Family Partner vs UK Ancestry: which UK visa is right for you?
Two family and heritage routes to live and work in the UK: the partner visa via an Appendix FM relationship, and UK Ancestry for Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) (Family Partner) | UK Ancestry visa (UK Ancestry) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | For partners of British citizens or settled persons who want to live in the UK with them. | For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK who want to work in the UK. |
| Government cost | ~£1,938 (outside) / £1,048 (inside); IHS ~£1,035/year | ~£637 application; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~12 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK) | ~3 weeks |
| Length of stay | 33 months (outside) or 30 months (inside), renewable | 5 years, renewable |
| Where to apply | Outside or inside the UK | Outside the UK |
| Work rights | Work permitted with no restrictions | Work freely, including self-employment, no sponsor needed |
| Pathway to PR | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years on the partner route. | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence. |
Which is right for you?
Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) (Family Partner)
For partners of British citizens or settled persons who want to live in the UK with them.
Full Family Partner guide →UK Ancestry visa (UK Ancestry)
For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK who want to work in the UK.
Full UK Ancestry guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Family Partner or UK Ancestry?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, UK Ancestry visa (UK Ancestry) is the lowest at ~£637 application; IHS ~£1,035/year. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Family Partner or UK Ancestry?
Indicatively UK Ancestry visa (UK Ancestry) is the quickest at ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between Family Partner and UK Ancestry?
Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM) (Family Partner) is for for partners of British citizens or settled persons who want to live in the UK with them. UK Ancestry visa (UK Ancestry) is for for Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK who want to work in the UK.