The rules, answered · checked 7 November 2026
Can unmarried partners apply for a UK partner visa?
Quick answer
Yes. Partners who aren’t married or in a civil partnership can apply if they have lived together in a relationship like marriage for at least two years before applying, with the same money, English and home rules.
What the rules say
Which relationships count
Married or in a civil partnership; or not married but living together like a married couple for at least two years before applying; or engaged to marry (or form a civil partnership) within six months of arriving, on the fiancé or proposed civil partner visa. Both partners must be 18 or over, must have met in person, the relationship must be genuine and continuing, and both must intend to live together permanently in the UK. Any earlier marriage or civil partnership must have ended.
From GOV.UK: Immigration Rules, Appendix FM, checked 7 November 2026.
Who the UK partner can be
The partner in the UK must be a British or Irish citizen, settled in the UK (indefinite leave or settled status), an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen with pre-settled status who lived in the UK before 1 January 2021, someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection, or a Turkish worker or businessperson visa holder.
From GOV.UK, checked 7 November 2026.
On your tracker
Answer seven questions and the tracker lists these, where they apply to you, with the dates each must fall between and every requirement to tick:
- Proof you’ve lived together for two years
- Photos of you together
- How you keep in touch, and proof you’ve met in person
Information, not immigration advice. Whether your documents meet a rule is a judgement only a regulated adviser can make: have your bundle checked.