Spouse Visa and Bank Accounts, Business etc.

[Bangbang]

Dear All,

My wife has been in UK since last month on a Spouse Visa.

I just registered her on the Electoral and also registered the water bill on her name to open her bank account.

My mother went to Halifax today to enquire and supposedly they do not offer Current Account to anyone on Spouse visa.

Does anyone know about this?

I have opened a business on my wife's name and will require a business account asap, will this not be possible?

Regards

[ID29]

.... and supposedly they do not offer Current Account to anyone on Spouse visa.

Does anyone know about this?

Most banks operate the same policy. At some banks your wife might be offered a very basic bank account but it will not be suitable for business use. Banks might also offer special bank accounts for new immigrants or students coming to the UK like the HSBC's Passport account.

What does concern me though is your wife's visa status. Is she currently allowed to work? If not, you may have made a big mistake opening a business in her name.

[CR001]

Agree on the bank account issue. Banks are increasingly reluctant to open fancy bank accounts for temporary migrants. You could try and open a joint bank account as that might be easier.

ID29 - if a person is in the UK on a spouse visa in the UK, they are allowed to work.

[Bangbang]

Hello,

Thanks for responding.

If you think about it, she is not a temporary migrant.

She is my wife, I am a British Citizen and we intend to live in the UK.

Yes, she is allowed to work.

So do I have no chance what so ever?

[CR001]

Your wife is considered temporary until she applies and receives Indefinite Leave to Remain.

A joint bank account might be the best option.