I married my wife (Thai National) in Thailand back in 2005. We are thinking of moving to the UK to live. I am currently unemployed but do have savings in my thai bank account. I want to look for a job once in the UK.

My question is as we are not legally married in the UK do I apply for a partner visa or fiancee visa? I am confused as to which visa to apply for at this time.

Thanks in advance for any help/advise.

You say "I married my wife (Thai National) in Thailand back in 2005."

Was this just a ceremonial wedding, or did you register the marriage at an ampur?

If registered at an ampur then you are legally married in Thailand and therefore legally married in the UK as well.

If so, then she applies as your spouse.

If just the ceremonial wedding then you are not legally married in Thailand nor the UK.

In which case whether she applies as your fiance or unmarried partner is up to the two of you. Provided she meets the criteria for an unmarried partner, and can show that she does, then I suggest she applies as such as applying as a fiance involves an extra application once in the UK and therefore extra expense.

See UK Settlement Visa Basics for more details.

I am currently unemployed but do have savings in my thai bank account.

As you will see from the above, these need to be at least £62,500 and have been in your and/or your wife's possession for at least 6 months prior to applying.

Edited March 17, 201313 yr by 7by7

You say "I married my wife (Thai National) in Thailand back in 2005."

Was this just a ceremonial wedding, or did you register the marriage at an ampur?

If registered at an ampur then you are legally married in Thailand and therefore legally married in the UK as well.

If so, then she applies as your spouse.

If just the ceremonial wedding then you are not legally married in Thailand nor the UK.

In which case whether she applies as your fiance or unmarried partner is up to the two of you. Provided she meets the criteria for an unmarried partner, and can show that she does, then I suggest she applies as such as applying as a fiance involves an extra application once in the UK and therefore extra expense.

See UK Settlement Visa Basics for more details.

I am currently unemployed but do have savings in my thai bank account.

As you will see from the above, these need to be at least £62,500 and have been in your and/or your wife's possession for at least 6 months prior to applying.

Thanks and very much appreciated 7by7. We are legally married so spouse visa it is then. Thanks also regarding the savings required.