Savings can be used to meet the minimum income requirements for a spousal visa if it exceeds £16,000. In fact, if you have enough savings (£62,500), you will not need to show proof of any income. The Home Office calculates this as follows:
Step 1: Divide the amount of your savings over £16,000 by 2.5 (2.5 is the number of years the savings should last).
Step 2: Take the amount in stages from the minimum income you need for your situation (for example, £18,600 or more if you have children).
The last figure you have left is your new minimum income.
For example:
£30,000 in savings: £30,000 – £16,000 = £14,000 / 2.5 = £5,600
£18,600 – £5,600 = £13,000
In this example, you would only need to show an annual income of £13,000 if you have £30,000 in savings.
Please note that you will need to make and sign a declaration about the source of your cash savings when you apply for a spousal visa.
