Registering a Relationship

in Australia

If you’re in a de facto relationship and applying for a Partner Visa, registering your relationship can help you meet a critical requirement—especially if you haven’t lived together for 12 months. This legal step provides government-recognised evidence of your commitment and can help fast-track your visa journey.

What Is a Registered Relationship?

A registered relationship is a formal declaration made through a state or territory government that legally recognises your domestic partnership. It’s not the same as marriage—but for immigration purposes, it carries real weight.

Once registered, you’ll receive a relationship certificate, which can:

Act as official evidence of your de facto status

Waive the 12-month cohabitation rule for a Partner Visa application

Support your case when proving a genuine and continuing relationship

Who Should Register?

Registering a relationship is especially useful if you:

Are in a genuine, exclusive relationship

Are over 18 years old

Are not married or in another registered relationship

Can meet the residency criteria of a participating Australian state or territory

Why Register for a Partner Visa?

Under normal rules, de facto couples must prove they’ve lived together for at least 12 months before applying. That’s not always possible—especially if you’re on a temporary visa or face housing or visa restrictions.

A registered relationship can waive that 12-month rule, giving you more flexibility to apply without delay—provided you still supply other supporting documents.

State-by-State Guide

State / Territory Registration Available? Residency Requirement Visa Use?
New South Wales (NSW) Yes At least one partner must live in NSW âś…
Victoria (VIC) Yes At least one partner must live in VIC âś…
Queensland (QLD) Yes One partner must have lived in QLD for 6 months âś…
South Australia (SA) Yes At least one partner must live in SA âś…
Tasmania (TAS) Yes Both partners must live in TAS âś…
ACT Yes (as Civil Partnership) At least one partner must live in ACT âś…
Western Australia (WA) Yes At least one partner must live in WA ❌ Not valid for immigration purposes
Northern Territory (NT) ❌ Not available ❌

How to Register Your Relationship

While the process varies by state, it typically includes:

How to Register Your Relationship

Make sure you meet residency and relationship requirements in your state.

How to Register Your Relationship

Provide proof of identity and residency (e.g., passport, utility bill, lease).

How to Register Your Relationship

Complete the registration form through your state’s Births, Deaths and Marriages registry. Pay the application fee.

How to Register Your Relationship

Most states have a mandatory waiting period before registration is finalised (e.g., 28 days in VIC, NSW).

How to Register Your Relationship

Once approved, you’ll receive your official relationship certificate—an essential piece of evidence for your Partner Visa application.

  • Check Eligibility
  • Prepare Your Documents
  • Submit the Application
  • Cooling-Off Period
  • Receive Your Certificate
Relationship Registration - FAQ
Do we both need to be in Australia?

No. Most states only require one partner to live there. You don’t need to be a citizen or permanent resident.

Is registration enough for a Partner Visa?

Not by itself. It waives the 12-month rule but doesn’t replace the need for strong supporting evidence across the four pillars.

Can I register after lodging my Partner Visa?

Yes. You can register after applying, as long as your relationship remains genuine and the certificate is available before the Department assesses your application.

Need Help with Registration?

Registering your relationship can give you a strategic advantage—but only if done correctly. At Questra, we make it easy. We’ll help you:

  • Confirm state eligibility
  • Prepare the correct documents
  • Register efficiently
  • Integrate your certificate into a strong Partner Visa submission

Book a consultation to get started—we’re here to make the journey smoother for you and your partner.

Book a Consultation
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If you’re looking for a sign that you’ve chosen the right migration agent — this is it. Many can become migration agents, but not everyone does their work with genuine care and heart. That’s why choosing a migration agent with genuine care and compassion for their clients is so important. And Bill Mitroulas of Questra Immigration is definitely one of them. Our gratitude to Bill and the Questra Team is beyond words — they were the ones who made it possible for us to achieve the future we’ve been dreaming of here in Australia. Even though the process wasn’t easy and at times felt almost impossible, Bill and the Questra Team stood by us and helped us successfully complete our PR application. And because of the positive outcome of our PR application, we were able to get the house we’ve always dreamed of. In behalf of my partner, Jhoseph Paxton, we want to thank you, Bill and the Questra Team, for changing our lives — giving my children a future filled with hope and opportunity. I pray for Questra's continued success.✨
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