UK Unmarried Partner Visa Requirements in 2025

Applying for a UK Unmarried Partner visa can feel overwhelming, but understanding the rules and requirements makes the process much easier. This visa is designed for couples who are in a genuine, committed relationship but are not legally married or in a civil partnership. It allows you to live, work, and build your life together in the UK.

To qualify for a UK Unmarried Partner visa, you must be over 18, in a genuine relationship for at least two years, and meet financial and English requirements.

This latest 2025 guide explains each requirement for the UK Unmarried Partner visa in detail to help you prepare a strong visa application.

Table of Contents

What is a UK Unmarried Partner visa?

The UK Unmarried Partner visa allows the partner of a British citizen or someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status to live in the UK. To qualify, you and your partner must be in a genuine, long-term relationship, usually lasting at least two years.

This visa is usually granted for an initial period of 2 years and 9 months, with the option to extend for another 30 months.

After living in the UK for five years under the Unmarried Partner visa, you may qualify to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), giving you permanent residence in the UK. Once settled, you can also explore the possibility of applying for British citizenship through naturalisation.

Sponsoring Partner's Immigration Status

To sponsor your UK Unmarried Partner Visa, your UK-based partner (sponsor) must have a recognised immigration status. Your partner must either:

• be a British or Irish citizen
• have indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
• have settled status
• have proof of permanent residence
• have a protection status
• have permission to stay as a refugee
• have permission to stay as a stateless person

Without this immigration status, your UK-based partner cannot sponsor your Unmarried Partner visa application.

What Are the Requirements for an Unmarried Partner Visa UK?

To qualify for a UK Unmarried Partner visa, you and your partner must meet the following requirements:

• Both you and your partner must be 18 or older.
• Your UK-based partner must be a British citizen or hold settled status.
• You must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
• Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting.
• You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• Your partner must meet the financial requirements.
• You must have suitable accommodation in the UK.
• You must meet the English language requirement.
• A tuberculosis (TB) test is required if applicable.
• You must not have breached UK immigration laws.
• You must meet other requirements depending on your circumstances.

Getting legal advice can make a significant difference in preparing your application and avoiding mistakes that could lead to delays or refusals.

Genuine and Subsisting Relationship Requirements

To qualify for a UK Unmarried Partner visa, you must prove your relationship has been genuine and subsisting akin to a marriage or civil partnership, for at least two years before the application date.

The Home Office calls this a "genuine and subsisting relationship," and you'll need to provide supporting documents like:

• Photographs of you together over time
• Communication records, such as emails, messages, or call logs
• Joint financial commitments, like bank accounts, bills, or tenancy agreements

Intention to Live Together Permanently

Both you and your partner must demonstrate that you plan to live together permanently in the UK. Evidence of this can include:

• Details of your accommodation in the UK
• Employment or study plans showing long-term settlement
• A joint statement outlining your future together

Previous Relationships Must Be Ended

If either partner was previously married or in a long-term relationship, you must provide proof that it has ended permanently. Acceptable evidence includes:

• Divorce certificate
• Legal separation documents
• Death certificate of a former spouse, if applicable

Meeting these requirements is crucial to show the Home Office that your relationship is serious, committed, and ready to continue in the UK.

Financial Requirements for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa

From 2025, the minimum income requirement for an unmarried partner visa is £29,000 gross per year. This income is usually expected to come from your UK-based partner, though certain exceptions may apply. Meeting this threshold ensures that you and your partner can support yourselves without relying on public funds.

Accepted Sources of Income

Your partner's income can come from a variety of sources, including:

• Employment or self-employment
• Pensions
• Rental income from property
• Other approved income sources

If your partner's earnings alone do not meet the requirement, you may also use savings to qualify.

Using Savings to Meet the Requirement

If relying solely on savings, you must show at least £88,500 in cash savings. Alternatively, a combination of income and savings can be used to meet the financial threshold.

English Language Requirements for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa

To apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you must demonstrate that you can read, write, speak, and understand English at a minimum of A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

You can meet this requirement in several ways:

• Passing an approved English test at or above the A1 level with a recognised provider.
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country exempts you from taking the test.
• Holding an academic qualification taught in English, such as a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree.

