UK Spouse & Partner Visa Financial Requirement for Swiss Residents: Savings, Investments & Pensions

If you are a resident of Switzerland and planning to join your British or settled spouse or partner in the UK, you must meet the financial requirement under Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules. The current minimum income threshold is £29,000, with no additional financial requirement for dependent children.

The financial requirement can be met through employment, self-employment, savings, investments, or pension income. In this guide, we focus on how Swiss applicants can meet the financial requirement for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa using savings, investments, and pension income.

Using Cash Savings to Meet the UK Spouse or Partner Visa Financial Requirement

If you or your partner have cash savings of at least £16,000, they can be used to meet the financial requirement. Savings can be held in a Swiss or UK bank account or any other recognised financial institution worldwide.

Key requirements:

• Savings must be held for at least six months before applying.

• Funds must be in the control of the applicant, their partner, or held jointly.

• If savings are in Swiss Francs (CHF) or another currency, they will be converted to GBP using OANDA.com at the date of application.

Calculating the Cash Savings Requirement: The formula to calculate the required cash savings is:

£16,000 + (£29,000 x 2.5) = £88,500

This means that if relying solely on cash savings, you will need £88,500 in a bank account for at least six months prior to applying.

Evidence of Cash Savings

To prove you meet the financial requirement through cash savings, you must provide:

• Personal bank statements covering at least six months, showing the required balance.

• A declaration from the account holder(s) confirming the source of funds.

• Evidence that funds are in an instant-access account (current, deposit, or investment accounts that allow immediate withdrawal).

If funds are from a third-party gift, they must be held for six months, and a signed declaration is required confirming control of the funds.

Using Investment Income to Meet the Financial Requirement

Income from stocks, shares, or other investments can be used to meet the £29,000 financial requirement. The investment does not need to have been held for the full 12 months prior to the application but must have generated income within this period.

Key requirements:

• If an investment was sold before applying, a new equivalent investment must be purchased.

• Investments must be held at the time of application.

  
  

Required evidence:

• Certificates of ownership showing investment value.

• Portfolio reports from a regulated financial institution.

• Dividend vouchers or bank statements confirming investment income over the past 12 months.

  
  

Using Pension Income to Meet the Financial Requirement

If you or your partner receive State, occupational, or private pension income, it can be used to meet the Spouse or Partner Visa financial requirement.

Key requirements:

• The pension must have been received at least 28 days before submitting the application.

• Certain pensions, such as War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments, also qualify.

  
  

Required evidence:

• Official pension documents from the relevant authority (e.g., UK Department for Work and Pensions, Swiss pension providers).

• At least one bank statement from the last 12 months showing pension payments.

• If pension income is supplemented by cash withdrawals from the pension pot, evidence must show the pension provider allows such withdrawals.

  
  

Expert Advice for Swiss Applicants Seeking a UK Spouse or Partner Visa

Meeting the UK Partner Visa financial requirement can be complex, especially when relying on foreign currency savings, investments, or pensions. The UK's Immigration Rules contain strict requirements in terms of both the content and format of required supporting documentary evidence. Our specialist UK immigration lawyers can provide tailored advice for Swiss residents.

For expert guidance and application assistance, contact our team on +41 21 588 07 70 or via our enquiry form.