How the 5-Year UK Civil Partner Visa Works?
If you are in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled UK resident, you may be eligible for a Civil Partner visa UK. This visa allows you to live in the UK with your partner and enjoy the same legal rights as married couples, offering a 5-year route for individuals partnered with British citizens or permanent UK residents.
If you entered the UK on a Proposed Civil Partner Visa UK, you do not need to leave to formalise your partnership. Simply apply to switch to a Civil Partner Visa UK from within the UK.
Who is Eligible for a 5-Year UK Civil Partner Visa?
To be eligible for the Civil Partner Visa UK, applicants must ensure:
- Their partner meets the specific status requirements (British, Irish, settled, etc.)
- Both partners are over 18
- The relationship is legally recognised as a civil partnership in the UK
- The partnership is genuine, intending for a shared life in the UK
- Financial and accommodation needs are satisfactorily met
- English language proficiency is demonstrated
Each case is unique, and our immigration solicitors offer tailored advice, ensuring your the best chances for your application. For a free initial assessment, call 0800 0487 573.
When an Overseas Relationship Qualifies as a Civil Partnership in the UK?
Your relationship formed outside the UK might automatically be recognised as a civil partnership in the UK if it meets all of the following conditions:
- Officially Registered: It’s registered with a recognised authority in the country where it was formed.
- No Existing Marriages/Partnerships: Neither you nor your partner are currently married or in another civil partnership.
- Exclusive Commitment: The relationship is committed and treated like a marriage.
- Indefinite Duration: There’s no set end date for the relationship.
- Recognised by the UK: The type of relationship is on the official list found in Schedule 20 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (as updated).
Important Note: If your relationship meets these criteria, you may be eligible for a UK Civil Partner visa without needing to form a new civil partnership in the UK.
Civil Partner Visa UK Requirements
The Civil Partner Visa UK allows you to join or remain with your civil partner in the UK if they are:
- A British or Irish citizen
- Settled in the UK (with indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or proof of permanent residence)
- A Turkish citizen with a Businessperson or Worker visa
- Granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
You can also apply if your civil partner is currently outside the UK but intends to return with you. After 5 years on the Civil Partner Visa, you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
- To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
Your Partner:
- Holds British or Irish citizenship.
- Has settled status in the UK (indefinite leave to remain, settled status, proof of permanent residence).
- Holds a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa.
- Has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Your Relationship
- Both you and your partner are over 18 years old.
- Your relationship is not prohibited by family ties (i.e., you’re not closely related).
- You have met your partner in person.
- Your civil partnership is legally recognised in the UK.
- Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- You both intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- Any previous relationships have permanently ended.
Additional Requirements
- You must meet a minimum income requirement.
- You must have adequate accommodation for you and any dependents.
- You must demonstrate a specific level of English proficiency.
- Important Note: Specific requirements may vary slightly depending on individual circumstances. For personalised guidance, consider consulting an immigration solicitor.
Your Partner’s Eligibility as a Sponsor
To qualify for a Civil Partner Visa UK, your partner must meet one of the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Be a British or Irish citizen residing in the UK.
- Settled Status: Have indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or proof of permanent residence in the UK.
- Pre-Settled Status: Have pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (Appendix EU).
- Turkish Worker: Have limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker (Appendix ECAA).
- Refugee Status: Have refugee leave or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Important Notes:
- If your partner is a British citizen coming to the UK with you, they also fulfil the sponsorship requirement.
- If your partner is granted indefinite leave to remain at the same time as your application, that also qualifies them as a sponsor.
Age Requirement for the Civil Partner Visa UK
Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old when you apply for the Civil Partner Visa.
Civil Partner Visa UK Relationship Requirements
To qualify for this visa, your relationship must meet the following criteria:
- Legally Allowed: Your relationship must not fall within prohibited degrees of kinship (i.e., you cannot be closely related).
- Valid Civil Partnership: You must be legally in a civil partnership that is recognised in the UK.
- In-Person Meeting: You and your partner must have met in person before applying.
- Genuine and Ongoing: Your relationship must be proven as real and continuing.
- Intent to Live Together: You and your partner must plan to live together permanently in the UK.
- No Prior Entanglements: Any previous relationships (yours or your partner’s) must have ended permanently.
Important Note: The UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration) will thoroughly assess your relationship to ensure it meets these requirements.
Prohibited Degree of Relationship Requirement
The Civil Partner Visa UK prohibits civil partnerships between people who are too closely related. This is to protect against harmful or inappropriate relationships.
It Is Prohibited to Form a Civil Partnership With:
- Your direct family members: parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews. This includes adoptive relationships.
- Former step-family members (step-parents, step-children, etc.)
Additional Rule: If you are in a relationship with any of the following people, you cannot form a civil partnership until BOTH of you are 21 or older:
- Child or grandchild of your former partner (civil or marriage)
- Your former partner’s parent or grandparent
Important: These rules are complex. If you have any questions about whether your relationship qualifies, it’s best to consult an immigration solicitor.
The Requirement to Have Met in Person
For the Civil Partner Visa UK, you and your partner must have met face-to-face at least once. This means more than just briefly seeing each other in passing. You must be able to demonstrate that you had a real interaction that led to getting to know each other.
Let us know if you have questions about how to prove you’ve met this requirement!
