UK UNMARRIED PARTNER VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The UK Unmarried Partner Visa allows Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) resident in Switzerland who are long-term partners of British or Irish citizens, individuals settled in the UK, those with pre-settled status, holders of Turkish Businessperson or Worker visas, and those with refugee status or humanitarian protection to join or stay with their unmarried partner in the UK. As a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) resident in Switzerland, you can also apply if your unmarried partner is outside the UK but intends to return to the UK with you.

The Unmarried Partner Visa can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settlement in the UK after five years.

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

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

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

• Age Requirement: Both you and your partner must be over 18 years old.

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

• Relationship Duration: Your relationship must resemble marriage or civil partnership and have lasted for at least two years.

• Genuineness:The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.

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

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

• Financial Requirement: You must meet a financial requirement.

• Accommodation: Adequate accommodation must be available for you and any dependents.

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

The specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances, so consulting an immigration lawyer specialising in UK immigration law or a UK immigration law firm in Switzerland is advisable.

Partner Status Requirements for Residents of Switzerland

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

• A British or Irish citizen 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 as a Turkish Businessperson or Worker, or

• Have refugee status or humanitarian protection.

A British citizen includes those returning to the UK with you. A person with indefinite leave includes those being admitted for settlement alongside you.

Age Requirement

Both partners must be over 18 on the date of your UK Unmarried Partner Visa application.

Relationship Requirements

The relationship requirement for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa includes:

• Meeting in person.

• Being in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years.

• Maintaining a genuine and ongoing relationship.

• Intending to live together permanently in the UK.

• Ending any previous relationships permanently.

Evidence of Meeting in Person

You must provide evidence of a face-to-face meeting that led to mutual acquaintance. Simply meeting without further interaction will not meet this requirement.

Two-Year Relationship Requirement

To qualify for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa as a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) resident in Switzerland, you must demonstrate a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years before applying. While previous requirements mandated cohabitation, this is no longer necessary. Documentation confirming a two-year relationship without necessarily living together is acceptable.

Exceptional Circumstances

If your relationship is less than two years, you may still qualify based on exceptional circumstances. We recommend that you seek legal advice from a specialist Swiss-UK immigration lawyer for a successful application.

Genuine and Ongoing Relationship

As a Swiss national (or non-Swiss national) resident in Switzerland, you must also provide evidence to prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Factors considered include:

• Long-term relationship status.

• Living together.

• Shared children and responsibilities.

• Shared financial responsibilities.

• Visits to each other’s home countries and families.

• Plans for living together in the UK.

If the Home Office doubts your relationship’s authenticity, they may conduct further checks, interviews, or home visits.

Required Documents for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa Application in Switzerland

Significant evidence such as regular contact, affection, companionship, and shared welfare must be provided. Joint documents are preferred, but individual documents addressed to the same address are also acceptable.

Permanent Living Intentions

You and your partner must show a clear commitment to live together permanently in the UK. During the initial application, this means intending to live together immediately after the visa decision or as soon as possible. For further leave or ILR applications, periods spent outside the UK should be limited and justified.

Previous Relationships

You must provide evidence that any previous relationships have permanently ended. If not legally dissolved, you must still show the new relationship is genuine and the previous one has broken down permanently.

Financial Requirements for Swiss Residents

If you are a Swiss passport holder (or non-Swiss national) resident in Switzerland, to meet the financial requirement, you must demonstrate a gross annual income of at least £29,000, unless exempt. This applies during initial applications, extensions, and ILR applications. Acceptable sources include:

• Salaried or non-salaried employment.

• Non-employment income.

• Cash savings over £16,000.

• State, occupational, or private pensions.

• Self-employment income.

Different rules apply if your partner receives certain state benefits.

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

Accommodation Requirements for Residents of Switzerland

As a Swiss passport holder (or non-Swiss national) resident in Switzerland, you must provide evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK that you and your partner own or occupy exclusively without relying on public funds. This accommodation must meet public health regulations and not be overcrowded.

English Language Requirement for Individuals Living in Switzerland

You must meet the English language requirement unless exempt. This involves demonstrating competence in English at CEFR level A1 for entry clearance or switching into the Unmarried Partner Visa route and at least CEFR level A2 for further leave to remain. Acceptable methods include:

• Being from a majority English-speaking country.

• Passing an approved English language test.

• Holding a qualifying academic degree taught in English.

UK Unmarried Partner Visa Application Process in Switzerland

UK Unmarried Partner Visa applications are made online. You will need to ensure you use the correct form and prepare supporting documents carefully. You will be able to upload scans of documents as required by the UK immigration rules for Swiss nationals.

UK Unmarried Partner Visa Application Visa Fee and Processing Times in Switzerland

• Application fee from Switzerland: £1,846.

• Application fee to switch or extend within the UK: £1,048.

• Priority service (if applicable): Additional fee.

• Standard processing time: 24 weeks (from Switzerland) or 8 weeks (within the UK).

Working on an Unmarried Partner Visa

Unmarried Partner Visa holders have full working rights in the UK.

Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain

After five years in the UK, you may apply for ILR. Requirements include:

• Living together with your partner in the UK or having a valid reason for time spent apart.

• Meeting the CEFR Level B1 English language requirement.

• Passing the Life in the UK test.

Refusal and Appeals

If your application is refused, you will have the right to appeal. Appeals are heard at the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) in the UK.

Exceptional Circumstances

If you cannot meet the visa requirements for a UK Unmarried Partner Visa, you may still qualify on human rights grounds.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through our Swiss office, 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 Unmarried Partner Visa application from Switzerland, contact our British visa specialists in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.