UK Family Visa Fees & Requirements 2026
Living with your family in the UK is a common goal for many people who have loved ones already here. If you want to stay with a close family member for longer than six months, you will usually need a Family Visa.
🧩 What is a UK Family Visa?
A Family Visa gives you permission to live in the UK for more than six months with a qualifying relative. This includes:
- Your spouse or partner
- Your fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
- Your child
- Your parent
A relative who will provide long-term care for you in the UK
👨👩👧 Who Can Apply?
You can apply to join a family member if they are in the UK with permission to stay. Depending on your situation, you may be able to apply from outside the UK or inside the UK.
For example:
There are specific eligibility rules based on your relationship, your age, and whether you live inside or outside the UK. GOV.UK provides detailed lists of who qualifies in each category.
✍️ How to Apply
The application process includes several key steps:
- Prepare documents: You’ll need personal information, passport details, relationship evidence and any required financial or support documents.
- Apply online: Family Visa applications are submitted using the official UKVI online system. What you need to provide depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
- Biometric appointment: You may need to attend a visa application centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken.
Await a decision: Processing times depend on where you applied and whether you opted for any priority service.
💷 Visa Fees & Healthcare Surcharge
UK visa application fees vary depending on where you apply and your relationship type:
Application Made | Fee |
Outside the UK (partner, parent or child) | £1,938 |
Inside the UK (same) | £1,321 |
Each dependant added | £1,938 / £1,321 |
Adults needing care by a relative | £424 – £3,413* |
The exact adult care fee depends on the immigration status of the relative you are joining.
You may also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application, this gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service.
📌 Requirements You Must Meet
You must show that:
- You genuinely have the qualifying family relationship.
- You have completed the application and provided all necessary information.
You meet any specific requirements relevant to your category (e.g. financial requirements for partners).
Some applicants may also need to prove knowledge of English, unless they are exempt (e.g. children, adults over 65, or those with certain qualifications).
📬 After You Apply
Once you’ve submitted your Family Visa application:
- You’ll wait for a decision, the timing depends
If approved, you will get permission to stay for a specified period - You can usually extend your family visa before it expires if you continue to meet the requirements.
- You may also be eligible to switch to a Family Visa from another visa category while in the UK, so long as your current permission has not expired.
After several years on a Family Visa, it may be possible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement). This is separate from the initial visa application and has its own criteria.
📍 Important Notes
- Family Visas are generally not available to join family members who have only a short-term work or student visa.
- Visitors in the UK on a visa for six months or less typically must apply from outside the UK if they want a longer stay.
📞 Need Help With Your Application?
Our experienced immigration team can help you assess eligibility, prepare your documents and guide you through each step with clarity and confidence.