Meeting the English language requirement is essential to ensure your application is successful and to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively while living in the UK.

Adequate Accommodation Requirement for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa

To qualify for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you and your partner must show that you have suitable accommodation in the UK. This ensures that you can live safely and comfortably without relying on public funds.

The accommodation must meet the following criteria:

• Ownership or exclusive occupancy: The property should be owned or exclusively occupied by your UK-based partner or jointly owned or leased by both of you.
• No overcrowding: The home must meet health and safety standards and provide adequate space for everyone living there.
• Private housing: The accommodation cannot be rented from a local authority or housing association.
• No public funding: The property must not be subsidised by public funds.

How to Demonstrate Adequate Accommodation

You can meet this requirement by providing evidence such as:

• Proof of property ownership or occupancy
• Rental agreements showing the couple's names
• A letter from a friend or family member confirming that they will accommodate you

Even if you do not have suitable accommodation at the time of application, you may still apply, but you must show that adequate arrangements will be in place when you arrive in the UK.

Documents Needed to Apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa

You will need to provide:

• Your current valid passport
• Evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship with your UK-based partner
• Evidence of communication, such as emails, chats, or phone records
• Evidence that you meet the financial requirements
• Proof of Adequate Accommodation in the UK
• Evidence that you meet the English language requirement
• Details of any criminal convictions
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
• Additional supporting documents, depending on your circumstances

Can I Apply if We Haven't Lived Together for Two Years?

For most UK Unmarried Partner visa applications, applicants must show at least two years of cohabitation with their UK-based partner. In rare cases, the Home Office may accept other evidence of a committed relationship, but this is unusual. Strong supporting documents are essential if you haven't met the two-year requirement.

What Documents Prove a Genuine Relationship?

To prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting, you can submit:

• Joint bank statements and shared financial accounts
• Tenancy agreements or mortgage documents in both names
• Utility bills confirming the same address
• Photos and travel records together
• Communication evidence, such as emails, texts, or call logs

These documents help demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that your relationship is real and ongoing.

What If My UK Partner Doesn't Earn £29,000?

The minimum income requirement for the UK Unmarried Partner visa in 2025 is £29,000 gross per year. If your partner's earnings are below this, you can still qualify by using cash savings of at least £88,500, or a combination of income and savings to meet the threshold.

How Long Does the Unmarried Partner Visa Application Take?

In 2025, a UK Unmarried Partner visa application takes up to 24 weeks when applying from outside the UK, and around 8 weeks if applying from within the UK. However, you may be eligible to use Priority Service to get a faster decision.

Application processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the country from which you are applying.

Can I Work on a UK Unmarried Partner Visa?

Yes. The unmarried partner visa allows you to work and study in the UK without restrictions, making it easier to settle and integrate while living with your UK-based partner.

How Long Is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa Valid?

Typically, the UK Unmarried Partner visa is issued for 2 years and 9 months. You can then apply to extend your stay for another 2.5 years if you continue to meet the requirements.

Why Legal Help Matters

The UK Unmarried Partner visa application process can be complex. Many applications are refused due to incomplete documents or not meeting the financial or cohabitation requirements.

Consulting an experienced immigration solicitor can improve your chances of a successful application and help you navigate exceptions if you haven't met every standard rule.

How Wembley Solicitors Can Help

At Wembley Solicitors, we have extensive experience helping clients with UK Unmarried Partner visa applications. Our specialist UK immigration solicitors will:

• Assess your eligibility and explain the application process
• Advice on the Unmarried Partner visa requirements
• Advice on required supporting documents
• Accurately complete and submit your visa application
• Handle correspondence with UKVI
• Track your application and provide updates
• Provide support if your case has complexities, such as previous refusals

We are committed to providing professional and reliable legal support tailored to your situation.

Contact Wembley Solicitors Today

If you're applying for a UK Unmarried Partner visa, don't take chances with your future. Our dedicated immigration solicitors can guide you every step of the way.

If you need legal advice or help with your UK Unmarried Partner visa, contact Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 or send us an enquiry online.