Love knows no borders — and thankfully, UK immigration law recognises that. If you’re a South African in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK, but you’re not married, there’s a visa that could help you build a life together: the UK Unmarried Partner Visa.
This visa is a lifeline for couples who are genuinely committed but have chosen not to tie the knot. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from eligibility to the application process — with a special focus on South African applicants.
What Is the UK Unmarried Partner Visa?
The Unmarried Partner Visa is part of the UK’s family visa route. It’s for people who have been living together with their partner (who must be British or settled in the UK) in a relationship “akin to marriage” for at least two years.
It’s a great option for couples who:
- Are not legally married or in a civil partnership.
- Have genuinely lived together for two or more years.
- Want to live permanently in the UK.
Can You Apply?
If you’re a South African national planning to join your British or settled partner in the UK, you’ll need to tick a few boxes:
Your partner must be:
- A British citizen, or
- Settled in the UK (holding Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status, or permanent residence), or
- Someone with pre-settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme.
You must:
- Have lived together in a committed relationship for two continuous years.
- Plan to live together permanently in the UK.
- Meet financial, accommodation, and English language requirements.
UK Unmarried Partner Visa: Requirements
1. Your Relationship Must Be Genuine
The Home Office needs to be convinced that your relationship isn’t just on paper. So, you’ll have to submit evidence such as:
- Joint tenancy or mortgage documents.
- Shared bills or bank statements.
- Photos together over the years.
- Travel bookings show visits to each other.
- Supporting letters from friends or family who know you as a couple.
2. You Must Have Lived Together for Two Years
This is the big one. You’ll need to show clear proof that you’ve shared a home, not just visited or had a long-distance relationship. Think:
- Utility bills in both names.
- Letters from banks or employers showing the same address.
- Council tax or tenancy agreements.
The more consistent and continuous the evidence, the better.
3. You Must Meet the Financial requirements
Your UK-based partner must earn at least £29,000 per year (before tax).
Income can come from:
- Salary or self-employment
- Pension
- Property rental income
- Cash savings (which must have been held for 6 months or more)
4. Adequate Accommodation
You’ll need to show that once in the UK, you’ll have a suitable place to live that meets UK housing standards and won’t be overcrowded.
5. English Language
South Africans need to demonstrate English knowledge by:
- Passing a CEFR Level A1 English test from an approved provider, OR
- Having a recognised degree in English
South Africa isn’t classed as a majority English-speaking country by the UK government, so this part is essential.
UK Unmarried Partner Visa: How to Apply from South Africa
You’ll need to apply online from outside the UK. Here’s what that involves:
- Fill out the online application form.
- Pay the visa fee (£1,846 as of 2024).
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (currently £1,035 per year).
- Book your biometrics appointment at a visa application centre in SA (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban).
- Upload your supporting documents (or bring them to your appointment if required).
How Long Does It Take?
Most applications take around 8 to 12 weeks, but if you’re in a rush, you might be able to pay for priority processing, which brings the waiting time down to 15–30 working days, depending on availability.
What Happens After Your Visa Is Approved?
Great news — once your visa is approved, you can move to the UK and live with your partner for 2 years and 9 months.
Before it expires, you’ll need to apply to extend your stay for another 2.5 years. After 5 years of continuous living together in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — and later even for British citizenship, if that’s the path you want.
Can You Work and Study?
Yes, absolutely. You’ll have full rights to:
- Work in any job or start your own business
- Study at UK colleges or universities
- Use NHS healthcare (thanks to the IHS payment)
Conclusion:
The UK Unmarried Partner Visa offers South African nationals a genuine pathway to reunite and build a future with their partner in the UK, without the need for marriage. So if you’re ready to take the next step and start your life in the UK with your loved one, let My Legal Services be your trusted partner in making it happen, with clarity, care, and confidence.
