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UK partner visas, and how to choose yours
A UK partner visa lets you live in the UK with a partner who is British, settled or has refugee status. There are five routes, depending on whether you’re married, in a civil partnership, living together or engaged. Most need £29,000 income or higher savings, basic English and suitable accommodation, and can lead to settlement.
As the British or settled partner, you provide most of the evidence: your income or savings, your home and proof of the relationship. You usually need to earn at least £29,000 a year, or hold enough savings. You don’t apply yourself. Your partner applies and names you as their sponsor.
- £29,000 income or higher savings
- First visa for 2 years 9 months
- Can lead to settlement
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Compare UK partner visas
All five routes share the same core rules on income, English and accommodation. What differs is your relationship and whether you can apply from inside the UK.
Comparison table, scroll sideways to see every route
| Requirement | Married Spouse visa | Civil partnership Civil partner visa | Living together Unmarried partner visa | Engaged Fiancé(e) visa | Planning a civil partnership Proposed civil partner visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your relationship | Married | In a civil partnership | In a relationship for at least 2 years | Engaged, marrying in the UK | Planning a civil partnership in the UK |
| Apply from | Outside or inside the UK (if eligible) | Outside or inside the UK (if eligible) | Outside or inside the UK (if eligible) | Outside the UK only | Outside the UK only |
| First visa length | Up to 2 years 9 months (outside), up to 2 years 6 months (inside) | Up to 2 years 9 months (outside), up to 2 years 6 months (inside) | Up to 2 years 9 months (outside), up to 2 years 6 months (inside) | 6 months | 6 months |
| Can work | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Minimum income | Usually £29,000 a year, or qualifying savings* | Usually £29,000 a year, or qualifying savings* | Usually £29,000 a year, or qualifying savings* | Usually £29,000 a year, or qualifying savings* | Usually £29,000 a year, or qualifying savings* |
| English | A1 level for first visa (unless exempt) | A1 level for first visa (unless exempt) | A1 level for first visa (unless exempt) | A1 level for first visa (unless exempt) | A1 level for first visa (unless exempt) |
| Leads to settlement | Yes, normally after 5 years* | Yes, normally after 5 years* | Yes, normally after 5 years* | Apply for spouse visa after marriage | Apply for civil partner visa after the ceremony |
| Typical decision time | 12 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK, if eligible)* | 12 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK, if eligible)* | 12 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK, if eligible)* | 12 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Full guide | Spouse visa guide | Civil partner visa guide | Unmarried partner visa guide | Fiancé(e) visa guide | Proposed civil partner visa guide |
*Processing times are estimates. Inside-UK applications that do not meet the standard financial and English requirements may take longer.
Already in the UK on a partner visa?
Your next step is usually one of these.
What every partner visa has in common
These apply to all five routes. The detail depends on your relationship and where you apply from.
- A genuine relationship
You must show the relationship is real and that you intend to live together in the UK.
- Income or savings
A minimum UK income of £29,000 a year before tax, or higher savings, or a mix of both.
- English language
The applicant shows English at the required level, through an approved test, a degree taught in English, or nationality.
- Somewhere to live
Accommodation you own or rent that isn’t overcrowded, for you and any children.
- A clean immigration history
Past refusals, overstaying or criminal records can affect the application, so tell us about them early.
Sponsoring your partner?
As the British or settled partner, most of the evidence comes from you: your income, your home and your shared history.
- Employment income. Payslips, bank statements and an employer letter covering the right period.
- Self-employed or a director? Different evidence and periods apply, usually based on your last full financial year.
- Savings. These can replace or top up income, if held for long enough and in the right names.
- Your relationship. Evidence of how you met, keep in contact and plan to live together.
What a partner visa costs
The application fee is lower if you apply from inside the UK. Most applicants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 for each year of the visa, which is normally refunded if the visa is refused.
Fees rise regularly, so if you’re sure of your route it’s worth applying as early as you can.
