Fiance Visa UK Cost: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to apply for a Fiance Visa UK, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: How much does it cost? In this article, we’ll walk you through the fiancé visa UK cost (and related fees) as of 2025 — so you have a full picture before starting the application. We’ll also explain other hidden or optional costs you may face and share tips to plan your budget wisely.

What is a UK Fiance Visa — and why cost matters

The UK Fiance Visa (also called Fiancée or Proposed Civil Partner Visa) is meant for foreign nationals engaged to a UK citizen or someone settled in the UK. It lets you enter the UK to get married (or enter a civil partnership), after which you can apply to stay longer under a Spouse/Partner Visa.

Because the visa is essentially a “temporary permission to enter and marry,” the application fees and associated costs are set by the government and are non-negotiable. Understanding these costs upfront helps you avoid surprises — especially if you’re applying from abroad, potentially converting to a spouse visa later, or factoring in optional services.

Core Cost: Application Fee in 2025

As of 9 April 2025, the standard application fee for a UK Fiance Visa is £1,938 (when applying from outside the UK).

This fee is paid to the home authorities to process your application. It is fixed and must be paid in full when submitting your application online.

Importantly: the fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or not.

Why the Cost Changed (and What That Means)

Previously, some sources listed the Fiance Visa fee at £1,846 (or older value) for applications outside the UK. However, the fee was increased to £1,938 effective 9 April 2025, aligning with a broader increase in visa fees introduced by the authorities.

Because these changes are relatively recent, it’s important to always check current official guidance (on the government’s visa/immigration website) at the time of your application.

Other Costs to Consider (Hidden & Optional Fees)

Although the £1,938 visa application fee is the core cost, there are several additional costs — some mandatory, others optional — that many applicants overlook.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — Not always required

One benefit of the Fiance Visa is that it typically does not require the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at the application stage, since the visa is for temporary entry and marriage, not for long-term residence.

If you transition to a Spouse/Partner Visa later (after marriage), that’s when IHS would apply. That said — always check the latest UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) rules, since policies can change.

Medical / Tuberculosis (TB) Test

Applicants from some countries must submit a valid Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. This cost varies depending on where the test is done — in general, expect something in the ballpark of £65–£110.

If there is no approved testing centre nearby, you might have to travel to another city or country — which adds travel and possibly accommodation costs. Some sources estimate total expenses (test + travel) ranging from £65 up to around £900+ depending on circumstances.

Document Translation, Legal/Professional Fees

If your supporting documents (e.g. birth certificate, relationship evidence, prior passports) are not in English or Welsh, certified translation is usually required. Depending on number of documents and translation service, this might cost £0 to £300+.

Many couples optionally choose to hire an immigration lawyer or adviser to help prepare the application — especially if the case is complicated. Legal fees vary widely depending on the complexity, but can be £1,000 to £3,000+ or more.

Priority Processing / Fast-Track Services (if available)

If you need a faster decision, some visa-service providers offer priority or “super-priority” processing at extra cost. Depending on provider and speed requested, this can add £500 or more to your total cost.

Miscellaneous Costs: Travel, Accommodation, Other Paperwork

If you need to travel for biometrics, TB test, or document verification — especially from overseas — additional costs will include flights/transport, accommodation, mailing/courier fees, and maybe time off work.

These can add up, especially if you and your partner live in different countries, so it’s worth accounting for them when budgeting.

What Happens After You’re Granted the Fiance Visa — and Future Costs

Getting the Fiance Visa is just the first step. Once you enter the UK, you and your partner must get married (or enter a civil partnership) within six months of your arrival.

After marriage, you’ll need to apply for a Spouse / Partner Visa if you intend to stay in the UK. This brings a new set of costs: the application fee, IHS, and other associated charges.

For example, many sources now show the standard Spouse Visa fee (from outside the UK) to be £1,938 (same as current Fiance Visa fee), though this may vary if application rules change.

Additionally, the minimum income requirement for sponsoring a partner is now higher — many guides cite a minimum of £29,000 per year (for the UK-based sponsor) as of April 2024.

That means even if you cover visa-application costs, you must be prepared to meet broader financial thresholds if you plan to settle long-term.

