UK Civil Partner Visa – Complete 2025 Guide

If you’re in a civil partnership and looking to join or stay with your partner in the UK, the UK Civil Partner Visa could be the right immigration route for you. This guide explains who can apply, what documents you need, how to meet the financial requirement, and how to avoid common reasons for refusal.

What Is a UK Civil Partner Visa?

A UK Civil Partner Visa allows someone in a legally recognised civil partnership to live in the UK with their partner. Your partner must be either:

• A British or Irish citizen
• Settled in the UK (with Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status)
• Someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection
• Someone with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• A Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa holder

This visa is available whether your civil partner is already in the UK or planning to return with you.

Who Can Apply for a Civil Partner Visa?

To qualify, both you and your partner must be:

• Aged 18 or over
• In a civil partnership legally recognised in the UK
• In a genuine and long-term relationship
• Intending to live together permanently in the UK
• Free of any prohibited familial relationship (e.g. sibling, parent, child)

You must also prove that:

• Any previous relationship has permanently ended
• You’ve met your partner in person
• You can meet financial, accommodation, and English language requirements
• You’re applying from the correct location (UK or abroad)

Your civil partnership must be evidenced by an official certificate.

What Counts as a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship?

The Home Office checks for signs of a real relationship. This might include:

• Living together or having lived together
• Sharing financial responsibilities
• Regular contact (messages, calls, visits)
• Visiting each other’s families
• Having children together or step-children

You’ll need to submit proof such as joint bills, tenancy agreements, shared bank accounts, travel history, and photographs.

If you’ve spent time apart, you’ll need to explain why and show that your commitment hasn’t changed.

More on Genuine Relationship Requirements – UKVI

Financial Requirement for a Civil Partner Visa

From 2024 onwards, the sponsor (usually the British/settled partner) must have a gross annual income of at least £29,000. This can be met through:

• Employment income
• Self-employment
• Pensions
• Property rental
• Cash savings over £16,000 (held for at least 6 months)

If your partner receives certain benefits, you may qualify under the “adequate maintenance” rule instead.

Important: This is one of the most common reasons for visa refusal. You must provide the exact documents required by UKVI to show income sources clearly and consistently.

For complex financial cases or joint income scenarios, it’s best to speak to qualified immigration solicitors in Manchester.

Accommodation Requirement

You must show that you and your partner will have adequate accommodation in the UK without relying on public funds. This means:

• A property you own or rent
• Not overcrowded
• Meets health and safety standards

You’ll usually need to provide tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, and possibly a property inspection report.

English Language Requirement

Unless you’re exempt, you’ll need to show you speak and understand English to a basic level:

• A1 CEFR – when applying for your first visa
• A2 CEFR – when extending your visa
• B1 CEFR – when applying for ILR

You can meet the requirement by:

• Being from an English-speaking country
• Holding a recognised degree taught in English
• Passing an approved English language test

Documents Checklist

Every application is different, but here are key documents most applicants will need:

• Passport and ID documents
• Civil partnership certificate
• Financial documents (e.g. payslips, bank statements, tax returns)
• Evidence of relationship (joint bills, messages, photos, etc.)
• English language certificate
• Proof of accommodation
• TB test results (for some countries)

Check carefully which format each document must be in. If something is missing or incorrect, your visa could be refused.

How to Apply for a Civil Partner Visa

You’ll need to apply online using the correct form for your situation:

Applying from outside the UK:

• Apply online via Gov.uk
• Book a biometrics appointment
• Upload your supporting documents
• Pay the application fee 

Applying from inside the UK:

• You must already hold a visa valid for over 6 months (not a visitor)
• Fill out the correct application form
• Submit documents online
• Attend a biometric appointment

Processing time varies, but standard applications take:

• Up to 24 weeks from abroad
• 8 weeks from inside the UK
• Super Priority Service: next working day (where available)

What Happens After Approval?

You’ll be granted permission for:

• 33 months if applying from outside the UK
• 30 months if applying from inside the UK

You can live and work in the UK during this time.

Before your visa expires, apply for an extension. After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), followed by British citizenship.

Can I Work on a Civil Partner Visa?

Yes. Civil Partner Visa holders can:

• Work full time
• Be self-employed
• Study
• Access NHS services

You can’t claim most public funds or benefits.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Avoid these common mistakes:
• Missing financial or English language documents 
• Relationship evidence too weak or inconsistent 
• Applying from within the UK as a visitor 
• Applying under the wrong partner category 
• Ignoring timeline rules for documents (e.g. cash savings must be held for 6+ months)

Civil Partner Visa Fees (2025)

• Outside UK: £1,846
• Inside UK: £1,048
• IHS surcharge:  £1,035/year
• Optional:
• Priority Service ( £500 extra)
• Super Priority ( £1,000 extra)

What If My Visa Application Is Refused?

You usually have the right to appeal. Appeals are based on human rights grounds, and you can present your case to the immigration tribunal.

Depending on your case, you may also be able to:

• Submit a new application
• Request an administrative review
• Apply on different grounds (e.g. human rights or child-related)

If your situation is complex, get support from experienced Immigration solicitors in Manchester.

FAQs – UK Civil Partner Visa

Can I apply if my civil partner is outside the UK?

Yes, as long as they’re returning with you to the UK and meet the eligibility criteria.

Can I switch to this visa from a visitor visa?

No. Visitor visas don’t allow switching. You must apply from outside the UK.

What’s the difference between a spouse visa and a civil partner visa?

Legally, both routes offer the same rights and requirements. The key difference is whether your relationship is a marriage or civil partnership.

Can I apply if I don’t meet the financial requirement?

Possibly. If refusing your visa would breach your human rights, the Home Office might still grant it but these cases are more complex.

When can I apply for ILR?

After 5 years in the UK on a Civil Partner Visa, assuming you still meet all requirements, including living together, financial status, and English proficiency.

Speak to Trusted Immigration Solicitors in Manchester

If you’re unsure about your application or want professional help putting together the strongest case possible, contact our team today.

Call 0161 464 4140 or Book an appointment online We’re here to help with every step from checking your documents to handling appeals.