UK PROPOSED CIVIL PARTNER VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa is available to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) resident in Switzerland who are engaged partners of British or Irish citizens, settled persons, individuals with pre-settled status, holders of Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visas, and those with refugee status or humanitarian protection. This visa allows Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) resident in Switzerland to enter the UK to form a civil partnership within six months. Applications must be submitted from Switzerland.

While the Proposed Civil Partner Visa itself does not grant immediate settlement, it allows you to apply for an extension on the Civil Partner visa route after registering the partnership. Eventually, this route can lead to indefinite leave to remain or settlement after five years.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Requirements for Swiss Nationals (and Non-Swiss Nationals) Resident in Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa from Switzerland, you must meet the following criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration:

• Partner's Status: Your partner is British or Irish, is settled in the UK, has been granted pre-settled status, holds a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa, or has refugee status or humanitarian protection.

• Age Requirement: You are both over the age of 18.

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

• Genuineness: Your relationship is genuine and subsisting.

• Civil Partnership Intent: You intend to register a civil partnership within six months of your arrival in the UK.

• Previous Relationships: Any previous relationships have broken down permanently.

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

• Financial Sufficiency: You will be adequately maintained in the UK without recourse to public funds.

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

• Language Proficiency: You speak and understand English to the required level.

The exact requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Given the complexity of the requirements, consulting an immigration lawyer is advisable.

Partner’s Status Details

If you are a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) resident in Switzerland, in order to qualify for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa your partner must be one of the following:

• British or Irish citizen.

• Holder of indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or permanent residence in the UK.

• Holder of pre-settled status under Appendix EU.

• Holder of limited leave to remain as a Turkish Businessperson or Worker under Appendix ECAA.

• Holder of refugee or humanitarian protection status.

Age Requirement

Both you and your partner must be over 18 at the time of your Proposed Civil Partner Visa application.

Relationship Requirements

To meet the relationship requirement for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa your relationship with your partner must be genuine and subsisting, and you should:

• Not be closely related as defined by law.

• Have met in person.

• Be coming to the UK to enable your civil partnership to take place in the UK within 6 months of your arrival.

• Plan to live together permanently in the UK.

• Have any previous relationships permanently ended.

  
  

Financial Requirement

If you are a Swiss passport holder (or non-Swiss national) resident in Switzerland, to prove you can be adequately maintained in the UK without public funds, you must demonstrate an annual income of at least £29,000. This can be through employment, non-employment income, cash savings, pensions, or self-employment income.

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

Accommodation Requirement

As a citizen of Switzerland (or non-Swiss national) resident in Switzerland you must provide evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK that you or your partner own or occupy exclusively, which complies with public health regulations.

English Language Requirement

Unless exempt, you must demonstrate English proficiency to at least CEFR level A1. This can be met through:

• Nationality of a majority English-speaking country.

• Passing an approved English language test.

• Holding a qualifying academic degree taught in English.

Documents Needed for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Application in Switzerland

Supporting documents are crucial and must meet specific requirements. Common reasons for refusal include insufficient or incorrectly formatted documents. Consulting a specialist UK immigration lawyer can help ensure your documents meet the UK Immigration Rules for Swiss residents.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Application Process in Switzerland

Applications must be submitted online from Switzerland. You can prepare your supporting documents while completing your application form.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Application Fee in Switzerland

• Application fee: £1,846 (applying from Switzerland), £1,048 (to switch or extend within the UK).

• Priority Service: Additional fees apply.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa Processing Time From Switzerland

• Standard processing time when applying from Switzerland: 24 weeks.

• Priority Service: Usually within 30 working days.

Duration and Extension

A successful UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa application from Switzerland is valid for six months. After registering your civil partnership, you can apply to switch to a Civil Partner Visa, which is granted for 30 months and can be extended.

Work Restrictions

Proposed Civil Partner Visa holders are not permitted to work in the UK.

UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa FAQs

Registering a Civil Partnership in the UK

If you're planning to register a civil partnership in the UK, you have two main visa options: the Civil Partnership Visit visa or the Proposed Civil Partner visa. The Civil Partnership Visit visa is for those who want to visit the UK specifically to register a civil partnership. The Proposed Civil Partner visa is for engaged partners of British citizens, permanent residents, or those with refugee status who want to register a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arrival.

Which Visa Do I Need for Civil Partnership?

For a civil partnership in the UK, choose between the Civil Partnership Visit visa or the Proposed Civil Partner visa based on your circumstances and intentions.

Where Can I Apply for a UK Proposed Civil Partner Visa?

Apply for a UK Proposed Civil Partner 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 Proposed Civil Partner Visa?

Submit your Proposed Civil Partner Visa application online. Ensure you have the correct application form for your situation and prepare supporting documents accordingly.

What if I Don't Register a Civil Partnership Within 6 Months?

If your civil partnership doesn't take place before your 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 Proposed Civil Partner Visa category, you'll initially receive a 6-month stay. After registering a civil partnership, you can switch to a Civil Partner Visa, leading eventually to Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship.

What if My Proposed Civil Partner Visa Application Is Refused?

If your visa application is rejected, you can appeal the decision, as it's automatically deemed a human rights claim. Appeals are heard by the First-tier Tribunal. Seek legal advice before appealing.

What if I Can't Meet Proposed Civil Partner Visa Requirements?

If you can't meet the 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 the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are pleased to provide Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) resident in Switzerland with a full range of UK immigration legal services.

Our UK visa and immigration services include expert advice on UK visa routes for Swiss residents and a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland. Our UK immigration lawyers are here to assist you with expert advice and tailored support throughout your UK visa application process.

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