Guide to UK Spouse Visas for Long-Distance Relationships in 2025

UK Spouse Visas for Long-Distance Relationships

In a globalised world, love often blossoms across borders. Whether through online platforms, study programs, work travel, or chance encounters, many couples build meaningful long-distance relationships. But when it comes to UK immigration, particularly applying for a UK Spouse Visa, being apart physically presents unique challenges.

In this article, we outline the requirements, evidence needed, and tips to increase your chances of success—even if you and your partner are not currently living together.

Can You Get a UK Spouse Visa in a Long-Distance Relationship?

Yes—long-distance couples can apply for a UK spouse visa, as long as they meet the standard eligibility requirements under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

The key is demonstrating that:

• Your marriage is legally recognised.
• The relationship is genuine and subsisting.
• Both partners intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You meet the financial and English language requirements.

Read the official requirements for UK Spouse Visa

Why Long-Distance Relationships Face Higher Scrutiny

The Home Office acknowledges that for various reasons, some relationships and marriages carry on a long-distance basis. While UKVI does not explicitly exclude long-distance marriages, such relationships often face closer scrutiny because:

• You and your partner are not currently cohabiting. The Home Office typically expects that you and your partner have lived together for at least 2 years. Where this is not the case, you would need to give solid reasons why you couldn’t live together with your partner.
• There may be fewer shared financial responsibilities.
• There’s a risk of marriages being entered into for immigration purposes.

As a result, the Home Office expects you to provide compelling evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship. Importantly, the Home Office will also want to see evidence of future intent to live together with your partner in the United Kingdom.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Long-Distance UK Spouse Visa?

Whether you are married and living apart or have lived together previously but now reside in different countries, the burden is on you to prove your relationship is real and subsisting. Proving your relationship is more than simply showing a marriage certificate.

Here’s a few ways you can show evidence for a UK spouse visa in a long-distance marriage / relationship:

1. Evidence of a Legally Recognised Marriage

You must submit:

• A marriage certificate recognised in the UK.
• If the certificate is from overseas, include a certified English translation.
• Documentation showing the marriage was valid in the country it occurred.

Read more: How to Prove Your Marriage Is Valid for UK Immigration

2. Evidence of a Genuine and Ongoing Relationship

This is the most critical part for long-distance couples. You need to show the relationship is not just legally formal, but emotionally and practically ongoing. To show this, you would need to provide evidence of ongoing communication including:

• Chat logs and call records (e.g. WhatsApp, FaceTime, texts, emails)
• Screenshots of video calls
• Photos together during visits, family gatherings, or holidays
• Travel history, including:
• Flight itineraries
• Boarding passes
• Visa stamps
• Hotel bookings
• Statements from family and friends supporting your relationship

You evidence should be spread across time—demonstrating consistent communication, not just short bursts.

3. Evidence of Visits and Time Spent Together

Physical presence helps solidify the legitimacy of the relationship. Include:

• Visit logs showing when you met
• Travel insurance, bookings, and activities during the visits
• Joint photos at landmarks, with dates and captions
• Proof of stay (e.g. Airbnb or hotel bookings, letters from hosts)

4. Proof of Future Plans to Live Together

UKVI wants assurance that the couple intends to cohabit permanently in the UK after the visa is granted.

Provide:

• A statement of intention (included in your cover letter)
• Future accommodation plans (e.g. tenancy agreement or letter from family)
• Evidence of job offers or transfer requests
• Shared savings or joint financial planning

How to Write a Relationship Timeline and Cover Letter

For long-distance couples, a well-crafted relationship timeline and cover letter are invaluable.

Your cover letter should outline:

• How you met and how the relationship developed
• When and where you got married
• Why you are currently living apart (e.g., work, studies, visa issues)
• How you maintain communication
• Your long-term plans to live together in the UK

A relationship timeline is a chronological outline of your journey, including key milestones and evidence references.

Common Challenges for Long-Distance Couples—and How to Overcome Them

• Lack of Joint Finances or Address: Instead, submit evidence of financial support, such as money transfers, gift receipts, or shared savings goals. Long-distance partners often can’t show joint tenancy or bank accounts.
• Short Relationship Duration: Provide detailed communication logs and frequent visit evidence. In some cases, marriage interviews may be required and if your relationship is relatively new, you may face greater scrutiny.
• Gaps in Communication: You should show continuity over the full span of your relationship and explain any gaps in your communications. These could be due to travel or work.

What If You’ve Never Lived Together?

You don’t have to live together to be eligible for a UK spouse visa if you’re married. However, you must demonstrate:

• The marriage is genuine and subsisting.
• You plan to live together in the UK after the visa is granted.

However, if you’re not married, you need to prove 2 years of cohabitation for a partner visa.

Learn more about cohabiting evidence: 🔗 Cohabitation Evidence for UK Partner Visa Applications

What to Expect After Submission

Once you submit your application, the Home Office may request additional evidence or invite you to an interview. Interviews are common for suspicious cases or long-distance relationships with limited evidence. At the interview, you will be asked about your relationship, how often you communicate, and future plans.

In conclusion

Long-distance relationships are real—and valid. When it comes to UK spouse visa applications, you must prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting.

By understanding what evidence is required and telling your story clearly, you can overcome the barriers that distance brings. With the right preparation and expert help, you can show that your relationship is genu ine, ongoing, and future-focused.