consistent flow of client contracts or repeat work.
- Build a financial buffer with savings.
Self-employed income can fluctuate. The Home Office assesses the total gross income over the latest financial year. Therefore, maintaining clear and accurate financial records is essential.
Common Mistakes You Need to Avoid When Applying For a UK Spouse Visa as a Self-Employed Applicant
- Missing Deadlines: Ensure all tax returns and supporting documents are up-to-date and submitted on time.
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing financial documents can lead to refusals.
- Unverified Income: Only income declared to HMRC will be accepted.
What Should I do if My Spouse Visa Application is Refused?
Visa refusals can be disheartening, but they are not the end of the road. In fact, statistics show that nearly 30% of spouse visa applications are refused due to missing documents or insufficient evidence. Understanding your options can greatly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
If your application is refused, you may:
- Submit a new application after correcting the errors and providing the required documents.
- Appeal the decision if you believe the refusal was incorrect or unfair. In this scenario you can challenge the Home Office’s decision.
- Switch to another visa category if applicable, depending on your circumstances.
It is essential to thoroughly examine the rejection letter, which details the particular reasons for the denial. Addressing these issues thoroughly in your next application or appeal can significantly increase your success rate.
How Rove Legal Can Help
Navigating the financial requirements for a spouse visa as a self-employed applicant can be complex. Our experienced immigration lawyers can:
- Review your financial documents to ensure compliance.
- Advise on combining income sources.
- Guide you through the correct application process.
Get in touch with our immigration lawyers today.
