When applying for a UK Spouse Visa, one of the most important requirements is proving that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This is known as the UK Spouse Visa proof of relationship. You must show the Home Office that your marriage or partnership is real, recognised under UK law, and that you intend to live together permanently in the UK.
What counts as UK Spouse Visa proof of relationship?
To meet the UK Spouse Visa relationship requirement, you must show that:
You are legally married or in a civil partnership, or have lived together for at least two years in a relationship like marriage.
You and your partner have met in person.
The relationship is genuine and subsisting (ongoing and not just for immigration purposes).
Any previous marriage or civil partnership has legally ended.
You intend to live together permanently in the UK after the visa is granted.
Simply providing a marriage certificate is not enough — you need to provide a range of documents that prove your relationship is real.
Key documents for UK Spouse Visa proof of relationship
The Home Office expects you to provide a mix of documents covering different parts of your relationship. Here are the main categories:
Category | Examples of accepted documents | Purpose / What it shows |
A. Legal or Formal Relationship Proof | - Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate- Proof of at least 2 years of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)- Joint tenancy agreements or shared bills from the same address | Confirms your legal relationship or long-term cohabitation as a couple |
B. Evidence of Living Together | - Joint tenancy or mortgage agreements- Utility bills or council tax bills in both names- Bank statements or official letters showing the same address | Proves that you live together at the same address and share a home |
C. Shared Finances and Responsibilities | - Joint bank account statements- Shared savings or investments- Insurance or pension documents naming each other- Children’s birth or adoption certificates | Demonstrates financial interdependence and shared responsibilities |
D. Communication and Visits | - Photos together across different times and locations- Travel tickets, hotel bookings, or trip itineraries- Chat logs, call records, or email exchanges- Relationship statement or timeline describing your history | Shows ongoing communication, visits, and emotional connection |
E. Additional Supporting Evidence | - Social media posts or invitations addressed to both- Letters from friends or family confirming your relationship- Future housing or living plans in the UK | Supports your intention to live together permanently in the UK |
If you have lived apart
If you and your partner haven’t lived together continuously, explain why. Valid reasons may include work, study, or visa restrictions. Provide:
Travel evidence showing visits, such as flight tickets or hotel bookings.
Communication records showing regular contact.
A short personal statement explaining why you were apart and how you plan to live together in the UK.
Distance alone does not cause refusal — what matters is that you can prove your relationship is genuine and active.
Check out the UK Spouse Visa requirements checklists for:
Common mistakes to avoid
Many applications are refused due to simple errors in presenting relationship evidence. Avoid:
Sending only your marriage certificate without additional proof.
Providing documents with different addresses or outdated information.
Failing to explain periods of living apart.
Submitting only photos or chat logs without official evidence.
Missing certified translations for non-English documents.
To meet the UK Spouse Visa proof of relationship requirement, you must provide a clear set of documents showing your relationship is real, committed, and ongoing. Combine legal documents, proof of shared living, financial connections, and regular communication to build a complete picture.
A well-organised, consistent set of evidence will show the Home Office that your relationship is genuine and that you both plan to live together permanently in the UK.
