A Thai partner does not always need to marry to apply for a UK family visa. The unmarried partner route may be available to couples who have been in a relationship comparable to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years and intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Together for two years but not married?
Tell us how long you have been together, whether you have lived together and what evidence you hold. We can assess whether the unmarried partner route fits your circumstances.
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Do unmarried partners have to live together for two years?
Not in every case. Living together for at least two years can provide strong evidence. The current family visa guidance also recognises a relationship of at least two years where the couple could not live together, for example because of work, study or cultural reasons.
This does not mean that dating for two years automatically qualifies a couple. UKVI will examine whether the relationship is durable and comparable to marriage or civil partnership, why the couple did not live together and how they maintained their commitment. The two-year relationship period must be completed before applying.
Who can sponsor an unmarried partner?
Both partners must be at least 18. The sponsor must have a qualifying status under the family visa rules, such as British or Irish citizenship or settlement in the UK. The couple must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Read the current GOV.UK partner visa guidance for the full list of eligible sponsor statuses and relationship requirements.
How do you prove the relationship?
There is no single document that proves every unmarried partner relationship. Depending on your circumstances, useful evidence may include:
- Tenancy agreements, bills or official correspondence showing shared residence.
- Joint finances or regular financial support.
- Records of visits and time spent together.
- Evidence of ongoing communication during periods apart.
- Evidence of shared responsibility for children.
- A concise explanation of how the relationship developed and why you have lived apart, if relevant.
Evidence from independent sources, such as government bodies, banks, landlords and utility providers, can carry particular weight. Photographs and messages can help explain the relationship, but they should support a coherent history rather than form the entire application.
What other requirements apply?
The unmarried partner route is part of the UK family visa framework. The couple must also address the applicable financial requirement, suitable accommodation and the applicant’s English language requirement. A Thai applicant may need a TB certificate and translations of Thai-language documents.
For many new partner applications, the usual income requirement in September 2026 is £29,000 a year, although different rules can apply to some sponsors and existing applicants. Check the official financial guidance for your circumstances.
Can an unmarried partner work in the UK?
A person granted a family visa as an unmarried partner can normally work in the UK, subject to the conditions of the permission granted. A successful application from outside the UK generally grants up to two years and nine months before an extension is needed.
Unmarried partner, fiancée or spouse visa?
If you are already legally married, consider the spouse route. If you plan to marry in the UK and settle there, consider the fiancée route. If you do not intend to marry but have a qualifying durable relationship, the unmarried partner route may be appropriate.
Our fiancée versus spouse visa guide explains the marriage routes. If you are moving back from Thailand, also read Moving Back to the UK.
What if we have been together for less than two years?
A genuine relationship of less than two years will not ordinarily meet the definition of unmarried partner for this family route. Other routes may be relevant depending on whether you intend to marry and where you plan to live. Do not assume that several visits or an engagement replace the two-year requirement.
Ask about your circumstances
Our UK family visa forum includes questions from couples applying from Thailand. For an individual assessment, send us the dates of your relationship, your living arrangements and the evidence available.
Updated September 2026. The application depends on the evidence and the rules in force when submitted. UK Visas and Immigration decides each case.