Example Scenario: Cost Breakdown for a Typical Applicant

Let’s imagine a typical couple — one partner is in Pakistan (applying for Fiance Visa), the other is a settled UK resident. Here’s how costs might stack up:

• Standard Fiance Visa application fee: £1,938
• TB test (if required): ~£70–£100 (plus travel costs if you must travel for the test)
• Document translation (if any documents are not in English): £0–£300+
• Legal / immigration advisory fees (optional): £1,000–£3,000+ — depending on complexity
• Travel / accommodation / biometrics / miscellaneous: varies widely (depends on where in Pakistan you are, whether there’s a vet-approved centre etc.)

So even with a “basic” application, you might easily end up spending £2,500–£3,500+ overall (or more), before you and your partner cover relocation, marriage costs, and post-arrival visa extensions.

If you then apply for a Spouse Visa after marriage, you’ll need to budget for that fee (and IHS), and also meet the income requirement.

Common Questions & Answers (FAQ style)

Q: Is the Fiance Visa UK cost the same as the Spouse Visa cost?
A: As of 2025, the visa application fee for a Fiance Visa (from outside the UK) is £1,938. The Spouse Visa application fee (outside the UK) is often the same or similar — but additional costs like the IHS and stricter financial requirements make the overall cost and commitment of Spouse Visa higher.

Q: Do I have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) with the Fiance Visa?
A: Generally, no — the Fiance Visa (valid for six months for marriage) does not require IHS at application. However, if you switch to a Spouse Visa after marriage, IHS will typically be required.

Q: Why do some sources list a lower Fiance Visa fee (like £1,846)?
A: That reflects the older fee schedule. The increase to £1,938 came into effect from 9 April 2025. Always verify the date of the guide you’re reading and cross-check with official government sources.

Q: Can I request a refund if my application is refused?
A: No — the application fee is non-refundable even if your Fiance Visa application is rejected.

Q: Are there any unexpected “hidden” costs I should budget for?
A: Yes — TB tests, document translation, travel and accommodation (for tests/biometrics), legal/immigration adviser fees, optional priority service, mailing/courier fees — all can add up. It’s best to budget conservatively (beyond the official fee) to ensure you’re covered.

Tips for Managing & Minimizing Your Fiance Visa UK Cost

Because the visa process can be costly, here are a few tips to help you manage the financial burden:

• Plan ahead: Before applying, make a full budget including visa fee, test/translation costs, travel, and any professional fees.
• Use official government guidance: Always check the latest fee schedule on the UK’s official immigration website to avoid surprises.
• Avoid unnecessary extras: Only pay for priority processing or legal help if truly needed. A clean, well-documented application often succeeds without these extras.
• Prepare documentation carefully: Certify translations only when required; have all relationship evidence, accommodation proof, financial proof ready to avoid delays or rejections (which could cost you more).
• Be aware of switching costs: Remember that after you marry and apply for a Spouse Visa, you’ll face new fees (and potentially IHS), so your upfront costs are only part of the total journey.

Why Understanding Full Cost Matters (Beyond Money)

Visa and immigration applications are not just about paperwork — they involve time, planning, emotional energy, and often personal sacrifice (travel, waiting, uncertainty). Underestimating costs can lead to financial strain or even application failure, especially if you don’t account for translation or test costs, or relocation and living expenses after migrating.

By knowing the full Fiance Visa UK cost — official fees plus realistic extras — you can plan ahead, avoid surprises, and approach your visa application with confidence.

Conclusion

Navigating the financial side of a UK Fiance Visa can be confusing, but being informed helps. As of 2025, the main visa application fee is £1,938 (outside the UK). Hidden costs — such as TB tests, document translation, travel, legal fees, and future spouse-visa fees or IHS — often make the real cost higher.

If you budget carefully and follow official guidance, you can better manage these expenses and focus on what matters: bringing your relationship into the UK and starting your next chapter together.

Before you apply — double-check the latest fee schedule on the official UK government site, and make sure all required docs and supporting evidence (financial, accommodation, relationship proof) are in order. That preparation can save you from costly rejections or delays.