The UK government has announced that financial requirements for 2025 have been revised. In particular, the government has increased the allowable amount of support for students and a number of other permits, introduced higher fees for most visa categories and approved stricter financial controls for tourists. Find out in detail what changes foreigners can expect in the UK in 2025

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To align financial requirements with the current economic landscape, the UK government has planned to make some changes to the visa application process for 2025.

The financial requirements that an expat needs to know about in order to smoothly obtain a visa are discussed below.

Key changes to UK visa requirements for 2025

Expats in the UK can expect the following changes in 2025:

1. Higher living cost requirements for obtaining a student visa.

In 2025, students planning to study in the UK will need to demonstrate a minimum of £1,400/month in London or £1,100/month outside of London. In total, the account should have enough money to cover at least 9 months of living in the UK and to pay for the first year of study.

Bank statement requirement – ​​funds must be held for 28 consecutive days and documented no later than 31 days before the date of application.

2. More thorough checks on financial documentation for tourists and visitors.

In order to obtain a tourist visa to the UK, applicants must prove financial stability to cover the costs of accommodation, transport and daily expenses. There is no fixed amount, but it is clear that applicants must demonstrate that they can afford to pay for their stay in the country. The management also emphasizes that controls will become stricter.

3. Clear income limits for family visas, with a minimum annual income of £29,000 for partners or spouses.

Applicants for a family visa must demonstrate a combined income of £29,000. In addition, the expat must have additional funds for children: first child - £3,800 per year, each additional child: £2,400 per year.

The following categories of applicants are exempt from this requirement:

1. Applicants who are in receipt of disability benefits or carers.

2. Expats who will receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Visiting Allowance.

3. People who have an extension to their first application for a partner visa submitted before 11 April 2024.

Important! Applicants can use savings instead of income to meet the financial thresholds, provided that the documentation meets the instructions in the UKVI FM Schedule.

4. Financial requirements for work visa applicants.

- Skilled Worker visa - applicants must show £1,270 for personal support, unless the employer confirms financial support.

- Global Talent Visa – no specific financial threshold, but applicants must demonstrate that they can manage the initial costs.

- Medical Professional Visa – no minimum financial requirement if the employer offers sponsorship.

- Certain categories of work visas, such as health and care visas, may offer exemptions through employer sponsorship.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

UK visa fees for 2025

In addition to introducing financial requirements, the UK has increased the visa application fee, the amounts for 2025 are as follows:

- Short-term visit (6 months) – $153.

- Long-term visit (2 years) – $573.

- Long-term visit (5 years) – $1,023.

- Long-term visit (10 years) – $1,277.

- Skilled Worker visa – $827.

- Student Visa (outside the UK) – $647.

- Student Parent Visa – $845.

For premium services, priority visas cost $550, while super priority visas will cost $1,050.

Financial Documentation Requirements

To obtain a UK visa, applicants must provide the following documents:

- Bank statements or savings certificates: Proof of funds for at least 28 consecutive days ending no later than 31 days before the visa application.

- Letters from employer or proof of income: Proof of employment such as payslips, letters from employer or tax returns that demonstrate compliance with the financial thresholds.

- Documents for dependents: Birth certificates or legal documents confirming the status of dependents listed in the application.

It is important for expats to closely monitor changes in UK migration legislation, as failure to meet the requirements can result in visa refusal. Read all the important news from the world of migration, study and employment abroad on the Visit World portal.

Reminder! For most expats planning to work in the UK, having a job offer is a standard requirement for obtaining a visa. However, there are ways that allow you to enter the UK without a job offer, which we have discussed earlier.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.