UK Partner Visa Requirements

To qualify for a UK Partner Visa, couples must be over 18, in a genuine relationship, and meet financial, accommodation, and English language requirements.

Not sure if you meet the UK Partner Visa requirements? Call our expert immigration solicitors in London on 020 3417 3700 for legal advice.

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What Is a UK Partner Visa?

The Partner Visa (also called the Family Visa) allows non-UK nationals to live with their British or settled partner in the UK. You must either be legally married, in a civil partnership, or in a genuine, long-term relationship (typically living together for at least two years).

What Are the Key UK Partner Visa Requirements in 2026?

To qualify for a UK Partner Visa, you and your partner must be at least 18, in a genuine relationship, and must intend to live together permanently in the UK. You'll need to meet the financial requirement, show you have adequate accommodation, confirm any previous relationships have ended, and meet the English language requirement.

Key requirements for a successful UK Partner Visa application include:

1. Both partners must be 18 years or older.
2. You must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship.
3. Your spouse must be a British citizen or have settled status.
4. You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
5. Your partner (the sponsor) must earn at least £29,000 per year or meet the savings threshold.
6. You must have adequate accommodation arranged in the UK.
7. You meet the English language requirement (unless exempt).
8. Any previous relationships have permanently ended.
9. You must have met your partner in person before applying.
10. You may need to complete a tuberculosis (TB) test, if applicable.

You must meet all other requirements outlined in Appendix FM of the immigration rules, depending on your circumstances.

1. Age Requirement

Both you and your partner must be 18 years or older at the time of application. This ensures both individuals are legally capable of entering into a committed relationship or marriage.

2. Genuine and Subsisting Relationship

You must prove that you are in a genuine and subsisting relationship, such as marriage, civil partnership, or living together in a marriage-like relationship for a minimum of two years.

The Home Office expects clear evidence that your partnership is genuine and subsisting. This can include joint bank statements, photos together over time, communication records, or affidavits from family and friends confirming your relationship.

3. Sponsor Must Be a British Citizen or Have Settled Status

Your partner must be a British citizen or have settled status in the UK, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), EU Settled Status, or permanent residence. This requirement ensures that the applicant is joining a partner with lawful long-term residence rights in the country.

Your partner must be one of the following:

• A British or Irish citizen
• Settled in the UK (e.g. ILR, settled status, or permanent residence)
• An EU, EEA, or Swiss national with pre-settled status (living in the UK before 1 January 2021)
• A holder of a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa
• Someone with refugee or humanitarian protection in the UK

4. Intention to Live Together in the UK

You must show that you intend to live together permanently in the UK after your visa is granted. Temporary or short-term living arrangements are generally not accepted, as the visa aims to support family life in the UK.

5. Financial Requirement

Your sponsoring partner must earn a minimum income of £29,000 per year (as of 2025) or meet the savings threshold if their income falls short. This financial requirement is designed to ensure that the couple can support themselves without relying on public funds.

6. Adequate Accommodation Requirement

You must have suitable living arrangements in the UK, meaning your home won't be overcrowded and meets public health standards.

You must provide evidence of adequate accommodation where you intend to live in the UK. This accommodation must meet safety and space standards to ensure it's adequate for both partners and any dependents.

7. English Language Requirement

The applicant must be able to speak and understand English to a required level, usually proven through an approved English language test or academic qualifications taught in English.

For your first UK Partner Visa, you must meet the English requirement at CEFR level A1 or above, unless exempt (for example, if you come from an English-speaking country or meet certain age or medical exemptions).

8. Previous Relationships Must Be Over

If either partner has been previously married or in a civil partnership, they must provide legal evidence that the earlier relationship has ended. This typically means a decree absolute (divorce certificate) or dissolution document.

9. You Must Have Met in Person

You and your partner must have met face-to-face at least once before applying for a UK Partner Visa. Relationships conducted only online or via long-distance communication generally do not meet this requirement.

10. Tuberculosis (TB) Test

Applicants from certain countries will need to take a TB test at a Home Office-approved clinic if staying in the UK for more than 6 months.

What Evidence Do You Need for a UK Partner Visa?

To apply for a UK Partner Visa, you'll need to show that your relationship is genuine, committed, and ongoing. The Home Office expects clear, consistent evidence that you and your partner are in a real relationship, whether you're married, in a civil partnership, or a long-term de facto relationship.

Here's what you should include:

• Marriage/Civil Partnership: If married or in a civil partnership, provide the official certificate. 
• Cohabitation (Unmarried Partners): Provide proof you've lived together for at least 2 years, e.g. joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, or council tax bills in both names.
• Communication records: Call logs, messages, and emails showing regular contact.
• Financial ties: Joint bank accounts, shared bills, or financial support sent between you.
• Travel and photos: Holiday bookings, travel documents, and photographs together.
• Personal statements: Written accounts from both partners (and optionally, friends/family) describing the relationship.
• Joint responsibilities: Evidence of shared life commitments, like raising children or planning a future together.

The stronger your relationship evidence, the more likely your UK Partner Visa application will succeed. It's all about showing that your relationship is genuine and not just for immigration purposes.

Can I Bring My Unmarried Partner to the UK?

Yes, you can bring your unmarried partner to the UK if you've been in a genuine, committed relationship for at least 2 years, similar to marriage or a civil partnership. You'll need to show that you plan to live together permanently and that any previous relationships have ended for good.

Can You Get a UK Partner Visa Without Living Together?

Yes, you can still apply for a UK Partner Visa even if you don't currently live together. While cohabitation can help prove your relationship, it's not a strict requirement. You'll need to provide strong evidence that your relationship is genuine, committed, and ongoing.

How Much Bank Balance Do You Need for a UK Partner Visa?

If you're applying for a UK Partner Visa using cash savings alone, you'll need at least £88,500 saved in a personal or joint bank account. These savings must have been held for at least 6 months before your application and must be easily accessible. You'll also need to show clear evidence of the source and legality of the funds.

How Much Do I Need to Earn to Bring My Partner to the UK?

If you're planning to bring your partner to the UK on a family or spouse visa, you'll usually need to show that you earn at least £29,000 per year. This minimum income requirement applies to most new partner visa applications submitted on or after 11 April 2024.

Need Assistance with Your UK Partner Visa Application?

At Wembley Solicitors, our expert immigration lawyers specialise in UK Spouse Visa and Partner Visa applications. Whether you're applying from overseas or already in the UK, we provide clear, reliable legal advice to give your application the best chance of success.

For expert advice and help with your UK Partner Visa application, call Wembley Solicitors on 020 3417 3700 or complete our online contact form.