UK increases financial thresholds for visas in 2025

Planning to relocate, study or work in the UK? Visa rules will change significantly in 2025 and it is important to prepare for the new requirements in advance.

Students will need to prove that they have £12,000 to live outside London for a year (previously £9,207) or £15,000 to live in the capital (previously £12,006). These sums are intended to offset price rises but may make training less affordable.

Skilled workers previously required an annual income of £26,500 for a Skilled Worker visa, this minimum has now been increased to £38,700.

To bring a spouse to the UK you now need to earn £29,000 a year and from 2026 it will be £38,700. This could affect many families wishing to reunite with loved ones, as the new financial requirements will make it more difficult to obtain a visa.

There are no fixed amounts for tourists, but there is now a need to more carefully confirm funds (typically £1,500-2,500 per trip) and processing times for applications may increase.

Also, travelers who are allowed visa-free entry to the UK will need an ETA - Electronic Travel Authorization - from 2025. Since the beginning of the year, many citizens have been required to obtain the permit before their visit, and for European citizens, this requirement will come into effect from April 2, 2025.

Stay up-to-date on visa policy changes and get up-to-date travel planning advice by following the news at Visa-Navigator.com.