Live with Your Partnerin the UK Together
Expert unmarried partner visa guidance with 98%+ success rate. Join your UK partner after 2+ years living together.
The UK government has increased the minimum income requirement from £18,600 to £29,000. Our experts will help you navigate these changes successfully.
*Success rates based on properly prepared cases. UKVI makes final decisions on all applications.
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What is an Unmarried Partner Visa?
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa (also known as a de facto visa) allows you to join your partner in the UK if you've been living together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years. This visa grants initial residence of 33 months and leads to settlement after 5 years.
For Cohabiting Couples
Designed for couples who have lived together for 2+ years in a genuine relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership.
33 Month Duration
Initial visa valid for 33 months (2 years and 9 months), extendable for another 30 months with full work rights.
Path to Settlement
After 5 years total on this visa route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residence).
Important: 2 Year Cohabitation Requirement
You must prove you and your partner have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 continuous years before applying. This is the key difference from a spouse visa. Strong documentary evidence spanning the full 2-year period is essential for success.
Who Can Apply?
You've lived with your partner for at least 2 years in a genuine relationship
Your partner is a British citizen or has settled status in the UK
Both you and your partner are 18 years or older
Your relationship is genuine and continuing
You meet the English language requirement (A1 level minimum)
You meet the financial requirement (£29,000 minimum annual income)
Benefits of This Visa
Full work rights in any job or profession
Study at any educational institution without restrictions
Can be self-employed or start your own business
Bring dependent children under 18 with you
Apply for settlement (ILR) after 5 years
Eligible for British citizenship after 6 years
Unmarried Partner Visa Requirements
To qualify for an Unmarried Partner Visa, you must meet specific criteria. Our experts will guide you through each requirement step by step.
Relationship Requirements
2 Years Living Together
You must provide evidence that you and your partner have lived together for at least 2 years in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership.
Required evidence:
- Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage documents
- Joint utility bills spanning the 2-year period
- Joint bank account statements
- Official letters to both at the same address
- Photos together from throughout the relationship
- Support letters from family and friends
Important
Neither you nor your partner can be married to or in a relationship with someone else. Previous relationships must be legally ended.
Financial Requirements
£29,000 Minimum Annual Income (2025)
Your UK partner's income, or a combination of both incomes, must meet this threshold. This is the new requirement as of Loading....
Acceptable sources of income:
- Employment income (salary, wages)
- Self-employment earnings
- Savings (£88,500 minimum held for 6+ months)
- Pension income
- Property rental income
- Dividends and shares
Alternative: Savings Route
If you don't meet the income requirement, you can use savings. You need £88,500 in cash savings held for at least 6 months, or use a combination formula.
English Language
You must demonstrate English language ability at A1 level (basic) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Ways to prove English:
- Pass an approved English test (IELTS Life Skills A1, Trinity GESE Grade 3)
- Have a degree taught in English
- Be a national of an English-speaking country
Exemptions from English test:
- You're age 65 or over
- You have a physical or mental condition preventing the test
- You're from an exempt country (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.)
Accommodation
You must show you have adequate accommodation in the UK where you and your partner will live together.
Requirements:
- Owned or rented by you, your partner, or both
- Must not be overcrowded according to UK standards
- Meets public health standards
- You have permission to live there
Acceptable Evidence
Property ownership documents, tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or letter from landlord confirming permission to occupy.
Required Documents
A complete and well-organized document package is crucial for success. Here's what you'll need for your unmarried partner visa application.
Identity Documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Birth certificate
- Previous passport/visa pages
- National ID card (if applicable)
Cohabitation Evidence
- Joint tenancy agreements (2+ years)
- Joint utility bills spanning 2 years
- Joint bank account statements
- Council tax bills (both names)
- Photos together from throughout relationship
Financial Documents
- 6 months payslips (if employed)
- Employment contract/letter
- 6 months bank statements
- Tax returns (if self-employed)
- Savings account statements (if applicable)
Accommodation Proof
- Property ownership documents, or
- Tenancy agreement, or
- Mortgage statement
- Landlord permission letter
- Property inspection report (if required)
English Language Proof
- English test certificate (A1 level), or
- Degree certificate taught in English, or
- Passport from English-speaking country
- Medical evidence (if exempt)
Partner's Documents
- British passport or biometric residence permit
- Birth certificate
- Divorce/death certificates (if applicable)
- Employment/income documents
Document Preparation Service
Our expert team will review your situation, create a customized document checklist, and ensure every document meets Home Office standards. We check for common mistakes that lead to refusals, saving you time and stress.
Application Process
Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for your UK Unmarried Partner Visa successfully.
Check Eligibility
Verify you meet all requirements: 2+ years cohabitation, financial threshold (£29,000), English language, accommodation, and that neither partner is in another relationship. Book a free consultation with our specialists if you're unsure.
Gather Cohabitation Evidence
Collect documents proving you've lived together for 2+ years: joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, bank statements, council tax bills, and other official correspondence. Documents must span the entire 2-year period with both names at the same address.
Collect Financial Documents
Gather evidence of meeting the £29,000 income requirement: 6 months of payslips, employment letter, bank statements, tax returns (if self-employed), or savings documentation. Documents not in English must be professionally translated.
Complete Online Application
Fill out the online application form carefully, providing detailed information about you, your partner, your relationship history, and your 2+ years of cohabitation. Take your time and ensure all information is accurate and consistent.
Pay Fees and Book Appointment
Pay the application fee (£1,938 outside UK or £1,321 inside UK) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£2,587.50 per applicant for a 30-month grant). Book your biometric appointment at a visa application center. Consider priority service if you need faster processing.
Attend Biometric Appointment
Visit the visa application center for your appointment. You'll have your photo and fingerprints taken and submit your documents. Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and all supporting documents.
Wait for Decision
Standard processing takes up to 12 weeks from outside UK or 8 weeks from inside UK. Priority services are available for faster processing. You can track your application online. The Home Office may contact you for additional information if needed.
Receive Decision & Start Your Life Together
If approved, you'll receive a visa valid for 33 months with full work and study rights. After 33 months, you can extend for another 30 months. After 5 years total, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residence).
Timeline Summary
2-4 weeks
Document preparation
8-12 weeks
Processing time
33 months
Initial visa duration
Total timeline from application to arrival: 3-4 months on average
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about UK unmarried partner visas. Can't find what you're looking for? Our specialists are here to help.
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Get personalized advice about your specific unmarried partner visa situation. Our experts are available 7 days a week.
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Take our detailed assessment to understand your eligibility and get a clear roadmap for your unmarried partner visa application.
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98%+ Success Rate for Unmarried Partner Visa Applications
Our specialist knowledge and thorough preparation process has helped thousands of couples successfully obtain their UK unmarried partner visas with the current 2025 requirements.
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