Fiancé Visa vs. Spouse Visa: Choosing the Right Path in 2025

When planning a future together in the UK, couples often face an important decision: whether to apply for a Fiancé Visa or a Spouse Visa. Both routes allow partners of British citizens or settled persons to enter or remain in the UK, but they serve different purposes and come with distinct requirements. Understanding these differences is crucial for making the right choice in 2025, ensuring a smoother journey towards your shared future.  

What is a Fiancé Visa? 

A Fiancé Visa is designed for engaged couples who intend to marry in the UK. It allows the overseas partner to enter the UK for up to 6 months specifically to get married or enter a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. 

Key features: 

• Must marry within 6 months of arrival. 

• Does not allow employment during the initial 6-month period. 

• After marriage, applicants can switch to a Spouse Visa from within the UK. 

This route is ideal for couples who want to celebrate their wedding in the UK and then settle here.  

What is a Spouse Visa? 

A Spouse Visa is for couples who are already married or in a recognised civil partnership. Unlike the Fiancé Visa, it grants a much longer stay—an initial 30 months (2.5 years)—with the ability to work and study immediately. 

Key features: 

• Must provide evidence of a genuine and subsisting marriage/civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. 

• Grants the right to work and access study opportunities. 

• Forms the basis of a pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years, provided the requirements continue to be met. 

This route is best for couples who are already legally married and ready to build their lives in the UK without the need for a wedding first. 

 Similarities Between Fiancé and Spouse Visas 

Both visas share some common requirements, including: 

• Financial requirement: The UK partner must typically earn at least £29,000 per year, or meet the savings threshold. 

• English language requirement: The overseas partner must demonstrate English proficiency (unless exempt). 

• Relationship requirement: Proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship through evidence such joint financial responsibilities, cohabitation evidence, and travel/visit evidence.  

Choosing the Right Visa in 2025 

The right option depends on your personal circumstances: 

• Choose a Fiancé Visa if: 

• You are engaged and want to marry in the UK. 

• You plan to switch to a Spouse Visa after the wedding. 

• You are happy with a short-term visa that doesn’t allow work initially. 

• Choose a Spouse Visa if: 

• You are already married or in a civil partnership. 

• You want immediate working rights in the UK. 

• You prefer a longer stay from the outset without needing to switch visas soon after. 

Final Thoughts 

Both the Fiancé Visa or Spouse Visa can be the right choice – what matters most is your relationship stage and future plans. If you’re preparing for a UK wedding, the Fiancé Visa is likely the way forward. If you’re already married and ready to settle, the Spouse Visa provides a smoother and longer-term path. 

Carefully reviewing the requirements and considering your priorities will help ensure you choose the right visa route for your journey together in 2025. Contact Migrate UK at info@migrate-uk.com or at +44 01235 645 800 to discuss your options further.