Costs and Fees for UK Marriage and Fiancée Visas
Applying for a UK Marriage or Fiancée Visa involves several costs. These include visa application fees, healthcare surcharges, and potential legal or translation expenses. Understanding the full financial requirements can help you prepare your application confidently and avoid delays caused by insufficient funds.
Visa Application Fee:
As of 2025, the standard application fee for both UK Marriage and Fiancée Visas from outside the UK is approximately £1,846. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. If you are applying from within the UK (such as switching from a Fiancée to a Spouse Visa), the fee is slightly lower — around £1,048.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
In addition to the visa fee, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The surcharge is currently £1,035 per year. For a 2.5-year Marriage Visa, the IHS total is typically £2,587.50. Fiancée Visa applicants pay no IHS upfront but will need to pay it when switching to a Spouse Visa after marriage.
Optional Priority Processing:
UKVI offers a priority service for faster processing. This optional service costs around £573 for most out-of-country applications and can reduce the waiting time to a few weeks. This is especially helpful for time-sensitive applications, but it does not guarantee approval.
Document Translation and Legalisation:
If any of your documents are not in English or Welsh, they must be professionally translated. Translation fees vary depending on the provider and complexity of the documents. Some applicants also need to legalise documents issued abroad, which adds further cost — often £30–£50 per document plus courier fees.
Legal and Advisor Fees (Optional):
Many couples choose to work with immigration advisors or solicitors to avoid mistakes and improve their approval chances. Professional assistance typically costs between £800–£2,500, depending on the complexity of your case and the reputation of the firm. While not mandatory, these services can be highly valuable in borderline or complicated cases.
Other Potential Costs:
You may need to cover additional costs such as:
- English language test: ~£150
- Tuberculosis (TB) test (required in some countries): ~£65–£110
- Passport photographs: ~£10
- Courier/postage costs: varies by country
Total Estimated Cost:
For most applicants, the total cost of a UK Marriage Visa application — including visa fee, IHS, tests, and some optional services — can range between £4,500–£6,000. A Fiancée Visa followed by a Spouse Visa and IHS payment may lead to higher overall costs due to the two-step process.
Planning your finances ahead of time is essential. Make sure you keep receipts and payment confirmations for every fee, as these may be required during your application process. Submitting a well-prepared and financially supported application greatly increases the chance of approval.