Civil Partnership UK: Requirements, Visa, Cost and Process (2026)
.png)
Civil partnership or marriage: what is the difference?
What is the same:
- Inheritance and property rights, with no inheritance tax on assets passed between you
- Pension rights and tax benefits
- Next-of-kin status, including hospital access and medical decisions
- Shared parental responsibility where you are both the child's legal parents
- Partner visa eligibility, on the same rules as spouses. See our Spouse Visa page
What is different:
- Formation: you sign the civil partnership document. No vows are needed
- Ending it: a dissolution order, not a divorce
- There is no adultery ground for dissolution
- Recognition abroad: not every country recognises civil partnerships
- Many faith bodies do not conduct civil partnership ceremonies
Who can register a civil partnership?
You can register if:
- You are both 18 or over
- Neither of you is already married or in a civil partnership
- You are not closely related
- You both give at least 28 days' notice at your local register office
Allow more time if:
- One of you is not a British or Irish national and does not have settled status. The notice may be referred to the Home Office, and the wait can extend to 70 days
- A previous marriage or civil partnership ended abroad. The dissolution documents may need to be checked first
- Any of your documents are not in English. You will need certified translations
What do you need for a civil partner visa?
Adequate accommodation
You need a home for you and any dependants that is not overcrowded, without relying on public funds. A tenancy, mortgage statement or letter from the owner proves this.
English language
You need English at CEFR A1 for the first visa, A2 for the extension and B1 for settlement, unless you are exempt.
Financial requirement
Your partner must earn at least £29,000 a year, or you must hold £88,500 in savings for at least six months. Savings above £16,000 can be combined with income to cover a shortfall.
A genuine relationship
You must show the relationship is genuine and ongoing, and that you plan to live together in the UK. Photos, travel history, messages and joint bills or tenancy all help.
Your civil partnership certificate
Your certificate replaces the two-year rule that unmarried partners must meet. The partnership must be legally formed where it took place, and any earlier marriage or civil partnership must have ended.
Eligible UK partner
Your partner must be British or Irish, settled in the UK, hold settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or have refugee or humanitarian protection status.
How do you register a civil partnership?
Give notice at your local register office, with your personal details and where you plan to register. A fee applies for each person.
Your notice is displayed publicly for 28 days so any legal objection can be raised. If it is referred to the Home Office, this can extend to 70 days.
You both sign the civil partnership document in front of a registrar and two witnesses.
Your civil partnership certificate is the legal proof of your partnership. Order extra copies for your visa and other applications.
If one of you is not British or settled, apply for the partner visa. £2,064 from outside the UK, or £1,407 from inside, as of 8 April 2026.
.png)
.png)
Documents you will need
Cost Breakdown
In our clients' own words.
"This is the second time AY&J has helped us with a visa application. Words cannot express our gratitude for all her help and professionalism."
“Professional and comprehensive service that was faultless. The attention to detail and the guidance provided in completing the spouse visa application and the required documentation were perfect. My consultant lawyer was extremely helpful and was always accessible to answer any questions I had at any time. I would highly recommend the service.”
“After our ILR rejection, AY&J pursued our case through Administrative Review and Judicial Review. The team was open, honest, knowledgeable and attentive to every detail. They kept us informed at every stage, supported us throughout an extremely difficult journey and helped us regain confidence in our case.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Ending a civil partnership
Often, but not always. Check how the destination country treats UK dissolution orders and child arrangements.
Ending a civil partnership
Yes. Mediation helps you agree child arrangements and finances, and can cut cost and time. The agreement can be made into a court order.
Ending a civil partnership
No. Parental responsibility continues after dissolution. Child arrangements and financial support are dealt with separately.
Ending a civil partnership
Identity documents, your civil partnership certificate, and details of childcare, living arrangements and finances. The court can make child arrangements orders where needed.
Ending a civil partnership
Through no-fault dissolution. You apply online, get a conditional order, wait the required period, then apply for the final order. You do not need to prove blame.
Living abroad
It may, but not always. You might need certified copies, legalisation, or recognition by a local court. Check with the local authorities before you move.
Living abroad
Check the local law on:
- Recognition of your civil partnership
- Parental responsibility
- Inheritance and property
- Name changes
- How dissolution is handled
- Travel consent rules for children
Living abroad
It depends on the country. Some give full effect, some give limited rights, and some do not recognise civil partnerships at all.
Children and parental rights
Yes. Civil partners can apply to adopt jointly. Standard suitability checks apply, and the child's best interests come first.
Children and parental rights
The other partner can get parental responsibility by agreement or by court order. Take advice early so there are no gaps in your evidence.
Children and parental rights
Yes. A step-parent can get it through a parental responsibility agreement or a court order. Adoption is also possible where the criteria are met.
Children and parental rights
It is the main proof of your relationship. You will use it for birth registration, school records, medical decisions, passports and parental orders.
Children and parental rights
Yes, where you are both the child's legal parents. You share decisions on the child's health, education and welfare.
Civil partner visa
If your first partner visa application was made before 11 April 2024, you stay on the old £18,600 threshold for extensions and settlement, as long as your leave has been continuous. A break in your leave moves you to £29,000.
Civil partner visa
Your first visa lasts 33 months from outside the UK, or 30 months from inside. You then extend for 30 months. After 5 years you can apply for indefinite leave to remain. As the civil partner of a British citizen, you can apply for citizenship as soon as you have ILR.
Success Stories of Partner Visas
Tell us about your civil partnership