Eligibility Criteria for Civil Partnership Formed in the UK
For your civil partnership to be valid and qualify for the Civil Partner Visa UK, it must meet these conditions:
- Monogamous: You cannot be in another marriage or civil partnership at the same time.
- Legal Process: You must have followed all official procedures, including:
- Giving notice of your intent to form a civil partnership.
- Having the ceremony at a registered location.
- Having the ceremony officiated by an authorised person.
- Age Requirement: Both you and your partner must have been at least 18 years old (in England and Wales) or 16 years old (Scotland and Northern Ireland) at the time of the ceremony.
- Official Certificate: You must have a civil partnership certificate as proof of your legal union.
How to Recognise a Civil Partnership Formed Outside the UK?
Your overseas civil partnership will be recognised in the UK if it meets the following criteria:
- Valid in Country of Origin: The type of civil partnership must be legally recognised where it took place.
- Followed Local Laws: You adhered to all legal requirements of the country where the civil partnership was formed.
- No Conflicts with Home Country Laws: The laws of both partners’ home countries (at the time of the civil partnership) allowed for its recognition.
- Prior Relationships Ended: Any previous civil partnerships (for either partner) were legally dissolved.
- Official Documentation: You have proof equivalent to a civil partnership certificate, valid according to the laws where it was issued.
How to Prove a Genuine and Ongoing Relationship?
A key requirement for the UK Civil Partner Visa is demonstrating that your relationship is real and continuing. Home Office might consider factors like:
- Length of Relationship: How long you and your partner have been together.
- Living Together: Whether you’ve lived together in the past or currently do.
- Shared Children: If you have children together (biological, adopted, or step-children) and share parenting responsibilities.
- Finances: If you share financial responsibilities (joint accounts, bills, etc.).
- Visits and Future Plans: If you’ve visited each other’s home countries, met families, and have concrete plans for living together in the UK.
Important Note: If the Home Office has doubts, they may conduct further investigations, including interviews or a home visit.
Documents and Evidence for a UK Civil Partner Visa
1. Proving Your Relationship Is Genuine
- Show regular contact through emails, messages, or call logs.
- Provide evidence of affection and emotional support (photos, gifts, trips).
- Demonstrate shared lives and future plans, including support during difficult times.
2. Living Together (Cohabitation)
- Joint documents are strongest: shared lease, utility bills, bank accounts.
- If not possible, provide documents addressed to both partners at the same address over time.
- Official documents carry more weight, but unofficial evidence may supplement.
3. If You Haven’t Lived Together
- Provide stronger proof of relationship authenticity, such as consistent communication or joint plans.
- Gather evidence showing emotional and financial interdependence.
- Be prepared for additional scrutiny from the Home Office.
4. Intent to Live Together Permanently in the UK
- Express a clear commitment to living together in the UK in your initial application.
- Limit time abroad; any absences must be justified and consistent with your intention to reside in the UK.
- The Home Office will consider reasons for travel, length of absences, and whether you maintained cohabitation during overseas periods.
5. Proof of Previous Relationships Ending
- Neither partner can be currently married or in another civil partnership.
- Provide official documents proving divorce, civil partnership dissolution, or widow/widower status.
- Ensure all documents are certified and up-to-date to avoid delays.
English Language Requirements for the UK Civil Partner Visa
To qualify for a UK Civil Partner Visa, you must prove your English language ability unless you meet an exemption.
- Initial applicants must show at least A1 CEFR level; after 5 years, A2 CEFR level is required.
- Citizens of majority English-speaking countries may be exempt.
- Passing an approved English test at the required level demonstrates proficiency.
- Holding a degree taught in English (UK or recognised equivalent) can satisfy the requirement.
- Applicants over 65, with a disability, or facing exceptional circumstances may be exempt.
- Evidence must clearly show your ability or eligibility for exemption.
- Applications will be refused if the English requirement isn’t met or an exemption doesn’t apply.
Meeting this requirement ensures your visa application can proceed without delays.
What are the Financial Requirements for UK Civil Partner Visa?
1. Minimum Income Requirement
- Gross annual income of at least £29,000 is required for the sponsor.
- No separate child element is needed, simplifying the criteria for families.
- Requirement applies at initial, extension, and ILR stages.
2. State Benefits Exceptions
- Certain benefits (e.g., Disability Living Allowance) can alter how the requirement is assessed.
- You must still demonstrate adequate maintenance and accommodation without public funds.
- Evidence of other financial resources will be required.
3. Acceptable Income Sources
- Employment Income: Payslips, bank statements, or contracts.
- Non-Employment Income: Rental income, dividends, or other documented sources.
- Pensions: State, occupational, or private pensions with official proof.
4. Cash Savings
- Cash savings above £16,000 held for at least six months can be counted.
- Required amounts vary by initial visa, extensions, or ILR.
- Savings can be combined with other income to meet the threshold.
5. Self-Employment Income
- Includes self-employment or income from being a company director.
- Must provide tax returns, business accounts, and proof of earnings.
- Can be combined with other income sources if needed.
6. Combining Income Sources
- Multiple income types can be added together to reach the financial threshold.
- Helps applicants meet the requirement if no single source is sufficient.
- Documentation for all combined sources is mandatory.
7. Special Circumstances
- Exceptions may apply under ECHR Article 8 for family life considerations.
- Other credible financial support may be considered if reliable and well-documented.
- Consulting an immigration solicitor ensures all rules and evidence requirements are met.
