If you’re living in the Middle East—whether in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, or Saudi Arabia—and planning to bring your spouse to live with you in the UK, this article is for you. We’ll walk you through the UK Spouse Visa requirements, eligibility, and step-by-step process so you can reunite with your loved one without stress.
What Is a UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa (also known as the Partner Visa) allows a non-British spouse to live in the UK with their British or settled partner (e.g. a UK citizen or someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain).
It is valid for 2.5 years and can be extended, eventually leading to permanent residency and British citizenship.
Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
To apply, you and your spouse must meet the following:
1. Genuine Relationship
You must prove that your relationship is real and ongoing. You need to:
- Provide a legal marriage certificate
- Share photos, messages, or call logs
- Show proof of cohabitation (if applicable)
2. Sponsor Status
Your spouse in the UK must be:
- A British citizen
- Or have settled status (ILR, EU Settled Scheme, refugee status)
3. Financial Requirement
You must show that you can support yourselves without public funds:
- Minimum income: £18,600 per year
- Additional £3,800 for one child and £2,400 for each additional child
- Income can come from employment, self-employment, or savings
4. English Language Requirement
The applicant (spouse abroad) must:
- Pass a basic English test (A1 level) OR
- Have a degree taught in English OR
- Be from an English-speaking country
5. Accommodation Requirement
You must show that you have suitable housing in the UK for both of you.
Step-by-Step Application Process for UK Spouse Visa (2025)
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- Valid passports
- Marriage certificate (officially translated if not in English)
- Payslips or bank statements (last 6 months)
- Proof of relationship (photos, chat logs, call history, etc.)
- English language certificate
- TB test (required from Middle East applicants)
Step 2: Apply Online
- Apply through the UK government visa portal
- Fill in details carefully and pay the application fee
Step 3: Pay the IHS Fee
The Immigration Health Surcharge gives you access to the NHS while in the UK.
- Cost: Around £1,035 per year (as of 2025)
Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment
Visit a UK Visa Application Centre in your country (e.g. VFS in UAE, Qatar, KSA)
- Submit biometrics
- Submit supporting documents
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Visa decisions can take 2–3 months. Priority processing (faster) is available for a fee.
Spouse Visa Application Fees (as of 2025)
- Application fee (outside UK): Approx. £1,846
- IHS Surcharge (2.5 years): £2,587.50
- Optional Priority Service: Approx. £573
Can I Bring My Children Too?
Yes. You can apply for a visa for each dependent child at the same time. You must meet the financial threshold accordingly.
What Happens After the Visa Is Approved?
- You’ll receive a 30-day visa vignette to enter the UK
- After arriving, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the post office
- Your spouse can work and live in the UK freely
Life in the UK as a Muslim Couple
The UK is very welcoming to Muslim families, with:
- Mosques and prayer facilities in major cities
- Halal restaurants and butchers
- Islamic schools and madrassahs
- Hijab and Islamic dress widely accepted in public spaces
Friday prayers are respected in most workplaces, and many Muslim communities thrive in cities like Birmingham, London, and Leicester.
Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
After living together in the UK for:
- 2.5 years: Extend the visa
- 5 years: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- 6 years total: Apply for British Citizenship
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing financial documents
- Failing the English test
- Incomplete relationship evidence
- Not submitting translated documents
Final Thoughts
Reuniting with your spouse in the UK is possible with the right planning. As a Muslim family from the Middle East, you’ll find plenty of support and a vibrant community to welcome you. Follow this 2025 guide, prepare thoroughly, and take your next step toward a new chapter in the UK.