UK FIANCE VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The UK Fiance Visa is designed for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) resident in Switzerland who are engaged to British or Irish citizens, or to those who are settled in the UK, hold pre-settled status, a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or have refugee status or humanitarian protection. This visa allows Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) resident in Switzerland to enter the UK and marry within six months of arrival.  As a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) resident in Switzerland, you must apply for a UK Fiance Visa from Switzerland.

While the UK Fiance Visa does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, Fiance Visa holders can transition to a Spouse Visa after marriage. The Spouse Visa can eventually lead to indefinite leave to remain or settlement in the UK after five years.

UK Fiance Visa Requirements for Swiss Nationals (and Non-Swiss Nationals) Resident in Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Fiance Visa from Switzerland, you must satisfy the following conditions set by UK Visas and Immigration:

• Partner's Status: Your partner must be a British or Irish citizen, settled in the UK, hold pre-settled status, a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or have refugee or humanitarian protection status.

• Age Requirement: Both partners must be over 18.

• In-Person Meeting: You must have met in person.

• Genuineness: Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing.

• Marriage Intent: You intend to marry within six months of arriving in the UK.

• Previous Relationships: Any previous relationships must have permanently ended.

• Permanent Living Intent: You intend to live together permanently in the UK.

• Financial Sufficiency: You must be able to maintain yourselves without recourse to public funds.

• Accommodation: There must be adequate accommodation for you and any dependents.

• Language Proficiency:You must meet the English language requirement.

Consulting with an immigration lawyer specialising in UK immigration law or a UK immigration law firm in Switzerland can help ensure you meet these requirements based on your specific circumstances.

Status of Sponsoring Partner

If you are a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) resident in Switzerland, in order to qualify for a UK Fiance Visa, your partner must either:

• Be a British or Irish citizen residing in the UK, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence in the UK, or

• Have pre-settled status under Appendix EU, or

• Have limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Worker under Appendix ECAA, or

• Have refugee or humanitarian protection status in the UK.

A British citizen in the UK includes a British citizen who is moving to the UK with you as your partner.

Minimum Age Requirement

Both you and your partner must be over 18 at the time of your UK Fiance Visa application.

Relationship Requirements for Citizens of Switzerland

In order to qualify for a UK Fiance Visa, the relationship between partners must meet specific criteria:

• They must not be within a prohibited degree of relationship  as defined by the Marriage Act 1949 and the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Act 1986.

• A physical meeting between partners in person is mandatory.

• The relationship must be genuine and ongoing. You will need to provide evidence such as proof of living together, shared responsibilities, financial ties, and plans for your future together.

• You must intend to marry within six months of arriving in the UK. Evidence of wedding planning or arrangements may be required.

• Both you and your partner must be free to marry, which means any previous marriages or civil partnerships must have legally ended.

• Both partners must have the intention to live together permanently in the UK.

Financial Requirements for Swiss Residents

If you are a Swiss passport holder (or non-Swiss national) resident in Switzerland, you must demonstrate that you can be adequately maintained in the UK without relying on public funds. Typically, you need a gross annual income of at least £29,000. Various income sources can be used to meet this requirement, including employment, non-employment income, savings, and pensions.

The UK Fiance Visa financial requirement can be complex.  Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) resident in Switzerland considering a UK Fiance Visa application may wish to consult a specialist UK immigration lawyer for expert advice.

Accommodation Requirement for Switzerland Residents

You need to prove that you will have adequate accommodation in the UK, which you will occupy exclusively without relying on public funds.

English Language Requirement for Persons Living in Switzerland

Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) resident in Switzerland must demonstrate English language proficiency to at least CEFR level A1, unless exempt. This can be shown through nationality, an approved English language test, or an academic qualification taught in English.

Supporting Documents Needed for a UK Fiance Visa Application in Switzerland

Providing sufficient documentary evidence is crucial for your UK Fiance Visa application. These documents must comply with the Immigration Rules for Swiss citizens and demonstrate all required aspects, such as financial stability, relationship authenticity, and accommodation adequacy. Consulting a specialist UK immigration lawyer can help ensure your documents meet the UK Immigration Rules for Swiss nationals.

UK Fiance Visa Application Fee in Switzerland

The current fee for a UK Fiance Visa application is £1,846 for an application submitted in Switzerland. Additional fees apply for switching to a Spouse Visa or extending your stay.

UK Fiance Visa Processing Times in Switzerland

The typical processing time for a UK Fiance Visa application submitted in Switzerland is 24 weeks. Priority services may expedite this process.

Duration and Conditions

The UK Fiance Visa is valid for six months. After your marriage, you can apply to switch to a Spouse Visa, which leads to further leave for 30 months, extendable before it expires. After five years on a Spouse Visa, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Employment Restrictions

Fiance Visa holders are not permitted to work in the UK.

UK Fiance Visa FAQs

Getting Married in the UK

If you're planning to marry in the UK, you have two main visa options: the Marriage Visit visa or the Fiance visa. The Marriage Visit visa is for those who want to visit the UK specifically to marry or give notice of marriage. The Fiance visa is for engaged partners of British citizens, permanent residents, or those with refugee status who want to marry in the UK within 6 months of arrival.

Which Visa Do I Need for Marriage?

For marriage in the UK, choose between the Marriage Visit visa or the Fiance visa based on your circumstances and intentions.

Where Can I Apply for a UK Fiance Visa?

Apply for a UK Fiance Visa from outside the UK in the country where you're a resident. You don't need to be a citizen of that country.

How Do I Apply for a UK Fiance Visa?

You will submit your Fiance Visa application online. You will need to ensure you have the correct application form for your situation and prepare supporting documents that satisfy the UK Immigration Rules for Swiss citizens and non-Swiss residents of Switzerland.

What if I Don't Marry Within 6 Months?

If you don't marry before your Fiance Visa expires, you can apply for a 6-month extension, provided there's a good reason and evidence of an impending ceremony.

When Can I Apply for a British Passport?

After entering the Fiance Visa category, you'll initially receive a 6-month stay. After marriage, you can switch to a Spouse Visa. Eventually, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship.

What if My Fiance Visa Application Is Refused?

If your Fiance Visa application is rejected, you can appeal the decision. Appeals are heard by the First-tier Tribunal. Seek legal advice before appealing.

What if I Can't Meet Fiance Visa Requirements?

If you can't meet the Fiance Visa requirements, you might still have options based on human rights grounds or exceptional circumstances.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through our Swiss immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland. Our dedicated UK immigration lawyers provide personalised support and expert advice throughout the entire UK visa application process.

For professional assistance and expert advice on a UK Fiance Visa application from Switzerland, contact our British visa specialists in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.