There is no fixed income or savings figure for the UK Ancestry visa. GOV.UK says you must have enough money to support and house yourself, and any dependants, without claiming public funds. The UK Ancestry visa costs £726, and the healthcare surcharge may also be payable.
The eligibility page sets the other conditions: you must be 17 or over, and able and planning to work in the UK.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Age 17 or over.
- Able to work and planning to work in the UK. The visa lets you work, paid or voluntary.
- Able to support and house yourself, and any dependants, without public funds.
- The visa lets you stay for 5 years.
GOV.UK also sets the family-link rules. Read them in full on the official eligibility page before you apply, as this page does not restate them.
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
The identity and travel documents you must provide are listed on the documents you must provide page. Check it before you apply, as this page does not restate that list.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
For the financial side, the key document is recent bank statements, dated within 31 days of the date you submit your application. Do not send older statements.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
- No prescribed savings or income amount is published on the Ancestry visa pages.
- Application fee: £726 (see the fee page); the Immigration Health Surcharge may also be payable.
- TB test: you may need one depending on how long you are coming for and where you have lived. Check the GOV.UK TB test pages to see whether it applies to you.
Because there is no set figure, ask the Home Office through its official channels if you are unsure how much to show. See how much it costs for the fee and surcharge.
How to Prepare or Apply
- Check the eligibility page and your family link.
- Gather your documents, including bank statements dated within 31 days of applying.
- Apply up to 3 months before you travel (how long it takes).
- Expect a decision within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an income threshold for the UK Ancestry visa?
No fixed amount is published. You must show you can support and house yourself, and any dependants, without public funds.
What bank statements do I need?
Recent statements dated within 31 days of when you submit your application.
Which grandparent counts?
Check the family-link rules on the official eligibility page. This page does not restate them.
Do I have to work?
You must be able to work and plan to work in the UK. The visa allows paid or voluntary work.
How long does a decision take?
GOV.UK says you should get a decision within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.
Confirm every requirement with the UK Home Office (UK Visas and Immigration) on GOV.UK before you apply. See visa requirements and browse all travel and immigration requirements.