Immigration

If your future civil partner is not a national of the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, then they will be subject to immigration control, as is the case for future spouses. You will have to give notice at a special register office if your partner is from a non-EEA country.

In order to give notice, your partner will need to show either:

  • an entry clearance to form a Civil Partnership available at the British Embassy or High Commission of your partner’s country of legal residence, or
  • a Home Office Certificate of approval, or
  • indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

The Non-EEA civil partner of a British citizen or a person settled here, may apply for two year’s leave to enter and remain in the UK. If at the end of this period the Civil Partnership is still in force, the non-EEA partner can then apply for permanent leave to remain.

Further information