Applying for a UK unmarried partner visa comes with questions, uncertainty, and for many couples, their fair share of anxiety. With changing immigration rules and the ever-strict evidential standards, it’s important to be fully informed before applying. This article will give you clarity, confidence, and a realistic picture of what the process involves if you and your unmarried partner want to build a life together in the UK.
Whether you’ve already lived together for years or you’re in a long-distance relationship and planning to join your partner, this article will walk you through the UK unmarried partner visa 2025 requirements, what matters most, common pitfalls, and how to strengthen your application.
If you’d like professional help tailored to your circumstances, the legal advice is always a legal professional, Mulgrave Law offers a free initial 30-minute consultation.
What is the UK unmarried partner visa?
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa is part of the family visa route under the UK immigration rules (Appendix “Relationship with a Partner” / Appendix FM). This route is designed for couples who are in a committed, long-term relationship but are not married or in a civil partnership.
As stated by the Home Office, the sponsoring partner must be one of:
- A British citizen, or
- A person with settled status / Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or
- A person with pre-settled status, refugee status, or humanitarian protection.
What this visa recognises is a relationship “akin to marriage or civil partnership” not yet formalised by a certificate, but supported by real-life evidence of commitment, co-living (or otherwise), and shared plans.
Difference between the UK unmarried partner visa and a UK spouse visa
Though both visas fall under the family/partner visa framework, the differences hinge on the nature of the relationship:
Unmarried Partner Visa
- No legal marriage or civil partnership is required.
- Requires evidence of a committed relationship “similar to marriage or civil partnership” typically demonstrated by at least two years’ shared history (cohabitation or otherwise, depending on circumstances).
- The Home Office looks closely at how genuine the relationship is, giving particular importance to supporting documents, shared responsibilities, the couple’s history together, and their plans for the future.
Spouse / Civil Partner Visa
- Requires a legal marriage or civil partnership (certified by a marriage/civil partnership certificate).
- Cohabitation is helpful but not strictly required. The legal status of the relationship is the primary basis.
- Documentation requirements are generally a little more straightforward: proof of marriage, relationship status, and standard financial / accommodation requirements.
If you’re married (or about to marry), the Spouse Visa route is often more secure and simpler. If you are genuinely committed but not married, the Unmarried Partner Visa provides a route, but with stronger evidential demands.
Key eligibility requirements (2025) for the unmarried partner visa
To succeed with your application, you must meet all of the following:
• Genuine and subsisting relationship
You must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine, committed, and ongoing. This typically involves providing a combination of evidence, such as joint tenancy or utility bills, shared bank accounts, mutual financial responsibilities, and a history of living together. If you have not cohabited, you can instead submit proof of regular visits, consistent communication, and shared commitments that show the relationship is durable and long-term.
• Two-year relationship history
Under current guidance, the relationship must be similar to a marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. The Home Office states couples must meet the “two-year durable relationship” requirement. While two years is the standard benchmark, evidence must show the relationship’s continuity and commitment not simply sporadic contact.
• Sponsor eligibility
Your UK-based partner must be eligible (citizen, ILR, settled/pre-settled status, or protected status) to act as sponsor.
• Financial requirement
One of the key UK unmarried partner visa 2025 requirements is meeting the minimum financial threshold. As of 2024/2025, the sponsor must have a gross annual income of at least £29,000, which can also be met through savings, pensions, self-employment, or other lawful income sources. Ensuring your finances meet this requirement is essential for a successful application.
• Suitable accommodation
You must be able to demonstrate that you have adequate and lawful accommodation. Your property must not be overcrowded, must meet health and safety standards, and provide a safe living environment for you and your partner. Supporting documents such as tenancy agreements, property ownership papers, or utility bills can help prove this requirement is met.
• English language (if required)
Applicants may need to meet the English language requirement (unless exempt) depending on route and particular circumstances.
• Meeting in person & adult age
Both partners must be over 18, have met in person (at least once), and must not be within a prohibited degree of relationship under UK law.
What are the costs and processing times?
As with all UK partner visas, there are fees to consider, these vary depending on where you apply from inside or outside the UK.
Fees & Surcharge
- Visa application fee for outside the UK: £1,846
- Visa application fee for inside the UK (switch/extension): £1,048
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (charged upfront)
Because the visa is issued for multiple years, the total IHS payable can add up quickly.
Processing times (as of 2025)
- Outside UK applications: up to 12 weeks standard service.
- Inside UK applications: up to 8 weeks standard processing.
- Priority processing: where available, decisions are sometimes issued in around 5 working days.
However, actual times vary depending on Home Office workload, completeness, and strength of the application. Immigration lawyers advise to factor in delays and allow buffer time, especially if your relocation depends on visa approval.
What if you cannot meet the two-year
cohabitation rule exactly?
This is a common issue many couples have genuine long-term relationships, but because of work, studies, or cultural reasons, have not lived together continuously for two years.
What the rules say
Under the definition of “partner” for visa purposes, the couple must have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. The core requirement is relationship durability, not necessarily two years of shared address. However, the stronger your evidence of commitment, continuity, and shared life plans, the better for your application.
What you can do if you haven’t co-habited
- Provide evidence of regular visits or time spent together (flight tickets, travel bookings, accommodation bookings).
- Show proof of ongoing communication (e.g., WhatsApp, emails, messages) over time.
- Demonstrate shared financial responsibilities or transactions (money transfers, joint bank account, gifts, shared bills).
