Do de facto (unmarried) partners qualify, and what do we have to prove?

Unmarried partners are recognised under the de facto partner category, but the bar is evidence-based. The relationship must be genuine and exclusive, and both partners must be adults and not related to each other.

You generally need to demonstrate around two years of living together in a relationship akin to marriage, supported by documents such as joint tenancy, shared bills, financial ties and correspondence. Casual or newer relationships without solid cohabitation evidence are unlikely to meet the standard.