UK Unmarried Partner Visa Without Living Together

Applying for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa can feel stressful, especially if you and your partner are not living together. The good news is that living separately doesn't automatically disqualify you from applying.

Couples who haven't lived together can still apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa if their relationship has been genuine and ongoing for at least two years.

This guide explains how to apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa when not living together, how to prove your relationship, and what evidence the Home Office expects to see.

If you need legal advice or assistance with your UK Unmarried Partner visa application, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 or fill out our online contact form.

Table of Contents

What Is a UK Unmarried Partner Visa?

The UK Unmarried Partner Visa allows individuals in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or settled person to join their partner in the UK.

Unlike a Spouse Visa, marriage isn't required, but you must prove that your relationship is genuine, subsisting, and has lasted for at least two years.

To qualify, you must show that your relationship is:

• Genuine and subsisting, similar in nature to a marriage or civil partnership.
• At least two years long before the date of your application.
• Supported by credible evidence showing emotional, financial, and practical commitment.

Can I Apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa If We Don't Live Together?

Yes, you can apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa without living together, provided your relationship has been genuine and committed for at least two years.

Following the Home Office's 2024 immigration rule update, cohabitation is no longer a strict requirement. Instead, caseworkers assess the strength of your relationship using evidence such as ongoing communication, shared financial commitments, travel history, and proof of emotional connection.

Eligibility Requirements for Couples Living Apart

Even if you're not cohabiting, you must still meet the core eligibility criteria for the Unmarried Partner Visa:

• Relationship Duration: Your relationship must have existed for at least two years before applying.
• Genuine Commitment: You must show emotional and financial support for each other, similar to married couples.
• Intention to Live Together: You must plan to live together permanently in the UK once your visa is granted.
• Financial Requirement: You and your partner must meet the minimum income threshold (£29,000 as of 2024) or demonstrate adequate savings to support yourselves without public funds.

How Long Does the Relationship Need to Be?

To qualify for an Unmarried Partner Visa UK, your relationship must have lasted a minimum of two years before the date of application.

Even if you've lived apart, the Home Office will review your documentation, such as communication records, joint finances, or third-party letters, to ensure your relationship is genuine and subsisting.

How to Prove a Genuine Relationship Without Cohabitation

Since the UK immigration rule changes in 2024, couples no longer need to prove two years of cohabitation. What matters most is the authenticity and durability of your relationship.

You can demonstrate this by:

• Providing regular communication evidence (calls, messages, emails, and video chats).
• Explaining why you live apart (e.g. work, study, visa issues, or cultural reasons).
• Submitting strong supporting evidence, including photos, travel records, financial proof, and letters from friends or family confirming your relationship's authenticity.

A clear explanation of your circumstances, backed by evidence, helps the Home Office understand that living apart does not mean your relationship lacks commitment.

Evidence to Provide When Living Apart

When applying for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa while living separately, it is essential to provide strong documentation.

You can include:

• Photos taken together during your visits
• Communication logs (texts, emails, or call records)
• Written statements explaining why you live apart
• Letters from friends or family confirming your relationship
• Travel records or booking receipts from visits
• Greeting cards or letters exchanged
• Birth certificates of any shared children

The more comprehensive and consistent your evidence, the stronger your application will be.

Acceptable Reasons for Not Living Together

The Home Office recognises that couples may live apart for legitimate reasons. Common and acceptable explanations include:

• Work or professional obligations in different locations
• Studying in separate cities or countries
• Religious or cultural practices
• Temporary visa restrictions or family responsibilities

Providing a clear, genuine reason helps show that your separation is circumstantial, not emotional or relational.

Common Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

Unmarried Partner Visa applicants who live apart often face additional scrutiny from the Home Office. Some of the most common challenges include:

• Communication gaps: Keep detailed logs of messages, calls, and social interactions.
• Lack of joint finances: Explain why finances are separate and highlight other forms of shared commitment.
• Limited visits: Provide evidence of your efforts to stay connected and reasons why travel may have been limited (such as work or visa restrictions).

Having an experienced immigration solicitor can make a huge difference. Our solicitor can help present your case clearly, gather the right documents, and ensure your application meets Home Office expectations.

Do We Need to Show Plans to Live Together in the Future?

Yes, outlining your plans to live together in the UK is highly recommended to strengthen your Unmarried Partner Visa application. Evidence such as a rental agreement, property search, or written statements about your intentions to cohabit can show that your relationship is genuine and built for the long term.

Can Friends or Family Provide Supporting Statements?

Absolutely. Third-party statements from friends or relatives confirming the authenticity of your relationship can be powerful supporting evidence. These testimonials help validate your relationship, particularly when you and your partner haven't lived together.

How Wembley Solicitors Can Help

Applying for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa without living together is entirely possible, but it requires careful preparation and well-documented evidence. Focus on proving that your relationship is genuine, committed, and durable, even if you live apart.

With the right guidance and documentation, your application can clearly demonstrate your eligibility under the Home Office's 2024 rules.

At Wembley Solicitors, we specialise in helping couples successfully apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, including those who live separately.

Our immigration experts can:

• Assess your eligibility and advise on the best approach
• Help gather and organise strong supporting evidence
• Prepare your application according to Home Office requirements
• Offer full legal support until a decision is made

If you and your partner are not living together, we can still help you secure your visa with confidence.

Call Wembley Solicitors on 0203 417 3700 for legal advice and help with your UK Unmarried Partner Visa application, even when living separately.