Yes, but the calculation is different from salaried income, and the documentation requirements are substantially heavier. Self-employment doesn't disqualify you. It just changes how you prove you meet the £29,000 threshold (or £18,600 if your first application was before 11 April 2024).
The Home Office treats self-employment income under Category F or Category G. Which one applies depends on how long the business has been operating.
The Financial Year That Actually Counts
For self-employed sponsors, income is assessed based on complete financial years, not recent months like salaried employment.
Category F — Use income from the most recent complete financial year (6 April to 5 April for UK tax).
Category G — Calculate the average of the two most recent complete financial years.
"Complete" is critical. If you apply on 1 April 2026, the most recent complete financial year is 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025. The 2025-2026 year hasn't finished yet.
This matters if business income is seasonal or has grown recently. Strong trading after 5 April of the last complete year doesn't help.
What Figure the Home Office Actually Uses
The amount that counts is gross taxable profit from your share of the business in the relevant financial year. Not revenue. Not turnover. Gross taxable profit.
This is the figure before deductions for tax purposes, but after business expenses are accounted for. If you're a sole trader with a £80,000 turnover but £55,000 in legitimate business expenses, your gross taxable profit is £25,000. That's the figure used, and it falls short of the £29,000 threshold.
Some immigration advisers recommend checking both the gross profit and net profit figures with your accountant, because A Y & J Solicitors have seen cases where Home Office caseworkers incorrectly relied on net profit despite the guidance specifying gross. Having both figures clearly documented avoids that problem.
The Evidence Required
Self-employment applications are documentation-heavy. Every claim needs verification from HMRC or a qualified accountant.
| Document | Category F | Category G |
| SA302 tax return (from HMRC) | Last financial year | The last two financial years |
| Tax Year Overview (from HMRC) | Last financial year | The last two financial years |
| Business accounts | Certified or audited if required by law | Both years, certified/audited if required |
| Business bank statements | Last financial year | The last two financial years |
| Proof business is still operating | Company registration, VAT if applicable, evidence of current trading | Same |
| Accountant confirmation letter | If accounts are not audited | Same |
All accounts must be from a qualified accountant. The Home Office defines this as someone registered with a UK professional body (ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CAI, etc.). Your brother-in-law, who does bookkeeping, doesn't count unless he holds one of these qualifications.
If your business turnover exceeds £79,000, you'll also need VAT registration and VAT returns for the relevant period.
Combining Self-Employment with Other Income
You can combine Category F or G income with salaried employment, pension, or property rental to reach the threshold. You cannot combine it with cash savings.
Example: Self-employed partner has £22,000 gross taxable profit from 2024-2025. Applicants (if already in the UK with permission to work) earned £9,500 from salaried employment during that same year. Combined: £31,500. Meets threshold.
Key restriction: applicant's employment income only counts if they're already in the UK legally and switching to or extending a spouse visa.
Common Refusal Reasons
Missing the accountant's confirmation letter when accounts aren't audited. Using provisional tax figures without explaining why. Submitting the wrong financial year because the application fell before 5 April. Not proving the business is still actively trading at application date.
The business must be genuine and ongoing. A company that traded two years ago but has been dormant since doesn't qualify.
What "Actively Trading" Means
You need current evidence. Recent invoices, contracts, client correspondence, and bank activity showing business transactions.
For sole traders and partnerships: business website, client testimonials, evidence of ongoing work. For limited companies: recent filed accounts at Companies House and proof of current operations.
Are you ready to apply for a Spouse Visa?
A Y & J Solicitors can help review every single Spouse visa document, including financial documents and confirm that all your documents meet Home Office requirements. Reach out to A Y & J Solicitors for a detailed Spouse Visa Application guidance.