Family Visas
UK immigration law treats same sex couples in exactly the same way as opposite sex couples. If you are married, in a civil partnership, or living together as partners with a British citizen or settled person, you can apply to come to the UK or stay here on the same terms as anyone else. We make sure your relationship is presented clearly and your application meets every Home Office requirement.
At a glance
Equal treatment
Same sex couples apply on identical terms to opposite sex couples, as spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
Route to settlement
5 year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain
Our fee
Fixed fee from £1,200 to £2,800 for entry clearance, depending on which route applies, agreed in writing before any work begins
There is no separate, lesser route for same sex couples in UK immigration law. The family route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules applies to everyone in the same way, whatever their gender or their partner's. A same sex couple applies under whichever category matches their relationship: as a spouse if married, as a civil partner if in a civil partnership, or as an unmarried partner if they have been in a genuine relationship similar to marriage.
In each case the visa is granted for an initial period, then extended, and after five years of continuous residence on this route you can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The requirements that follow, the relationship, the financial requirement, accommodation, and English language, are the same as for any other partner. We help you confirm which category fits and then build the application around it.
The requirements depend on which category you apply under, but most same sex partner applications must satisfy the following.
A genuine, subsisting relationship
You must show your relationship is real and continuing. Married couples and civil partners evidence this with their certificate plus relationship history; unmarried partners prove a genuine marriage-like relationship of at least two years, most often through evidence of having lived together.
The financial requirement
The sponsoring partner generally needs to meet a minimum income requirement, currently £29,000 a year, or hold enough qualifying savings to meet it in another permitted way. Some sponsors are exempt, for example where they receive certain disability or carer benefits, and a different test applies. We check the figure and how you meet it against the rules in force when you apply.
Suitable accommodation
You must have somewhere adequate to live that you own or occupy exclusively, without overcrowding and without breaching public health rules.
English language
You usually need to prove your knowledge of English at the required level, unless an exemption applies, for example on the grounds of nationality or a relevant qualification.
Immigration rules and financial thresholds change regularly. The figures and timescales on this page are a general guide, correct as at June 2026, and not advice on your case. We confirm the rules that apply to you before any application is made.
We review your relationship and circumstances, confirm which category fits, married, civil partner, or unmarried partner, and tell you plainly whether you qualify.
We give you a clear, tailored list of the evidence the Home Office expects for your chosen route, so nothing important is missed.
We check every document, draft the supporting letters, and complete the application so it presents your relationship at its strongest.
We submit the application, deal with the Home Office on your behalf, and keep you updated until a decision is made.
Government costs are paid separately and are not part of our fee. For a partner application these are the Home Office application fee, currently £2,064 from outside the UK or £1,407 for an in-country application, the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per person for each year of your visa, the biometric enrolment fee, and any English test, document translation, or TB test costs that apply to you. These third party figures are correct as at June 2026 and the Home Office can change them at short notice, so we confirm the current amounts with you before you apply.
No. UK immigration law makes no distinction based on gender or sexual orientation. Same sex couples use the same family route as everyone else and apply as a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner. This page simply brings that information together in one place.
Many same sex marriages and partnerships formed abroad are recognised in the UK, but it depends on where and how the relationship was formed, and some countries do not allow them at all. If your relationship was registered overseas, we check how it is treated for UK immigration purposes and advise on the best way forward, which may be applying as unmarried partners instead.
If you are married or in a civil partnership, you normally apply on that basis. If you are not, but have been in a genuine relationship similar to marriage for at least two years, you may apply as unmarried partners. We confirm the right category at your consultation so you do not apply on the wrong basis.
In many cases dependent children can apply alongside the main applicant on a related route. We assess each child's position as part of your case so the family is dealt with together where possible.
