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Family

Cohabitation and shared-address evidence

General categories of reliable records that may demonstrate living together over time.

Resource type
Evidence explainer
Last reviewed
26 July 2026
Official sources
1
Platform role
Information only
General information, not a personal recommendation

Use these guides to understand published UK immigration requirements and questions to check. Confirm the current rule on GOV.UK and obtain regulated advice for your own circumstances.

What this evidence is for

The purpose matters more than the document name

To show a shared household or explain the couple’s living arrangements as part of wider relationship evidence.

What the evidence may need to show

Useful features

  • Tenancy, mortgage or council records
  • Utility or household bills
  • Bank or government correspondence
  • Medical or other professional letters

Problems to notice early

Common evidence gaps

  • All records are in one person’s name without context
  • Evidence clustered around one date
  • Addresses conflict without explanation
  • Treating cohabitation as the only possible proof of commitment
01

Start with the rule

Identify the fact the route requires the applicant to prove.

02

Match the evidence

Check issuer, content, date, format and required period.

03

Check consistency

Names, addresses, dates and figures should agree across the application.

Primary source

Confirm the current evidence rule

Personal circumstances?

Know when a guide is no longer enough

Eligibility assessments, evidence reviews, application preparation and representation should be handled by a suitably regulated professional.

Verify a regulated professional