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From Switzerland to the UK: Partner and Family Visa Financial Guidance
- Rosanna Atkinson
- Jan 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 4
If you are a Swiss citizen, dual national, or resident of Switzerland planning to relocate to the UK with a partner or family member, navigating the financial requirements for a UK Partner or Family Visa is a critical step. Understanding the rules can help ensure a successful application and avoid delays or refusals.
This guide breaks down the requirements into manageable sections and explains how they may apply to your circumstances as someone living in Switzerland.
In This Guide
Overview of Financial Requirements for UK Partner and Family Visas
Employment Categories: Salaried and Non-Salaried Work (Category A & B)
Returning to the UK from Switzerland: Financial Requirements for Overseas Sponsors
Using Cash Savings to Meet Financial Requirements (Category D)
Liquidated Investments and Proceeds from Property Sales
Non-Employment Income (Category C) and Pension Income (Category E)
Financial Requirements for Self-Employment or Business Owners (Categories F & G)
Combining Income Sources and Evidence Rules
Key Timelines and Definitions of Financial Years
Expert Support for Swiss Applicants
1. Overview of Financial Requirements
Under Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules, UK Partner and Family Visas such as the UK Spouse Visa, UK Civil Partner Visa and UK Unmarried Partner Visa, include a financial threshold that must be met to demonstrate that applicants and sponsors can support themselves without recourse to public funds.
For most applications, the financial requirement is:
£29,000 in gross annual income, or
£88,500 in cash savings, if relying solely on savings.
This threshold can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as whether there are dependent children.
2. Employment Income: Categories A & B
Category A: Salaried and Non-Salaried Employment
This category applies if:
You or your partner have been employed by the same Swiss or UK employer for at least 6 months before applying.
Evidence includes 6 months’ payslips and bank statements showing salary deposits.
For Swiss applicants planning to move to the UK, the employment period can include time spent working in Switzerland, provided it meets the threshold of £29,000 gross annual income.
Category B: Variable Income or Less Than 6 Months with Current Employer
If you or your partner have been employed for less than 6 months, or have variable income (e.g., bonuses or commissions), you may apply under this category. You will need:
Proof of employment at the time of the application.
Evidence that your gross income over the past 12 months exceeds the required threshold.
Swiss applicants returning to the UK with a confirmed job offer must meet specific conditions (see below).
3. Returning to the UK from Switzerland
If you are a Swiss national or resident sponsoring a partner or family member to join you in the UK:
You must demonstrate current employment with at least 6 months’ history in Switzerland.
Alternatively, you need a confirmed UK job offer starting within 3 months of arrival.
Both your current and prospective employment income must meet or exceed the £29,000 threshold.
4. Meeting the Financial Requirement Through Cash Savings (Category D)
If you or your partner have substantial savings, you may rely on cash savings above £16,000 held for at least 6 months. Swiss applicants often rely on:
Savings in Swiss bank accounts (provide statements translated into English if needed).
Liquidated investments or proceeds from the sale of Swiss property.
5. Liquidated Investments and Property Sales
If you’ve converted Swiss investments or sold property to meet the financial requirement:
The funds must be held in your name (or jointly with your partner) for 6 months.
Provide evidence of ownership and sale documents, such as Swiss notarial deeds.
6. Non-Employment Income (Category C) and Pension Income (Category E)
Swiss applicants can also rely on income from:
Rental properties in Switzerland (provide lease agreements and proof of rental deposits).
Swiss state pensions or private pensions, provided the income has been received for at least 28 days before applying.
7. Self-Employment or Business Owners (Categories F & G)
If you or your partner are self-employed in Switzerland, you can rely on income from your Swiss business or freelance activities. Evidence includes:
Swiss tax returns, audited accounts, and bank statements for the last financial year (Category F).
An average of income from the last two financial years (Category G).
Swiss companies’ financial years may differ from UK tax years, so align your documentation accordingly.
8. Combining Income Sources and Evidence Rules
You can combine multiple income sources to meet the financial requirement. For example:
Category A employment income in Switzerland with Category F self-employment income.
Swiss rental income with UK job offers.
Ensure all evidence spans the same financial year and is presented in English or accompanied by certified translations.
9. Key Timelines and Definitions of Financial Years
Swiss and UK financial systems have different definitions of a financial year:
UK self-assessment tax year runs 6 April – 5 April.
Swiss tax filings often align with the calendar year.
Plan your evidence carefully to ensure it aligns with UK requirements.
10. Expert Support for Swiss Applicants
Understanding and navigating these financial requirements can be complex, particularly when combining Swiss and UK income sources or transitioning between the two countries. Our experienced UK immigration lawyers in Switzerland can:
Assess your unique situation as a Swiss national or resident.
Help gather and present compliant financial evidence.
Advise on timing, translations, and supporting documentation.
Contact us today on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete an enquiry form to discuss your UK Partner or Family Visa application and receive tailored advice for Swiss applicants.
