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✎ EN Same-sex partners (U.S. Citizen & EU Citizen) Help.
    

Discussion in 'Immigration UK' started by x86i, May 4, 2005.

  1. x86i

    x86i New Member

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    Hello,

    My partner and I want to live together permanently in Europe and do not know how to accomplish this. He is an EU Citizen and I am a U.S. citizen and we have documented evidence of visiting each other over the years.

    From the little I understand, same-sex marriage is only legal in Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. However, we do not know whether I can receive permanent residency in Europe based on a same-sex marriage. I am also trying to find out whether any EU country allows immigration benefit based on domestic partnerships (aka same-sex civil unions ... i.e. not "legal marriage").

    :?: We are also wondering whether, if we go the marriage route, if we have to marry in the EU country where he is a citizen or if we can marry in another EU country. This is assuming that there are more than the 3 countries I mentioned above that have legal same-sex marraige. Any suggestions on EU countries with more liberal marriage procedures? If it is only the 3 countries mentioned above, any suggestions on which of the 3 has the quickest and easiest route to legal same-sex marriage?

    :arrow: We really don't care about being legally married as much as we want to be able to live together in Europe without my being limited to 90 days (as a U.S. citizen) and without having to return to the U.S. once I leave for Europe.

    Any help/advice/suggestion is appreciated. I may also be reached via email: x86i@yahoo.com

    Thanks
     
    #1 x86i, May 4, 2005
  2. euexpat

    euexpat New Member

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    defactos in the UK

    Hi x86i,

    If you don't mind the weather, I can speak from experience in saying that you will have no problems coming to the UK under the unmarried partners visa.

    The UK is bringing in civil unions this December, but even today if you can prove that you and your partner have been together for 2 years, you should have no problems getting a visa to stay here if your partner is an EU citizen. I can speak from experience, I am from New Zealand, my boyfriend is a Spanish citizen, and we have been living here in London for 3 years now. After living here 4 years you can apply for permanent residency, and after a final fifth year you will be awarded a british passport which would allow you to live in any EU state.

    www.ukvisas.gov.uk has very helpful information, but I think the most relevant is as follows below - best of luck wherever you both decide to settle.

    From UKVISAS:
    Can I join my unmarried partner in the UK?
    You can apply to join your unmarried partner in the UK, as long as:

    they currently live and are settled in the UK, or they are coming to live permanently in the UK, and
    you are aged over 18 and your sponsor is aged over 18.


    How do I qualify to join my unmarried partner in the UK?
    You and your unmarried partner must show that: any previous marriage, or similar relationship, has permanently broken down
    you have been living together in a relationship similar to marriage for two years or more
    you have suitable accommodation which is owned or lived in only by you and your household, and where you and your dependants can live without any help from public funds
    you can support yourselves and any dependants without any help from public funds
    you intend to live together permanently
    your partner is not under 18, and
    you are not under 18.
    The Entry Clearance Officer will need to see evidence of a two-year relationship. This may include:

    documents showing joint commitments, such as bank accounts, investments, rent agreements or mortgages
    letters linking you to the same address, and
    official records of your address, such as your National Insurance card or health card.
    At first, you will be allowed to stay and work in the UK for two years. Near the end of this time, if you are still partners and intend to continue living together, you can apply to stay permanently in the UK.
     
    #2 euexpat, May 8, 2005
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