As of 2025, the standard application fee for a UK Partner Visa is £1,938 for applications submitted from outside the United Kingdom and £1,321 for those submitted from within the country. It is important to note that these figures represent only the basic fee payable to the Home Office. Applicants should be aware that additional costs may arise throughout the application process. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all potential expenses associated with applying for a UK Partner Visa.
Since 2011, the cost of securing a UK Partner Visa has increased substantially. In the early 2010s, the application fee was just £585. Over time, however, successive governments have increasingly approached the immigration system as a source of revenue. Consequently, not only have application fees risen sharply, but applicants are now also responsible for a range of additional charges—most notably, the Immigration Health Surcharge.
So, what is the true cost of a UK Partner Visa in 2025?
The table below shows the full costs for a UK Partner Visa in 2025:
Given these expenses, even the most straightforward UK Partner Visa application will cost a minimum of £5,000 when submitted from outside the UK, and close to £4,000 when submitted from within. Depending on the complexity of the case, the need for additional services, and the desired processing speed, the overall cost can easily exceed £7,000.
The expenses associated with applying for a UK Partner Visa may vary based on your location, individual circumstances, and a range of other factors. In the following section, we provide a detailed breakdown of each potential cost.
This fee is levied by the Home Office for the processing of your application. It must be paid in full at the time of online submission and is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is later refused or withdrawn prior to a decision being made.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), introduced in 2015, is a compulsory fee required from most migrants in order to access National Health Service (NHS) care in the United Kingdom. The surcharge was increased in 2024 and is currently set at £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children and students. It applies to the majority of visa applicants intending to stay in the UK for six months or longer, subject to limited exceptions.
The full IHS payment must be made at the time of submitting the online application. The total amount is calculated based on the length of the visa—typically £3,105 for applications submitted from outside the UK, and £2,587.50 for applications made from within the UK. In the event that an application is refused or withdrawn, the IHS is refundable.
Priority services are offered for most visa categories, including Partner Visa applications. Although optional, they are a widely used option for applicants seeking a quicker decision. Within the UK, applicants may pay an additional £500 for the Priority Service, which provides a decision within five working days, or £1,000 for the Super Priority Service, which offers a decision within one working day. For those applying from outside the UK, a £500 Priority Service is available, typically delivering a decision within 30 working days.
A significant number of applicants opt to engage an immigration consultant or solicitor to assist with the preparation and submission of their application. Given the complexity of the process and the potential financial and emotional consequences of a refusal, professional guidance is often regarded as a worthwhile investment. Nonetheless, it is entirely feasible to complete the application successfully without legal representation, and the use of an advisor is not mandatory. Should you choose to seek professional assistance, it is essential to ensure that the advisor is reputable and regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or the Law Society.
The final stage of the application process involves attending a biometric appointment. At an authorised centre in the UK or overseas, you will be required to provide your biometric information and, if applicable, submit any outstanding supporting documentation. While standard appointments are generally available free of charge to those with flexible scheduling, additional fees may be incurred for appointments booked at short notice, outside of regular operating hours, or on weekends.
The majority of UK Partner Visa applicants are required to satisfy the English language requirement. This can be met by possessing a recognised qualification delivered in English, holding citizenship of a majority English-speaking country, or successfully completing an approved English language test. Applicants who choose to sit a language test are responsible for covering the associated costs. Fees vary depending on the provider and testing location, with IELTS examinations in the UK generally ranging from £155 to £220. Regardless of the test selected, a minimum proficiency of A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
An alternative method to satisfy the English language requirement is by holding a recognised qualification taught in English. If this qualification was obtained outside the UK, you will need to secure either a statement of comparability or a visa and nationality statement, depending on the country of study. These documents are issued by ECCTIS, and the service carries a fee of £168.
If you are applying from overseas and have lived or currently reside in a country with a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB), you must obtain a TB test clearance certificate. The cost of the test varies by location, generally ranging from £20 to £200. It is important to ensure that the testing provider is officially recognised and approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
All documents submitted with your application must be provided in English. If any document, such as a bank statement, is in a foreign language, it must be translated by an approved translator. Translation fees vary based on the volume of documents and your location. It is essential to use a translator who is reputable and recognised by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
When applying for a UK Partner Visa, you are required to demonstrate compliance with the Adequate Accommodation Requirement. If you plan to reside with family or friends, or in a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO), you may need to submit a Housing Report. The cost of obtaining this report generally falls between £80 and £150.
