Key Points
- Married couples: no requirement to have lived together.
- Unmarried couples: two years in a relationship similar to marriage.
- Explain why you have lived apart.
- Show regular contact, visits and shared plans.
Reasons the rules recognise
Couples live apart because of work, study, immigration restrictions, caring responsibilities, cultural or religious circumstances or cost. State the reason clearly.
Evidence that works at a distance
- Travel tickets, boarding passes and passport stamps for visits
- Hotel or accommodation bookings in both names
- Photographs together on different dates
- Call logs and message samples spread across the period
- Money transfers and gifts
- Involvement in family events on both sides
Gaps between visits
Long gaps are common and can be explained by visa refusals, cost, work or travel restrictions. An explained gap is far less damaging than an unexplained one.
Living apart after the visa is granted
Once in the UK, you are expected to live together. Periods apart for work or family reasons should be recorded and explained at extension and settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get a spouse visa if we have never lived together?
Yes. Married couples and civil partners do not need a history of living together. You need to show a genuine relationship and an intention to live together in the UK.
Official Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. The rules and figures are set by the Home Office and can change.