Updated 8 November 2026
A UK spouse visa, officially a family visa as a partner, lets a Kenyan join a husband, wife, civil partner or long-term partner who is British, Irish or settled in the UK. It is a different route from joining someone on a work or student visa, and it has its own income, English and evidence rules. This guide sets out the rules from GOV.UK for applicants in Kenya.
Source: GOV.UK Family visas guidance (last updated 23 October 2026), read on 8 November 2026, including the partner, financial requirements and English sections, plus GOV.UK’s TB test list. Rules change, so check GOV.UK before paying.
On this page
UK spouse visa from Kenya: key facts
| Item | GOV.UK rule |
|---|---|
| Age | You and your partner must both be 18 or over |
| Minimum income | £29,000 a year combined (most new applicants) |
| English | At least CEFR level A1 for the first application |
| Application fee (outside UK) | £2,064 per person |
| Health surcharge | £3,105 per adult for 2 years 9 months |
| First grant | Up to 2 years 9 months, then extend |
| Decision | Usually within 12 weeks from outside the UK |
Who can sponsor you
Your partner must be one of these:
- a British or Irish citizen;
- settled in the UK, for example with indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence;
- from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status, having started living in the UK before 1 January 2021;
- holding a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa;
- holding protection status, or permission to stay as a stateless person granted before you became partners.
You must both intend to live together permanently in the UK. If your partner is only in the UK temporarily on a work or student visa, GOV.UK says you cannot use a family visa. You apply as their dependant instead, as explained in our UK Skilled Worker visa guide.
How to prove your relationship
You must show one of these:
- a marriage or civil partnership recognised in the UK;
- at least 2 years of living together;
- engagement, with a plan to marry within 6 months of arriving;
- a relationship of at least 2 years where you cannot live together, for example because of work, study or culture.
Evidence should come from a government body, bank, landlord, utility provider or medical professional, and be less than 4 years old. Examples include a marriage certificate, a joint tenancy, utility bills, joint bank statements, or a doctor’s letter showing the same address. Couples who live apart must show ongoing commitment, such as regular contact, financial support, care of children and time spent together.
For Kenyan couples, this usually means a marriage certificate. Where a document is not in English, include a certified translation. Keep copies of bank transfers and travel records if you have been living in different countries.
The £29,000 UK spouse visa income rule
You and your partner usually need a combined income of at least £29,000 a year. Savings may be used instead of income in some cases. Different rules apply if:
- your partner receives certain UK disability or carer’s benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment or Carer’s Allowance. There is then no fixed minimum, but you must show you can support yourselves without extra public funds;
- you first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending, in which case the threshold is £18,600, plus £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child who needs it, capped at £29,000.
If you cannot meet the requirement, you may still qualify on child or human rights grounds. However, GOV.UK says the earliest you can then settle is after 10 years in the UK.
English requirement for a UK spouse visa
For your first application you need at least level A1 on the CEFR scale. You can show this with an approved English test, a UK degree, or an overseas degree taught in English and assessed by Ecctis. Kenya is not on the list of exempt nationalities. When you extend, you need at least A2 in speaking and listening. A pass at B1 or higher can be reused for settlement after 5 years if the certificate is still valid. Applicants over 65 and people with a qualifying condition are exempt.
How much a UK spouse visa from Kenya costs
- Application fee: £2,064 from outside the UK (£1,407 inside), plus the same for each dependant added.
- Health surcharge per adult: £3,105 for 2 years 9 months; £2,587.50 for 2 years 6 months; £5,175 for 5 years.
- Health surcharge per child: £2,328 for 2 years 9 months.
- Fee waiver: possible if you cannot afford housing or essential living costs.
From Kenya, a typical first application for one adult is therefore £2,064 plus £3,105, which is £5,169, before English test, TB test and translation costs. GOV.UK advises warning your bank about the large payment so it is not declined.
Steps to apply from Kenya
- Confirm your partner’s status qualifies.
- Gather relationship evidence and proof of income or savings.
- Pass an approved English test at A1 or higher.
- Take a TB test at an approved clinic. Kenya is on GOV.UK’s TB test list.
- Apply online from outside the UK, pay the fee and surcharge, and give your biometrics.
- Wait for a decision, usually within 12 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do we need for a UK spouse visa?
Usually £29,000 a year combined, unless an exception applies.
Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa?
GOV.UK says fiancé(e) visa holders cannot work until they marry and extend. Once approved after the marriage, you have the right to work.
How long does a UK spouse visa decision take from Kenya?
Usually within 12 weeks from outside the UK.
Can I join my partner who is on a UK work visa?
Not with a family visa. You apply as a dependant on their visa.
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