- Show plans or commitments (engagement, planning to move in together, shared property, planned joint finances).
- Letters/statements from friends or family who can attest to your relationship history (though these should support, not replace, documentary evidence).
That being said, because the Home Office’s assessment is discretionary and subjective, this remains one of the higher-risk applications. For such cases, legal advice or representation is strongly recommended.
Need help with your UK immigration matter?
Whether you are applying for a UK unmarried partner visa, UK spouse visa, Indefinite Leave to Remain, or have another immigration concern, specialist London immigration solicitors at Mulgrave Law are here to provide expert guidance. We offer clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances to help you navigate the application process with confidence.
Book your free initial 30-minute consultation today:
- Complete our simple online enquiry form on our Contact page.
- Call our London office at 0207 253 7248 to speak directly with our friendly team.
- Email us at info@mulgravelaw.co.uk with a brief description of your immigration matter.
What if you are married / civil partnership, or plan to marry soon?
If you are legally married or in a civil partnership or intend to be, then the Unmarried Partner Visa might not be the ideal route. Instead:
- If already married / civil partner: you should apply via the Spouse / Civil Partner Visa route.
- If planning to marry soon, consider whether to wait until after marriage to apply, or explore a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa (if eligible).
Applying as a spouse generally offers:
- simpler documentation (marriage certificate instead of long-term relationship evidence),
- lower evidential burden,
- potentially lower risk of refusal.
Can you bring dependants (children) or other dependents under this visa?
Yes, when eligible, your partner visa application can include dependants (e.g., children) to come with you. Each dependent must meet the relevant requirements (financial, accommodation, suitability) and pay their separate fees and IHS surcharge.
For couples intending to settle in the UK long-term, the partner visa route can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) after a required period of continuous residence and compliance with conditions. Learn more about ILR.
What happens if your application is refused?
Visa refusals can occur for a variety of reasons, some are avoidable, while others are more complex. Based on our experience at Mulgrave Law, common grounds for refusal of a UK unmarried partner visa 2025 application include:
- Insufficient evidence of cohabitation or the genuineness of the relationship
- Failure to meet financial, accommodation, or English language requirements
- Incomplete or incorrectly completed application forms
- Inadequate supporting documentation
- Inconsistencies in evidence or applicant statements
If your visa application is refused, you may still have options:
- Appeal or Administrative Review: if there was a legal, procedural, or factual error in the decision
- Re-apply: with a stronger, better-prepared evidence pack
- Switch to a different route: for example, a Spouse Visa (if you marry) or a fiancé(e) visa
Professional representation from a reputable law firm like Mulgrave Law significantly improves your chances of success, especially in appeal cases. If you would like to explore your options or need support preparing a re-application or appeal, our specialist immigration team is ready to advise and assist. Call 0207 253 7248 for a FREE initial consultation or email us with your immigration matter at info@mulgravelaw.co.uk
Frequently asked questions about UK unmarried partner visa applications
1. Can long-distance couples apply if we have lived apart due to work or study?
Yes. The requirement is to show a durable relationship of at least two years, not necessarily cohabitation. If you provide strong, credible evidence of visits, communication, joint commitments, and plans, long-distance relationships are eligible.
2. What kind of evidence is considered best to prove a genuine relationship?
Strong evidence includes a mixture of:
- Joint tenancy or lease agreements, utility or council tax bills in both names
- Joint bank statements or financial transactions
- Travel tickets, booking confirmations for holidays or visits together
- Photos together over time (backed by dated metadata if possible), passport stamps, messages, or call logs (though Home Office tends to treat some digital evidence as weaker)
- Evidence of shared responsibilities (children, finances), future plans (plans to live together, wedding plans), and statements from third parties (family/friends), though these are supplementary, not primary evidence.
3. How long will the visa be granted for, and when can we apply for settlement (ILR)?
Typically, initial leave under the partner route is granted for a period (e.g., 2.5 years). After continuous residence and meeting financial, English language, and suitability requirements, you may apply for settlement ILR. Learn more about ILR.
4. What if the Home Office requests more evidence after we apply?
It is not uncommon for the Home Office to issue a “request for further information/evidence”. If this happens, respond promptly and comprehensively.
Seek legal advice if the request is unclear or seems unreasonable. Your response can make or break the application.
5. Are dependants allowed, e.g., children?
Yes. Eligible dependants can be included in the application, provided that the financial and accommodation requirements for dependants are met.
How Mulgrave Law can help you
At Mulgrave Law, our immigration solicitors understand that every relationship is unique, and that a “standard checklist” doesn’t always reflect your circumstances. Our team takes the stress out of the process by offering a comprehensive, end-to-end service for your UK unmarried partner visa 2025 application, from initial assessment to post-submission support, with a level of expertise and care that is second to none.
We can help you by:
- Assessing whether your relationship meets the “durable relationship” standard and advising on the best approach
- Guiding you on how to prove a genuine relationship for a partner visa UK, including the types of evidence that will most effectively support your application
- Preparing and submitting a complete, professional application to minimise the risk of refusal
- Supporting you with appeals or Administrative Reviews, if necessary
- Advising on long-term immigration planning, including Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Whether you need tailored support, professional application preparation, or simply a second opinion, our expert team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Book your free initial 30-minute consultation today: Speak to an expert UK immigration lawyer.
Please note: UK Immigration rules frequently change, and the information provided in this article may not reflect the most current legal requirements. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, we recommend contacting Mulgrave Law to arrange a consultation with our specialist immigration team.