Worked example
Spouse visa, applying from outside the UK
Application fee £2,064 + health surcharge 3 × £1,035 = £5,169 per person
The surcharge is charged for 3 years on a 2 year 9 month visa. Children applying with you pay the same fees.
| Route | Application fee | Health surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner From outside the UK | £2,064 | £1,035 a year |
| Spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner Extension or switch in the UK | £1,407 | £1,035 a year |
| Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner From outside the UK | £2,064 | £1,035 a year |
Home Office fees per applicant, from the 8 April 2026 schedule.
How we can help
From a first application to a refusal, at a fixed fee agreed before we start.
Visa application package We prepare and submit your application from start to finish. See what’s included → Application checking You prepare it, a regulated adviser reviews it before you submit. See what’s included → Visa appeals If you’re refused, we assess the merits and represent you. See what’s included →
What our clients say
What individuals, families and businesses say about working with QC Immigration.
Amin K. 
Monya R. QC have been invaluable throughout Home Office procedures for Tier 2 /ILR applications. The entire team is dedicated, professional and responds swiftly to queries. The application process was straightforward thanks to QC's skilful team. Highly recommended.
Danille D.
Once again, QC Immigration managed to help me with my visa extension. Without them, I'd have to deal with the stress of doing the application on my own. We made the right choice of continuing to work with QC Immigration. Thank you so much!!!
Mary
Outstanding service! QC provided precise, easy to follow advice and support throughout my permanent residence application process. The team is friendly, very professional, with invaluable in depth knowledge and advice that made the all process a pleasant experience. Highly recommended!
Ching-Fei L.
QC Immigration handled our application in a way that was truly professional, clear and to the point. They explained all the options and procedures clearly to us and showed great respect for our privacy. The whole process was trouble-free and the result successful! Great value for money!
Jessica C.
The are truly amazing and lovely as well as extremely professional. They not only helped us with all the paper work but also were supportive when we were worried and getting anxious. I will definitely contact them again when the next step comes and I highly recommend them.
Warwick B.
QC guided me from application to naturalisation and passport with efficiency, knowledge, patience and care. They were recommended to me by a prestigious Law firm and I recommend them to you...
Anna R.
Having engaged QC Immigration to support my citizenship application I could not have been more satisfied with the service. My case was handled consistently by the same person. Ligia guided me through the process and made it all very simple. Any questions I had along the way were answered promptly. I have been putting off my application for years feeling overwhelmed by the bureaucracy involved. With QC Immigration support I was able to secure a successful outcome quickly and with no stress whatsoever. Charge for the service was very reasonable considering the quality of support and the responsiveness.Read the full review
Diego G.
Xiaohan was so helpful with the process and we got accepted!
Tala A.
My partner and I had a great experience with QC. Both Dorota and Ninder were professional and attentive. I’d definitely work with them again.
Scott C. I recently engaged the services of QC Immigration to assist me in getting my first British passport. I applied from outside the British Isles and my situation was somewhat complex. Ninder and Dorota from QC treated me with the utmost of professionalism and courtesy. They took the time to review and explain my situation, and guide me through the steps of the application process, ensuring that my application stayed on track. With their expert assistance, my application was processed smoothly by HMPO and I received my new passport with no issues. I would highly recommend the services of QC Immigration to anyone who needs assistance navigating immigration, citizenship, or a VISA application to the UK.Read the full review
Maria R. We couldn’t be happier with QC Immigration. My partner and I applied for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa from Italy and received the decision in only 5 days after the biometrics appointment: truly incredible. Dorota followed us with exceptional kindness and professionalism, always available and supportive despite the large amount of documents we had to prepare. A special thank you also to Ninder! We felt fully supported and reassured throughout the entire process. We are over the moon and extremely grateful. Absolutely recommended!Read the full review
Nicholas S.
