How to work in the UK as a Spouse Visa holder
If you have joined your partner in this country, you may be wondering how to work in the UK as a Spouse Visa holder.
The UK Spouse Visa enables individuals from outside the EEA (European Economic Area) to move in the UK to live with their spouse. If your application is successful, you will be able to remain in this country for up to 33 months and, if you wish to stay further, apply for a Spouse Visa renewal. After a total of 60 months spent in the UK, you may be eligible to seek Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British Citizenship.
During the five years prior to settlement, you can work in the UK on a Spouse Visa without restrictions.
Reach out to our team through our website or call us on 0333 305 9375 for immediate help and assistance with your situation. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone, or online.
Can I claim benefits while living and working in the UK?
Until you settle in the UK, you will be unable to access public funds. However, you are still entitled to apply for some benefits which are not classified as “public funds” since they are based on your National Insurance (NI). This includes:
- Incapacity benefit
- Maternity allowance and statutory maternity pay
- Retirement pension
- Contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance
Page Contents
- Can I claim benefits while living and working in the UK?
- Are there any work restrictions for Marriage Visa holders?
- Can a Spouse Visa holder be self-employed?
- What are the Spouse Visa financial requirements?
- I have a job in the UK. Can my earnings contribute to the Minimum Income Requirement?
- How Can Total Law Help?
Are there any work restrictions for Marriage Visa holders?
If you are in the UK on a Spouse Visa, you can work full-time and without restrictions. Most importantly, there are no limitations on the type of employment you can undertake or the sectors in which you can work.
Can a Spouse Visa holder be self-employed?
Based on the current regulations, there are no specific restrictions on being self-employed if you are in the UK on a Spouse Visa.
In addition, you can use your income from self-employment towards satisfying the minimum income requirement.
What are the Spouse Visa financial requirements?
To be eligible for a Spouse Visa, you must meet specific requirements. This includes demonstrating that you and your partner have enough money to support yourselves without claiming public funds.
Your spouse, who is also your sponsor, needs an income of at least £18,600 before tax. However, if you have one dependent child, you will need an income of £22,400 before tax, plus an additional £2,400 for each subsequent child.
I have a job in the UK. Can my earnings contribute to the Minimum Income Requirement?
If you are already in the UK on different immigration status, and you wish to apply for a Spouse Visa, your earning can be used towards the minimum income requirement.
You must be able to demonstrate the source of your income, which needs to be from any form of employment, but only if undertaken in the UK.
How Can Total Law Help?
Visit our website or call us on 0333 305 9375 for immediate help and assistance with your situation. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone, or online.

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