1. Introduction

Marrying an EU citizen in the UK involves a blend of legal formality and immigration precision. With shifting policies post-Brexit and recent 2025 reforms, it’s crucial to understand the correct process to ensure both your marriage and immigration status are valid under UK law.

2. Legal framework Post-Brexit: Where EU Citizens Stand in 2025

Following Brexit, EU citizens no longer enjoy automatic rights to live or marry in the UK without formal immigration permission. As of June 2025, they fall under similar rules as other non-UK nationals unless they are covered by the EU Settlement Scheme. Understanding the EU partner’s current immigration status is foundational.

3. Immigration status of the EU Partner

If the EU partner holds:

Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, they retain the right to live, work, and marry in the UK.

A Work, Study, or Family Visa, they are considered third-country nationals under the points-based immigration system.

Their current status affects how you give notice and the visa options available for the non-EU partner.

4. Immigration status of the Non-EU Partner

If the non-EU individual is in the UK on a valid visa (e.g., student, work, or visitor), their ability to marry depends on visa type. For those outside the UK, applying for a Marriage Visitor Visa or a Fiance Visa is essential to enter the UK with the intention of getting married legally.

5. Choosing the right Visa before marriage

There are two primary routes:

• Marriage Visitor Visa (for short visits to marry with no plan to settle immediately)
• Fiance Visa (if the goal is to remain in the UK after marriage and switch to a spouse visa)

Applying under the correct visa route avoids complications during or after the wedding.

6. Marriage visitor visa: requirements and limitations

The Marriage Visitor Visa is valid for up to six months. It is ideal if:

• You intend to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK
• You will leave the UK after the ceremony

This visa does not permit working, studying, or switching to another visa from within the UK.

7. Fiance Visa: A pathway to settlement

The Fiance Visa is part of the UK Family Visa route and allows the applicant to:

• Enter the UK for up to six months
• Get married during that time
• Switch to a Spouse Visa post-marriage without leaving the UK

This route requires the sponsoring EU partner to meet minimum income requirements and demonstrate accommodation readiness.

8. Giving notice of marriage in the UK

Couples must give notice at a designated register office at least 29 days before the wedding. Both parties must be present and provide:

• Proof of identity and immigration status
• Evidence of residence in the relevant registration district

If either party is subject to immigration control, the notice may be referred to the Home Office.

9. Home Office referral and investigation procedures

If either party is a non-EEA national (including EU citizens without settled status), the Home Office may:

• Extend the notice period to 70 days
• Investigate the genuineness of the relationship

This step is part of the UK’s effort to curb sham marriages. Couples must be prepared with genuine evidence of their relationship.

10. Getting legally married in the UK: Approved venues and documentation

The marriage must take place at an approved venue. Required documents include:

• Valid passports
• Birth certificates (if available)
• Evidence of legal immigration status
• Divorce or death certificates (if previously married)

Religious ceremonies must be preceded by a civil registration unless held in a registered place of worship.

11. After marriage: Applying for a Spouse Visa

Following a legal marriage, non-UK spouses can apply for a Spouse Visa, which allows them to:

• Live and work in the UK
• Access the NHS
• Begin the five-year path to settlement (ILR)

Applicants must apply before their current visa expires if already in the UK.

12. Financial and English Language Requirements

To apply for a Spouse Visa in 2025, the EU partner (sponsor) must:

• Earn a gross annual income of £29,000 or more
• Show savings of £88,500 if income thresholds aren’t met

The non-UK spouse must pass an A1 level English language test, unless exempt due to age or nationality.

13. Living together legally after marriage

Once the Spouse Visa is granted, couples must:

• Live together permanently
• Avoid breaches of visa conditions
• Maintain financial stability and relationship evidence for future applications (e.g., ILR)

Joint tenancy agreements, bank accounts, and utility bills help prove cohabitation.

14. Common challenges and how to overcome them

Challenges include:

• Visa refusals due to incomplete documentation
• Language test delays
• Financial requirement miscalculations
• Suspicion of sham marriages during notice period

Preparation, legal clarity, and professional guidance help minimize these risks.

15. How BS Immigration can help with Cross-Border Marriage Cases

BS Immigration specializes in cross-national marriage cases, offering:

• Eligibility assessments for both EU and non-EU partners
• Tailored visa application guidance
• Support with financial and language requirements
• Representation during Home Office referrals or complex cases

With IAA certification and direct access to UK immigration authorities, BS Immigration ensures your marriage process is legally sound, emotionally smooth, and strategically successful.