UK family visas
UK unmarried partner visa: for couples living together
If you are not married or in a civil partnership, you can still apply as a partner if you have been in a relationship for at least 2 years. It uses the same family visa as the spouse route, with proof of the relationship doing the heavy lifting.
- Relationship
- At least 2 years
- First visa
- Up to 2 years 9 months
- Settlement
- After 5 years on this visa
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- Couples who have lived together in a relationship for 2 years or more
- Couples who could not live together for work, study or cultural reasons, but have been together 2 years
- Same-sex and opposite-sex couples
The basics
What the UK looks for
- Your partner is British, Irish or settled in the UK
- At least 2 years together when you apply
- Any earlier marriages or partnerships have ended
- The same income and English requirements as the spouse visa
- Evidence of the relationship, recent and from official or third-party sources
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. GOV.UK: Apply as a partner or spouse
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- This route depends almost entirely on evidence, so gaps in the 2 years matter
- Documents such as photos and messages alone are usually not enough
- Two people who cannot live together need a clear, documented reason
Your case has details a web page cannot cover.
A consultation tells you where you stand, and what to do first.
Book a consultationFAQs
Unmarried partner visa questions
Do we need to have lived together for 2 years?
Usually yes. GOV.UK also allows couples who have been in a relationship for 2 years but could not live together, for example because of work, study or cultural reasons.
Is it easier to marry first?
A marriage is easier to prove than a relationship, but it is a personal decision. It should not be made only for a visa.
Keep reading
Related UK family guides
Let's map your global pathway
A first consultation covers eligibility, realistic timelines, total cost and the tax consequences of the move. You leave with a written plan, not a brochure.