Unmarried partner visa

If you are not married or in a civil partnership, you can apply as an unmarried partner of a British, Irish or settled person. The rules are the same as for a spouse, with one difference that decides most cases: proving the relationship.

The relationship test

You must show one of the following:

• You have lived together in a relationship like a marriage for at least two years at the date of application; or
• You have been in a committed relationship for at least two years but could not live together for work, study or cultural reasons, and the relationship is continuing.

Short gaps for work or family reasons do not break cohabitation if you can show the relationship continued. Evidence must be less than four years old and come from official sources: government, bank, landlord, utility companies or a medical professional. The Home Office expects about six items spread across the two years, addressed to each of you or jointly at the same address.

Other requirements

• Both 18 or over and any previous marriage or partnership has ended.
• Financial requirement of £29,000 combined income or savings.
• English at CEFR A1 on the first application.
• Adequate accommodation.

Switching and extending

You can switch to the route from inside the UK from most visas but not from a visit visa. If you become engaged while in the UK as an unmarried partner, you extend as an unmarried partner, not as a fiancé. After five years you apply for settlement as a partner.

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.

What we do

We tell you before you apply whether your cohabitation evidence is enough, and if not what to gather and how long to wait. Applying early on thin evidence is the main reason these applications are refused.

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.