UK Fiancée and Proposed Civil Partner Visa Guide

Last reviewed: 18 October 2026

A UK fiancée visa allows you to come to the UK to marry your partner and then apply to remain together. The proposed civil partner route serves the same purpose for couples planning to register a civil partnership.

This guide covers the main requirements, application costs and the next stage after your ceremony.

How Does the Route Work?

You normally receive six months to marry or form your civil partnership. After the ceremony, you must make a further application to stay as a spouse or civil partner before your permission expires.

You cannot work or study during the engagement permission. Marriage alone does not change those conditions; you must obtain the appropriate further permission.

Main Eligibility Requirements

• You and your partner must both be at least 18.
• Your sponsor must hold an eligible nationality or immigration status.
• You must have met in person and have a genuine, continuing relationship.
• You must be free to marry or form a civil partnership.
• You must intend to hold the ceremony within six months of arrival.
• You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You must meet the applicable financial, accommodation, English-language and suitability requirements.

Check the official partner route guidance for eligible sponsor categories.

UK Fiancée Visa Fees

Budget for both the overseas application and the later application inside the UK.

Fees checked on 18 October 2026. These figures exclude professional fees, dependants, optional services and other preparation costs. Overseas payments may be collected in local currency at the applicable Home Office exchange rate. Check the amount shown when applying.

Financial Requirement

For a new application, the usual minimum income requirement is £29,000 a year. Only eligible income and savings can count, and the required evidence depends on the financial category.

Do not assume all overseas earnings or money in an account can be counted. We recommend checking the financial category before gathering documents.

English-Language Requirement

For a first application, the normal test requirement is at least A1 speaking and listening through an approved Secure English Language Test.

Other qualifying evidence or an exemption may apply, including eligible nationality, qualifications, age or a relevant medical condition. Check the approved test and provider before booking.

TB Testing for Applicants Living in Thailand

Applicants meeting the country and residence conditions normally need a TB certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic. The requirement can apply to a fiancée or proposed civil partner application even though the initial permission is only six months.

Check the official TB testing guidance against your residence history.

Relationship Evidence and Ceremony Plans

We recommend preparing a clear timeline and organising relevant evidence of visits, communication and any periods living together.

Include genuine evidence of your ceremony arrangements, such as correspondence with a register office or venue. Avoid making non-refundable commitments without considering the risk of delays.

See our guide to proving a genuine relationship for help organising this material.

Preparing Your Documents

Our practical preparation checklist includes:

• Passports and evidence of the sponsor’s eligible status.
• Relationship history and ceremony arrangements.
• Documents showing any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended.
• Evidence for the applicable financial category.
• Details of your proposed UK accommodation.
• English-language evidence and a TB certificate where required.
• Required translations of documents not in English or Welsh.

Use the application checklist and relevant rules to confirm the documents needed for your case. Check names, dates and financial figures for consistency before submission.

How Long Does the Application Take?

GOV.UK normally gives a processing time of 12 weeks for partner applications made outside the UK. Faster services may be available, but availability and eligibility must be checked when applying.

Allow time for preparation, appointments and possible further enquiries when choosing your ceremony date.

What Happens After the Ceremony?

Apply inside the UK to remain as a spouse or civil partner before your fiancée permission expires. A standard successful application normally grants 30 months.

Time spent on fiancée permission does not count towards the usual five-year partner settlement period.

Our UK office handles in-country applications. Read our spouse and partner application guide for information about the next stage.

Fiancée Visa or Marriage Visitor Visa?

The fiancée family route is for couples planning to marry and settle together in the UK. A Marriage Visitor visa is for a temporary visit to marry or form a civil partnership, followed by departure.

Read our fiancée and Marriage Visitor Visa comparison before choosing your route.

Official Guidance

• Partner, spouse and fiancée applications
• Family visa fees
• Financial requirements
• English-language requirements

This guide provides general information. Requirements, fees and processing times can change. The correct approach depends on your circumstances and immigration history.