How to Use Self-Employment Income in UK Spouse Visa Applications

Self-Employment Income and UK Spouse Visa Applications

The Home Office requires British or settled partners applying for a UK Spouse Visa to meet strict financial requirements, especially when the sponsor is self-employed. Unlike salaried employment in which sponsors show payslips and bank statements, proving income from self-employment requires more detailed evidence and careful timing.

In this article, we will walk you through how to use self-employment income to meet the spouse visa financial threshold, including eligibility rules, required documents, and common mistakes to avoid.

Understanding the UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement

In April 2024, the Home Office raised the minimum income requirement for a UK Spouse Visa to £29,000 per year for sponsors. This means than British or settled partners must earn at least £29,000 per year to bring their foreign partners to the UK on a spouse visa.

🔗 Check the latest UK Spouse Visa financial requirements

The sponsor can rely on income from self-employment to meet the requirement. However, demonstrating income is more complex than for those in salaried roles.

Who Is Considered Self-Employed?

According to the Immigration Rules, the sponsor is considered self-employed if you:

• Are a sole trader
• Are in a partnership
• Are in a limited company structure and are both a director and shareholder

To be eligible, your self-employment must be ongoing and generating income at the time of the application oer within the relevant financial year.

Financial Requirement for Self-Employed Sponsors

Self-employed sponsors must show that they earned at least £29,000 net profit (before tax) during the most recent full financial year. The self-employed sponsor may also use the  average income over the last two financial years  depending on the timing and route used.

Note: If you’re unable to meet the requirement through self-employment alone, you may combine self-employment income with cash savings or certain other income types.

Relevant Periods and Categories for Self-Employment

There are two categories under which self-employed applicants can apply:

Category F – Based on the Last Full Financial Year

• Use income from the most recent full financial year (April 6 to April 5)
• Financial documents must relate to this complete 12-month period
• Application must be submitted after the financial year ends

Category G – Based on the Average of the Last Two Financial Years

• If income in the last financial year is insufficient, you can average income over the two most recent financial years
• Suitable for fluctuating earnings

Required Documents for Self-Employed Sponsors

The Home Office requires detailed evidence to verify income. Here’s a summary of the documents typically required for sole traders or partners:

For Sole Traders or Partnerships:

• Personal bank statements (covering the 12-month period)
• Business bank statements
• HMRC tax calculation (SA302) for the relevant year(s)
• HMRC tax year overview
• Audited or unaudited annual accounts
• Evidence of registration with HMRC as self-employed
• Invoices and receipts (if applicable)

🔗 UK Government: Self-employment financial evidence – Appendix FM-SE

For Company Directors:

• CT600 (corporation tax return)
• Company accounts
• Business bank statements
• Personal bank statements
• Payslips and dividend vouchers
• Confirmation of shareholding
• Company registration documents

Key Rules for Using Self-Employment Income

• Timing is Crucial – You can only submit your application after the relevant financial year ends (April 5). Applying before that date may lead to refusal due to incomplete financial records.
• Consistency Between Documents – All figures must match across tax calculations, bank statements, and business accounts. This means that your stated income must be reflect in your business accounts and bank statements. Also, any income tax calculations must align with the income declared. Discrepancies in amounts often result in delays or refusals.
• Cash-Based Businesses Require Additional Proof – If your income is primarily cash-based (e.g., trades, food delivery, taxi driving), the Home Office may scrutinise your application more closely. It’s essential to maintain detailed and credible records.

Combining Self-Employment with Other Income

You can combine self-employment income with:

• Non-salaried income from employment
• Dividends (if applicable)
• Rental income (if declared to HMRC)
• UK pension income
• Cash savings over £16,000 (using the appropriate multiplier)

This is helpful if your self-employment income falls slightly short of the £29,000 threshold.

Learn more about combining income and savings in our blog post: 🔗 Using Savings to Meet the UK Spouse Visa Financial Threshold

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting the application before the end of the financial year

• Failing to provide tax year overviews and SA302s
• Inconsistent figures between HMRC and bank statements
• Using outdated or incorrect documentation
• Not registering as self-employed with HMRC

Even small mistakes can lead to visa refusal.

What if You’ve Recently Become Self-Employed?

If you haven’t completed a full financial year as a self-employed person, you cannot use self-employment income under Category F. However, you may:

• Wait until the financial year is completed
• Use other sources of income or savings in the meantime
• Include a job offer letter for future employment in the UK (in limited cases)

In conclusion

Applying for a UK Spouse Visa using self-employment income is absolutely possible—provided you understand the rules and prepare carefully. The documentation is more detailed, and timing is critical, but with the right support, you can meet the financial requirement confidently.