An Unmarried Partner Visa allows a qualifying partner to join or stay with their UK-based partner without being married or in a civil partnership. The route is evidence-heavy because the couple must prove a genuine qualifying relationship.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-13.
TL;DR
An Unmarried Partner Visa is the family route for partners who are not married or in a civil partnership but meet the relationship rules. The outside-UK application fee is £2,064, initial permission is usually 2 years and 9 months, and the usual outside-UK decision time is 12 weeks.
£2,064
Outside-UK fee
2 years 9 months
Initial stay
12 weeks
Typical decision
What is an Unmarried Partner Visa?
The Unmarried Partner Visa is for a person whose partner is a qualifying person in the UK and whose relationship meets the family visa rules. GOV.UK recognises partners who have lived together for at least 2 years, and also relationships of at least 2 years where the couple cannot live together for reasons such as work, study or cultural barriers.
The application must show a genuine and continuing relationship, an intention to live together permanently in the UK, financial eligibility, English language ability and suitable accommodation.
If granted, the route normally allows work and study and can lead to settlement after 5 years on the partner route if requirements continue to be met.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Unmarried Partner Visa.
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Qualifying Relationship
The applicant must prove a durable relationship. This may be at least 2 years living together or a relationship of at least 2 years where living together has not been possible for accepted reasons.
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UK Partner Status
The UK partner must have qualifying status, such as British or Irish citizenship, settlement, certain protection status or qualifying limited permission. Both partners must be 18 or over.
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Financial and English Requirements
Most applicants must meet the £29,000 financial threshold and English language requirement unless a specific exception or transitional rule applies.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Unmarried Partner Visa.
✓ You Can
- Live with your partner in the UK if the application is granted.
- Work and study once granted as a spouse or partner, not as a fiancé.
- Include eligible children as dependants where the rules are met.
- Extend the route more than once if requirements continue to be met.
- Apply for settlement after 5 years on the qualifying partner route.
✗ You Cannot
- Claim public funds unless your immigration status later allows it.
- Count fiancé time towards settlement on the 5-year partner route.
- Rely on weak relationship evidence where the rules require proof of a genuine relationship.
- Ignore the financial requirement unless an exception or alternative route applies.
- Use visitor status as a shortcut to switch in most cases.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £2,064 outside UK |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Usually £1,035/year |
| Minimum income | Usually £29,000/year |
| Priority service | Additional fee — check current fees |
| Child dependant | Fee applies per child |
How to Apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Assess the Relationship Evidence
Identify whether the case relies on cohabitation or evidence of a durable relationship where living together was not possible.
Prepare Supporting Documents
Collect identity, relationship, accommodation, income and English language evidence.
Apply Online
Submit the family partner visa application from outside the UK.
Attend Biometrics
Provide fingerprints, photograph and documents through the visa application centre process.
Receive Your Decision
Outside-UK unmarried partner applications are usually decided within 12 weeks.
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Fill in the form and an immigration specialist will be in touch within one business day.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Unmarried Partner Visa from employers and applicants.
What is an Unmarried Partner Visa UK?
An Unmarried Partner Visa is a family visa for a partner who is not married to, or in a civil partnership with, the UK-based sponsor. The relationship must still meet the partner rules and be genuine and continuing.
Do unmarried partners need to live together for 2 years?
GOV.UK lists living together for at least 2 years as one way to prove the relationship. It also recognises a relationship of at least 2 years where the couple cannot live together because of work, study or cultural reasons.
How much does an Unmarried Partner Visa cost?
The 2026 Home Office outside-UK Route to Settlement fee is £2,064. The IHS and any priority service fees are separate.
How long is an Unmarried Partner Visa granted for?
A first partner visa granted from outside the UK is usually for 2 years and 9 months. It is normally extended for 2 years and 6 months later.
What income is needed for an Unmarried Partner Visa?
The usual minimum income requirement for partner applications is £29,000 a year. Transitional and exception rules may apply in limited situations.
Can I work on an Unmarried Partner Visa?
Yes. Once granted as a partner, the applicant can usually work and study in the UK.
Does the Unmarried Partner Visa lead to settlement?
Yes. The partner route can lead to settlement after 5 years if the applicant remains on the qualifying 5-year route and continues to meet the rules.
What evidence helps an unmarried partner application?
Useful evidence can include joint bills, tenancy or mortgage documents, bank statements, travel records, communication records and evidence explaining any periods apart.
Can I apply if we have not lived together?
Possibly, if you can prove a relationship of at least 2 years and explain why living together was not possible. The evidence must show an ongoing commitment to each other.
How long does an Unmarried Partner Visa take?
Partner applications outside the UK usually take 12 weeks under the published family service standard.
Speak to Our Partner Visa Advisers
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.