We are looking at our options, and have considered relocating to the UK. From what I gather about the minimum income I (as a UK spousal sponsor) would require, it could take me a few months of being there solo before we qualified on that basis.

However, wifey also has her mum living in the UK who has done the whole thing and now has citizenship. Would a parent sponsor be an easier route for her?

And since her mum also has her own business there, would there be a shortcut for her to get a work permit?

No and no!

Pretty much the only way a parent can sponsor an adult child is if they have significant health and care needs that cannot be met in their home country. The applicant would have to prove that sponsor and/or child could fund themselves. If your wife falls into certain high skill categories or is going to become a student in an approved place of education then she might be able to use those routes.

There is actually no work permit in the UK. Certain visa categories carry the right to work!

Assuming your wife is over 18, the only way her mum could sponsor her would be as an adult dependent.

Apply to join family living permanently in the UK 3. Eligibility

Coming to be cared for - youre an adult dependent relative

You must be dependent on a parent, grandchild, brother, sister, son or daughter of someone living permanently in the UK.

You must prove that:

you need long-term care to do everyday personal and household tasks

the care you need is not available or affordable in the country you live in

the person youll be joining in the UK will be able to support, accommodate and care for you without claiming public funds for at least 5 years

youre 18 or over

Edit: Bob beat me to it!

The question has been answered, to stop further nonsense remarks the topic is now closed.