The UK Unmarried Partner Visa lets unmarried couples live together in the UK when one partner is a British citizen or settled in the UK. It is part of the UK Family Visa route and gives partners the right to live, work, and study in the UK.
Can I bring my unmarried partner to the UK?
Yes, you can bring your unmarried partner to the UK, but only if you meet the rules for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa (also called the Unmarried Partner route under the UK Family Visa).
What is UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa is for long-term partners who are not married or in a civil partnership but have lived together for at least two years in a relationship like marriage. It allows the non-UK partner to stay in the country with their British or settled partner.
What can you do on this visa?
Work in the UK (any job or self-employment).
Study at any level.
Travel in and out of the UK freely.
You cannot access public funds or benefits.
How long can you stay in the UK with an unmarried partner visa?
If applying from outside the UK, you’ll get 33 months of stay.
If applying inside the UK, you’ll get 30 months.
You can extend for another 30 months before it expires.
After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and later for British citizenship.
UK Unmarried Partner Visa eligibility
You can apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa if:
Your partner is a British citizen, has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or refugee status.
You are both 18 or older.
You have lived together in a genuine relationship for at least two years.
You plan to live together permanently in the UK.
UK Unmarried Partner Visa requirements
To qualify for the Unmarried Partner Visa UK, you must meet these key requirements:
1. Relationship requirement
You must prove you’ve lived together for two or more years and are in a genuine, ongoing relationship. Evidence can include joint bills, rental agreements, or bank statements.
2. What is the minimum income for a UK partner visa?
You (or your partner) must have a minimum annual income of £29,000.
Savings or self-employment income can also count if they meet UKVI rules.
3. English language
The applicant must meet the required English language level — typically CEFR A1 on first application for a partner route.
From January 2026, migrants applying for key visa routes will need to show an A-level standard of English, also known as B2 level English under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Explore the new immigrants’ English language requirement here.
4. Accommodation
You need proof of adequate accommodation in the UK without using public funds.
So, what evidence is needed for an unmarried partner in the UK?
Category | Examples of evidence |
Identity | Passports, residence permit, immigration status documents |
Relationship | Joint bills, leases, bank accounts, photos, travel records |
Financial | Payslips, bank statements, employer letter, tax returns, savings proof |
Accommodation | Tenancy agreement, ownership deed, letter from landlord |
English Language | Test certificate or degree in English |
Other | Cover letter, TB test, divorce certificate (if applicable) |
How to apply for UK Unmarried Partner Visa
Your partner can apply for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa online by uploading documents and attending a biometric appointment.
If they’re abroad: Apply for entry clearance.
If they’re in the UK on another visa: Apply to switch to the partner route.
How long does it take to get an UK unmarried partner visa?
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa usually takes:
Around 12 weeks if you apply from outside the UK (entry clearance).
About 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK (switching or extending).
You can pay for a priority service (if available) to get a faster decision.
Processing times can vary depending on the country, application volume, and complexity of your case. It’s best to apply well before travel or visa expiry to avoid delays.
What does unmarried partner mean on an UK visa?
On a UK visa, an unmarried partner is someone in a genuine, long-term relationship with a British or settled person, without being married or in a civil partnership. The couple must usually have lived together for at least two years and intend to live together permanently in the UK.
3 common reasons for refusal
Not enough proof of living together.
Missing or invalid financial documents.
Applying with incorrect visa type.
To avoid refusal, prepare all documents carefully and check the latest UKVI guidance.
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa is a key route for unmarried couples to live together in the UK. With the right documents and preparation, it offers a clear path to settlement and eventually British citizenship. Always use updated government rules when applying to ensure success.
