Bring your partner to the UK with confidence. Gentili Stark Solicitors advise on Unmarried Partner (Durable Relationship) applications under Appendix FM. We help you evidence a genuine, durable relationship, meet the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR), and avoid common pitfalls that cause refusals.
Spouse Visa vs Unmarried Partner Visa (at a glance)
Spouse Visa: Married/civil partners; proof includes marriage/civil partnership certificate, relationship evidence, MIR, accommodation, English.
Unmarried Partner Visa: Not married; must evidence a 'durable relationship' akin to marriage/civil partnership. Two years’ cohabitation is strong evidence but not strictly required if durability can be proved with other evidence. MIR and other requirements still apply.
Who this page is for
Couples who are not married or in a civil partnership and wish to live together in the UK, either applying from overseas or switching in-country.
What is an Unmarried Partner (Durable Relationship) Visa?
This route allows a non‑UK national in a durable relationship with a British or settled partner to live in the UK. Grants are typically 30 months in‑country or 33 months from overseas, with work permitted and a path to settlement after five years on the standard route.
Eligibility at a glance
- Both partners 18+.
- A genuine, durable relationship akin to marriage/civil partnership.
- Intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- English-language requirement met (where required).
- Adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds.
- Meet the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR).
Durable relationship – evidence
Cohabitation for two years remains strong evidence, but is not mandatory if durability is shown by other proof: joint tenancy/mortgage, joint bills/finances, correspondence to same address, travel and communication records, photos, declarations, and third‑party statements.
Financial Requirement (MIR)
For new partner applications made on or after 11 April 2024, the MIR is £29,000 gross per year. Transitional applicants whose first partner application pre‑dated that date (and who remain with the same partner) may continue under previous MIR rules for extensions. Savings can bridge a shortfall using the formula £16,000 + 2.5 × shortfall.
Evidence checklists
Salaried employment: payslips (usually 6 months), employer letter, and matching bank statements.
Self‑employment/director: CT600, accounts, accountant’s letter if required, Companies House, company & personal bank statements, dividend vouchers.
Other income & savings: rental income (title/tenancy + statements), pensions (official letters + statements), cash savings (held 6+ months).
How the application works (step‑by‑step)
- Consultation with a solicitor and route confirmation.
- Document plan (relationship + finance + accommodation evidence).
- Collation and quality check of specified evidence.
- Online forms and legal representations.
- Biometrics appointment and priority service, where available.
- Decision and next steps (extension/ILR planning).
Processing times & priority
Standard times vary by location and capacity; in‑country decisions often take weeks; outside‑UK decisions may take several months. Priority/Super Priority may be available in some locations.
Fees & IHS
Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) change periodically. We confirm the latest figures before submission and plan your application to avoid extra costs. IHS is charged per year of leave; partner grants are typically 2.5 years.
