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Same-sex couples apply under exactly the same routes as any other couple: spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, fiancé or proposed civil partner. The requirements, fees and route to settlement are identical. This page covers the points that come up in practice.
Marriages and partnerships formed abroad
A same-sex marriage or registered partnership formed abroad is recognised if it was valid where it took place and meets UK recognition rules. If your country does not recognise your relationship, you cannot marry there; the usual options are the unmarried partner route on two years' cohabitation, or a fiancé or proposed civil partner visa to marry or register in the UK.
Evidence when the relationship could not be open
The Home Office expects cohabitation and relationship evidence from official sources. Where you lived in a country in which being open was unsafe, that evidence may be thin: no joint tenancy, no joint accounts, few photographs. We deal with this by explaining the context in a covering statement, using what does exist (messages, travel, remittances, evidence from friends who knew), and where relevant country evidence of the risk. Decision-makers are required to consider the reasons for gaps, but only if they are put in front of them.
This is not a complete list. What you need depends on your circumstances, and the documents vary from case to case. Your solicitor will tell you exactly what applies to you.
Children
Children of either partner can be included or apply to join. Where parental responsibility arrangements differ from the country of origin's law, we address this in the application.
Asylum and family life
If you are in the UK and returning to your country would put you at risk because of your sexuality, that is an asylum or human rights matter which can run alongside or instead of a partner application. We advise on the right order.
Fees
£2,064 from outside the UK, £1,407 from inside, plus the health surcharge of £1,035 a year. Correct on 13 October 2026. Our fixed fee is on our fees page.
Ask a question
If you are not sure which route applies, ask a solicitor and we will reply by phone or email. For an open discussion with other applicants, see ukspousevisa.co.uk, our separate site about partner visas.
