How long does a UK spouse visa take to process?
UK spouse visa processing usually takes 12–24 weeks from the date you submit. Having all translations ready before applying helps avoid extra delays.
Spouse Visa Guide
UK Spouse Visa Translation Guide
Last updated: March 2026
Spouse visa applications under Appendix FM are document-heavy by design. UKVI uses your documents to confirm four things at once: identity, marriage, finances, and that the relationship is real. Anything not in English or Welsh needs a certified translation alongside it. This guide walks through what to translate, what it will cost, and where common UKVI queries tend to land.
What documents do I need translated for a UK spouse visa?
For a UK spouse visa, you need certified translations of your marriage certificate, birth certificates, bank statements, employment letters, and any relationship evidence in a foreign language. Each translation must include a statement of accuracy.
Four evidence streams sit at the heart of every Appendix FM file. Identity. Marriage. Finances. The genuineness of the relationship. UKVI looks at all four. The translation rule applies across the board. Anything in a foreign language gets a certified translation alongside the original.
The financial threshold now sits at £29,000 a year, up from the old £18,600. That change has rippled through 2025 and 2026 by pulling more bank statements and employment letters into spouse files. Which means more translation pages than the old baseline.
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
- Birth certificates for applicant and dependents
- Bank statements (6 months minimum)
- Employment letters, payslips, or P60s
- Relationship evidence — messages, letters, photos with descriptions
- Divorce decrees (if previously married)
- Police clearance certificates
- Housing evidence if applicable
Do I need a notarised translation for a UK spouse visa?
No. UKVI does not require notarised translations for spouse visa applications. A certified translation with a statement of accuracy is enough and meets all Home Office rules. This saves £30–£50 per document.
It's the most expensive misconception on the spouse-visa side. Forum advice (often based on US immigration practice), well-meaning solicitors who handle more USCIS than UKVI work, and family members who 'just remember it being needed' all point applicants at notarisation. UKVI does not require it.
Spouse files usually need 5–15 documents translated. At £30–£50 per document for unnecessary notarisation, that's £150–£750 of avoidable cost on an application that's already expensive.
How much does spouse visa translation cost in total?
A typical spouse visa translation package costs £50–£200, depending on how many documents you need translating. Each document costs from £12.99 per page. The total depends on how many pages of bank statements and relationship evidence you need translated.
The cost depends on your situation. A simple application with a marriage certificate, two birth certificates, and a few bank statements might cost £65–£90. A complex application with a lot of relationship evidence could cost £150–£200.
We recommend translating only documents that are needed. Your immigration solicitor or advisor can tell you which documents need certified translation.
- Marriage certificate: £12.99–£25.98 (1–2 pages)
- Birth certificates: £12.99 each (1 page)
- Bank statements: £12.99 per page (varies by length)
- Employment letters: £12.99–£25.98 (1–2 pages)
- Relationship evidence: varies
Tips for spouse visa translations
Order translations early. Translate only the documents you need. Keep copies of everything. Make sure your translator gives you a full statement of accuracy with credentials. Using a specialist visa translation service reduces the risk of rejection.
UKVI caseworkers look at spouse visa applications carefully. Professional, well-formatted certified translations show attention to detail. They reduce the chance of delays or extra requests for information.
Submit translations alongside the original documents. UKVI caseworkers need both the original and the translation to check the content.
- Order translations before submitting your application
- Keep digital copies of all translations
- Make sure each translation has a statement of accuracy
- Submit originals alongside translations
- Use a specialist visa translation service
- Ask your solicitor which documents need translating
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google Translate for my spouse visa documents?
No. UKVI requires certified translations by a professional translator with credentials and a statement of accuracy. Machine translations and self-translations are not accepted.
Do I need to translate text messages for relationship evidence?
If you are submitting text messages or WhatsApp conversations as relationship evidence and they are not in English, yes — they need certified translation.
What is the financial requirement for a UK spouse visa in 2026?
The sponsoring partner must earn at least £29,000 a year. All financial evidence in a foreign language must come with a certified translation.
Can my bilingual partner translate our documents?
No. UKVI requires an independent professional translator. Translations by family members, friends, or the applicant are not accepted.
What happens if my translation is rejected by UKVI?
If a translation is queried or rejected, UKVI will ask for a replacement. That causes delays. Using a professional service with a high acceptance rate cuts this risk.
Get Your Certified Translation Today
UKVI-accepted certified translations from £12.99 per page. Statement of accuracy included. 24-hour delivery.