Loving someone from another country and wishing to spend the rest of your life with that person produces some of the most heartbreaking stories of our times. 

Straight people can, with a little persistence, bring their overseas partners to this country or go and live in their partner's country. Mostly, although not always, this implies marriage. For gay men, the coming into law of the Civil Partnership act has eased the situation somewhat but expert legal advice needs to be taken on an individual case. Just as not all partners already established want to enter into a civil partnership so those with an overseas partner may not wish to do so either.

Civil Partnerships it should be remembered rarely have any valiity in other countries.

As we understand the current situation , non EU citizens can apply to stay here if their partner is British or from another EU country and has been given the right to stay here indefinitely.

However the overseas partner must first of all be in this country legally. The couple must be able to prove that they have lived together for two years before they can apply for an unmarried partner's visa. They will need to build a folio of evidence of living together. Utility bills in joint names, rent books and other documents should all be kept. Every little helps ! Registration of the partnership under the GLA scheme also helps establish dates although it has no legal standing.

If the application succeeds, they will probably get two years leave to remain. During this period they can work, travel and use the NHS but not claim benefits such as unemployment pay.

If after a further two years they can prove they are still together they can be granted permanent residency and when they have lived here a further year (five years in total) apply for citizenship and a British Passport.

Travel within the EU, however, depend on the laws of individual countries and may be restricted and may require a visa. This visa however may then allow entry into several countries. 

Below are sources of up to date advice. You are strongly advised to consult professional advisors if starting the process of getting permission for an overseas partner to stay with you in this country.

We understand that same sex couples in a legal relationship under the laws of another country will automatically be treated as having formed a civil partnership and do not then need to register again in the UK.