Moving to the UK with your Thai spouse to settle permanently is possible through a specific UK Visa made for married couples. Getting a UK Spouse Visa from Thailand grants your partner an extended stay in the UK with the possibility of permanent residency, but there is a strict set of requirements that must be met before your visa is approved.
This article explains what the UK Spouse Visa lets your Thai wife or husband do, who is eligible to apply, and how the application process works.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK Spouse Visa allows a Thai citizen who is legally married to a British citizen or permanent resident to live in the United Kingdom. This type of UK visa for Thai citizens is meant for couples who want to stay together in the UK for more than a short visit and build a life together.. It grants the Thai spouse permission to remain in the country for an initial period of 2 years and 9 months.
After this period, and if the marriage remains valid, the visa holder can apply to stay longer. Over time, and by meeting further conditions, this UK visa Thailand route can lead to settlement in the UK with residency rights, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain.
What can a UK Spouse Visa holder do in the UK?
Once approved, the UK Spouse Visa grants more than just entry to the country. It gives Thai spouses the right to build a life with their British partner in the UK with many of the same rights as citizens, such as the right to work, study, and access healthcare.
A UK Spouse Visa holder has permission to:
- Live with their partner in the United Kingdom.
- Work in any job without restrictions.
- Study at schools, colleges, or universities.
- Leave and re-enter the UK freely during the visa period.
They will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, but this gives access to public healthcare services under the National Health Service (NHS).
What are the limits of a UK Spouse Visa?
While the UK Spouse Visa allows your Thai spouse to live, work, and study in the UK, there are a few restrictions you should be aware of:
- They cannot access public funds or government benefits
- Receiving financial support from the UK government may affect future visa applications
- You are expected to live together in the UK, and long stays outside the country could make it harder to extend the visa or apply for settlement later
Who can apply for a UK Spouse Visa from Thailand?
If you are a British citizen or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, you can sponsor your Thai spouse to apply for a UK Spouse Visa. This visa allows married couples to live together in the UK on a long-term basis and eventually apply for permanent residency. Because this is a visa for a couple, both individuals have roles to play in the application as the sponsor (the UK citizen/resident) and the applicant (foreign citizen).
To qualify, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet the current requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
As the sponsor, you must:
- Be a British citizen or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
- Be legally married to the Thai applicant and have met in person
- Plan to live together in the UK on a permanent basis
- Meet the financial requirement of £29,000 in annual income or have at least £88,500 in savings held for 6 months
- Provide suitable accommodation for both of you in the UK
Your Thai spouse, as the applicant, must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be legally married to you and intend to live with you in the UK
- Pass an approved English language test at A1 level or higher
- Undergo a tuberculosis test and provide biometric information
Both of you must meet these conditions to move forward with the visa application.
How to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa from Thailand
The application starts online and must include documents that prove your relationship, income, language ability, and housing in the UK. Once everything is ready, your Thai spouse will need to attend an appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Thailand to give their fingerprints, photo, and passport.
After that, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will review the application. If it’s approved, the visa will be placed in your spouse’s passport, allowing them to travel to the UK immediately and use its benefits.
Professional Assistance with the UK Spouse Visa
If you’re planning to apply for a UK Spouse Visa from Thailand, working with an experienced visa agent ensures a swift and smooth process. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience helping Thai spouses and their British partners relocate to the UK. Our team of dedicated UK immigration specialists will guide you through the entire process. We’ll help you:
- Prepare the right documents
- Prove that you both meet the financial and language requirements
- Stay organized and avoid delays or rejection caused by common mistakes
- Submit your application to the appropriate authorities
To learn more details about the visa and how we can assist you, visit the UK Spouse Visa page on our website. Contact us today to book a consultation and begin the application process with expert support from start to finish.
UK Spouse Visa FAQ
How do I apply for a UK Spouse Visa from Thailand?
You’ll need to complete the online visa application through the official UK government website. Once submitted, your Thai spouse must book an appointment at the UK Visa Application Center (operated by VFS Global) in Bangkok for biometric screening. Supporting documents must show your relationship, income, accommodation, and your partner’s English language ability.
Is it difficult for Thai citizens to get a UK Spouse Visa?
It can be challenging if the application is missing documents or if the requirements are not met. Many refusals come from incomplete financial evidence or weak proof of relationship. Working with a legal team helps reduce the risk of rejection and ensures your documents meet UKVI standards.
What is the new financial requirement for a UK Spouse Visa?
As of April 2024, you as the sponsor must earn at least £29,000 per year to qualify. If relying on savings alone, you must have at least £88,500 held in your account for 6 months before applying. This increase applies to all new applications submitted after April 11, 2024.
How long does it take to get a UK Spouse Visa from Thailand?
Most applications take up to 12 weeks to process, but it can take longer depending on the time of year and the complexity of your case. It’s best to apply well in advance of any planned travel to the UK.
How much does a UK Spouse Visa cost from Thailand?
Visa costs depend on UKVI fees, additional services, and personal circumstances. Contact our team for an accurate quote. In addition to government fees, you may need to pay for an English test, tuberculosis screening, document translation, and service fees at the visa center. These fees can change without notice, so it’s best to speak with our team to get the most accurate and up-to-date estimate for your case.
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