Can I Get a UK Unmarried Partner Visa If Not Living Together?

Applying for a UK Unmarried Partner visa can feel daunting, especially if you and your partner do not live together. Fortunately, living apart does not automatically prevent you from applying.

You can apply for a UK Unmarried Partner visa without living together if you are in a genuine relationship akin to marriage that has lasted at least two years.

The Home Office recognises that relationships can be genuine and durable even when couples live separately due to work, study, cultural, or personal reasons.

In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about applying for an unmarried partner visa in the UK if you are not living together, how to prove your relationship, and what evidence the Home Office expects.

Living apart? Call Vanguard Solicitors now on 0208 616 5535 to get help with your UK Unmarried Partner visa, even if you don't live together.

Table of Contents

What Is an Unmarried Partner Visa UK?

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

Unlike a spouse visa, it doesn't require marriage, but it does require proof that your relationship is genuine, has lasted at least two years, and is akin to a marriage or civil partnership in terms of commitment.

To qualify, your relationship must be:

• 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 clear evidence of commitment, communication, and shared responsibilities.

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

Yes, you can apply for a UK Unmarried Partner visa if you are not living together, but you are in a genuine relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.

Since the 2024 rule changes, cohabitation is no longer strictly required. The Home Office looks at factors such as ongoing communication, shared finances, travel records, and the length of your relationship to ensure it reflects the same commitment as a marriage or civil partnership.

Eligibility Requirements for Couples Not Living Together

Even if you're not cohabiting, you must still meet the standard eligibility criteria for the Unmarried Partner Visa. These include:

• Relationship Duration: You must prove that you have been in a committed relationship for at least two years.
• Genuine Commitment: Your relationship must resemble a marriage or civil partnership in terms of emotional and financial support, mutual commitment, and shared responsibilities.
• Intention to Live Together: While you may currently live apart, you must intend to live together permanently in the UK once the visa is granted.
• Financial Requirements: You and your partner must meet the minimum income threshold or show sufficient 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 existed for at least two years before applying. Even if you have not lived together, the Home Office will consider evidence such as joint financial responsibilities, statements from your partner, and third-party verification to confirm that your relationship is genuine and subsisting.

How To Prove a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship Without Cohabitation?

Since the UK immigration rules changed in 2024, couples applying for an unmarried partner visa UK no longer have to prove they have lived together for two years. Instead, the Home Office now focuses on whether your relationship is genuine, committed, and long-term.

One of the most important factors is showing ongoing commitment. Even if you live apart, regular calls, messages, emails, or video chats can demonstrate that your relationship is active and continuing.

You should also give a clear explanation for why you have not lived together. Common reasons include work obligations, studying in different locations, or cultural and religious practices. Providing an honest and detailed explanation shows that living apart does not mean a lack of commitment.

Finally, provide strong evidence of your relationship. This might include communication records, joint financial documents, photos together, travel bookings, or written statements from your partner, friends, or family confirming the authenticity of your relationship.

By combining ongoing communication, a valid reason for living apart, and detailed supporting evidence, you can still prove a durable and subsisting relationship when applying for a UK Unmarried Partner visa, even if you are not living together.

What Evidence Is Needed If We Don't Live Together?

When applying for a UK Unmarried Partner visa while living apart, you should provide strong evidence to demonstrate the durability of your relationship.

To prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting, provide these documents:

• Photos together.
• Communication records (e.g., messages, emails, or call logs).
• Statements from your partner explaining why you live apart.
• Statements from relatives or friends verifying the relationship.
• Travel documents showing you met in person at least once.
• Letters or cards exchanged.
• Proof of children, if any (e.g., birth certificate).

What Reasons Are Acceptable for Not Living Together?

The Home Office understands that couples may live apart for legitimate reasons. Acceptable explanations for not cohabiting include:

• Professional or work commitments
• Studying in different locations
• Cultural or religious practices

Clearly explaining why you do not live together helps strengthen your UK Unmarried Partner visa application.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Living apart can raise questions from the Home Office. Some common challenges include:

• Communication gaps: Keep detailed records of calls, messages, and video chats.
• Limited joint financial commitments: Explain any reasons for separate finances and show alternative forms of shared responsibility.
• Short visits or irregular travel: Demonstrate why visits were limited and provide supporting evidence of your ongoing commitment.

Having a solicitor experienced in these cases can make a big difference. We can help gather the right evidence and present your case clearly to maximise your chances of approval.

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

Yes, including plans to live together in the UK in the future is highly recommended. Showing your intentions to cohabit demonstrates ongoing commitment and durability, which is a key requirement when applying for a UK Unmarried Partner visa while not living together.

Can Family or Friends Provide Statements?

Absolutely. Statements from friends or family can support your UK Unmarried Partner visa application by confirming your relationship is genuine and ongoing. These third-party statements are valuable, especially if you are applying for an unmarried partner visa in the UK without living together.

Conclusion

Applying for a UK Unmarried Partner visa while couples are not living together is possible, but it requires careful planning and strong evidence. Focus on demonstrating your relationship's durability, explaining the reasons for living apart, and providing detailed supporting documents. With a well-prepared application, you can show the Home Office that your relationship is genuine, committed, and deserving of approval.

How Vanguard Solicitors Can Help You Apply Successfully

At Vanguard Solicitors, we understand the complexities of applying for a UK Unmarried Partner visa while living apart. Our team can:

• Assess your eligibility and advise on the best approach
• Help you collect and organise compelling evidence
• Prepare your application to meet Home Office expectations
• Provide ongoing support until a decision is reached

Even if your situation doesn't fit the traditional cohabiting model, we can guide you every step of the way to ensure your application is as strong as possible.

Not living together? Contact Vanguard Solicitors at 0208 616 5535  or send us an enquiry online for expert help with your UK Unmarried Partner visa application.