The UK immigration rules allow unmarried couples to apply for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa even if they have not lived together, provided they can demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and has subsisted for at least two years. This significant change removes the previous strict cohabitation requirement and aligns the immigration framework more closely with modern relationship realities.
While cohabitation is no longer a legal requirement, couples must still provide strong evidence of a durable relationship similar to a marriage or civil partnership. This post outlines the documentary requirements for unmarried partner visa applicants, particularly those who have not lived together, and guides how to approach your application effectively under the updated unmarried partner visa rules.
What Are the 2025 Requirements for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
Applicants must meet the following requirements, even if they have never lived together:
- You and your partner have been in a relationship “akin to marriage or civil partnership” for at least two years before the date of application
- You are in a genuine and subsisting relationship
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK
- You meet the financial requirement, a minimum income of £29,000 per year
- You satisfy the English language requirement
- You have adequate accommodation in the UK
You can explain any reason for not having lived together, such as work, study, or cultural constraints. Applicants must demonstrate that these criteria have been met through documentary evidence. The Home Office UKVI continues to assess applications on the totality of the evidence provided.
What Kind of Evidence Should You Submit If You Haven’t Lived Together?
There is no set list of documents to prove a two-year relationship without living together. However, the stronger and more reliable your evidence, the better your chances of success. You should include documents from official or trusted sources that demonstrate the relationship is genuine. The Home Office will consider a range of evidence depending on your personal circumstances. This may include:
Communication Records
Regular communication over an extended period demonstrates the consistency of your relationship. Include:
- Call logs and messaging app screenshots (e.g. WhatsApp, Skype)
- Emails or social media exchanges
Travel History and Joint Holidays
Evidence that you’ve spent time together in person is particularly helpful:
- Flight tickets and boarding passes
- Passport stamps showing visits to each other’s countries
- Hotel or accommodation bookings
- Photographs together during visits
Third-Party Evidence of Relationship
Supportive statements from those who know your relationship well can reinforce your case:
- Letters from close family or friends confirming your relationship timeline
- Affidavits or declarations from community or religious leaders
Legal and Financial Ties
While joint finances are less common for non-cohabiting couples, evidence of shared responsibility or future planning is helpful:
- Past tenancy agreements in both names at the same address
- Joint bank accounts or shared subscriptions
- Joint home ownership, such as home title deeds or mortgage statement
- Named beneficiaries on wills, pensions, or insurance policies
Future Plans to Cohabit
The Home Office expects evidence that you plan to live together in the UK:
- Tenancy agreement or mortgage documents in both names
- Correspondence showing arrangements to live together (e.g. property viewings, housing applications)
- Job offers or relocation plans
Evidence Explaining Non-Cohabitation
Provide a clear explanation for why cohabitation was not possible:
- Employment contracts showing different locations
- Academic enrolment in separate countries
- Cultural or religious considerations
- Visa restrictions or travel limitations
Additional Supporting Documents Required for All Applicants
In addition to relationship evidence, all Unmarried Partner Visa applicants must provide documentation to satisfy the other eligibility requirements:
- Financial Requirement: The evidence required will depend on how the income requirement is met. For example, Payslips, bank statements, an employment letter and a contract showing an income of £29,000.
- English Language: Certificate of an approved English language test or evidence of an exempt qualification
- Identity: Valid passports for both partners
- Accommodation: Evidence of suitable accommodation in the UK
How Whytecroft Ford Can Help
At Whytecroft Ford, we understand that every couple’s circumstances are unique. With evolving immigration rules and subjective evidentiary requirements, a professionally prepared Unmarried Partner Visa application can significantly improve your chances of success.
Our immigration team provides:
- Detailed eligibility assessment
- Strategic advice on evidential documentation
- Review and preparation of supporting statements
- Submission and legal representation before the Home Office UKVI
To speak with an experienced immigration adviser in confidence, call us on 0208 757 5751 or use our contact form.
Read our Unmarried Partner Visa UK Requirements guide to learn more about the eligibility rules and legal framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
A durable relationship refers to a long-term partnership that is similar to a marriage or civil partnership. To qualify under this category, the couple must demonstrate that they have been in a committed relationship for at least two continuous years before the date of application.
While married couples are generally required to provide a marriage certificate as proof of relationship, unmarried partners must demonstrate that their relationship has subsisted for at least two years. As a result, the evidentiary burden for unmarried couples is typically higher, requiring more extensive documentation to satisfy the Home Office.
If you and your partner have not met in person, the Home Office may refuse the application.