QC Immigration successfully secured British Citizenship through descent for my son. It was by no means guaranteed, but their extremely thorough approach and direction ensured that everything was done clearly and successfully. A special thanks to Ligia W. who supervised the whole process with patience and diligence. Many thanks! they are extremely good at what they do and they deliver!Read the full review
Anamaria C. I am deeply grateful to Ninder J. for her invaluable support regarding my son’s citizenship application. After waiting for over a year without progress, she kindly advised me to reach out to our regional MP for assistance. Thanks to her guidance, the application was successfully reviewed and resolved. What stands out most is that Ninder offered this advice freely, without charging, simply as a gesture of good citizenship and genuine care. Her professionalism, generosity, and commitment to helping others truly impressed me. I wholeheartedly recommend Ninder J. to anyone seeking honest, knowledgeable, and compassionate legal guidance. Her support made a real difference for my family, and I will always be thankful.Read the full review
Holland W.
Just an amazing experience with this team and their information, service and advice have been amazingly helpful.
Nikul K.
My experience with QC Immigration was outstanding. Ninder provided the most accurate and straightforward guidance. She explained every detail with great clarity and honesty, which made the whole process easy to understand and stress-free. Her expertise and professionalism are truly impressive. I’m very thankful for her support and would strongly recommend QC Immigration to anyone who wants reliable and clear immigration adviceRead the full review
Solomon P. Good service 👍
Ramzi H.
I want to thank QC Immigration, especially Dorota, and Ninder for their great support. My case wasn’t easy at all – I had received a refusal with a 10-year ban because the Home Office considered one of my documents suspicious. It was a very stressful time, but Dorota took over my application and handled everything with so much care and attention. She always explained things clearly, kept me updated . What really makes Dorota special is not only her professionalism, but also her passion and the way she genuinely cares. She fought hard for fairness in my case. After months of waiting, I finally received a positive outcome, and I am sure this wouldn’t have happened without her. I’m truly grateful to Dorota. If you are looking for someone who is not only highly professional but also kind, supportive, and truly dedicated, I can’t recommend her enough.Read the full review
Emilie W.
Competent, empathetic and knowledgable support and guidance through my application for a student visa !! A special thank you to Sara and Xiaohan who supported me through it and who was always quick with answers.
Hakunawadi P.
The team is exceptionally professional, and meticulous. No excuses. I would recommend them to anyone in need any day. Thank you very much.
Questions about UK partner visas
For route-specific questions, see each guide.
The UK income usually needs to be at least £29,000 a year before tax. Savings, if calculated correctly, can be used instead of, or with, income. Self-employed and company director income is assessed differently, usually over the last full financial year, and some benefits change how the requirement works.
Yes. Savings can meet the requirement on their own or make up a shortfall in income. They usually need to have been held for at least six months and be in your name, your partner’s name or both. The amount needed depends on the shortfall, so check before you rely on savings.
No. You can apply if you’re married, in a civil partnership, have lived together in a relationship like marriage for at least two years, or have been in a relationship for two years but unable to live together for compelling reasons. If you’re engaged and want to marry in the UK, the fiancé(e) visa lets you enter, marry and then switch to a spouse visa without leaving.
Often, yes, if your current visa allows it. You can’t usually switch if you’re here as a visitor, on a short-term visa or without permission, unless an exception applies. We check your current visa first, because applying from the wrong place is a common reason for refusal.
Partner visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain once they complete the qualifying period set out in the rules. Current qualifying periods of 5 or 10 years may change under government proposals, so we confirm the position for your case before you plan around a date.
You may be able to apply again with stronger evidence or appeal, depending on the decision. The refusal letter sets out your options and the deadline. Appeals usually need to be lodged within 14 days from inside the UK and 28 days from outside.
Tell us what you need help with
A regulated adviser reviews your situation and comes back with an honest next step within one working day.
- An IAA-regulated UK immigration adviser reviews your case.
- A personal reply with your next step, within one working day.
- No payment required. Fixed fees if you proceed.
- 4.9 on Google
- IAA Level 3 · the highest tier
- 7,000+ clients helped
- Fast-track support
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