When couples begin planning their UK spouse or partner visa application, one of the most common questions is: How long do we need to live together before applying? The answer depends on your relationship type and the visa category you’re applying under.
This guide from Family Visa Lawyers breaks down the latest rules, including the 2024 updates, and offers practical advice to help you prepare a strong application.
Quick Summary
- Married couples and civil partners can apply without living together first.
- Unmarried partners must show a two-year committed relationship—but not necessarily cohabitation.
- Official documents are key to proving your relationship.
- Short absences are fine; long separations need clear explanations.
- Early preparation and expert guidance can prevent costly mistakes.
Types of UK Partner Visa Applications
UK immigration law recognises several types of relationships, each with its own visa route:
- Spouse Visa – for legally married couples.
- Civil Partner Visa – for those in a recognised civil partnership.
- Unmarried Partner Visa – for long-term couples who aren’t married or in a civil partnership.
While financial and English language requirements apply across all categories, the time spent living together is only a major factor for unmarried partner applications.
Married & Civil Partners: No Cohabitation Required
If you’re married or in a civil partnership, you don’t need to prove you’ve lived together before applying. You can submit your visa application right after your wedding, as long as:
- Your marriage or partnership is legally valid in the UK.
- Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- You plan to live together permanently in the UK.
- You meet the financial and language requirements.
Although living together before marriage can help support your case, it’s not essential. Instead, focus on providing evidence like marriage certificates, joint financial records, and photos that show your life together.
Unmarried Partner Visa: The New Two-Year Relationship Rule
As of 2024, the Home Office no longer requires couples to prove two years of living at the same address. Instead, you must show that you’ve been in a committed relationship for at least two years, similar to marriage or civil partnership.
Cohabitation still helps—but it’s not mandatory. If you haven’t lived together continuously, you can still qualify by submitting strong evidence of your relationship’s depth and stability.
Examples of Acceptable Evidence:
- Joint financial arrangements – shared bank accounts, tenancy agreements, insurance policies.
- Linked correspondence – letters or bills showing both partners connected to the same or nearby addresses.
- Shared experiences – travel history, photos over time, invitations to events as a couple.
- Explanation for living apart – documented reasons such as overseas work, family obligations, or cultural factors.
What Does “Living Together” Actually Mean?
If you do live together, the Home Office expects clear proof of continuous cohabitation. That means:
- Same address – both names on tenancy, bills, or official letters.
- Consistent documentation – covering the full two-year period without major gaps.
- Matching dates and details – across all documents to show a stable living arrangement.
Short trips apart are fine, but long periods of separation need to be explained with supporting evidence.
Why Evidence Matters—Even for Married Couples
Even if you’re married, showing that you’ve lived together can help prove your relationship is genuine. Immigration officers are trained to spot fake relationships, and cohabitation evidence can strengthen your case.
Strong Evidence Includes:
- Joint bank accounts or financial products.
- Shared utility bills or council tax records.
- Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements in both names.
- Official correspondence addressed to both partners.
Photos, messages, and travel records are helpful—but official documents carry more weight.
Smart Tips Before You Apply
- Know your visa route—married couples don’t need two years of cohabitation; unmarried partners do.
- Start collecting documents early—especially those in both names.
- Fill any gaps—explain short breaks in living arrangements with evidence.
- Prioritise official records—these are harder to dispute than personal items.
- Get expert help—especially if your situation is complex or borderline.
Need Help With Your UK Partner Visa?
At Family Visa Lawyers, we specialise in helping couples navigate the UK immigration system. Whether you’re married, in a civil partnership, or applying as an unmarried partner, we’ll help you gather the right evidence and build a strong application that meets Home Office standards.
Visit www.familyvisa.co.uk to get started or speak to one of our immigration experts today.
