If you’re considering applying for an Australian Partner Visa based on your de facto relationship, understanding exactly which documents you need can make the process much smoother. This guide breaks down every aspect of de facto partner visa documentation, common scenarios, potential pitfalls, and up-to-date requirements so you can approach your application with confidence – whether you’re a worker, student, carer, or part of a family seeking life together in Australia.

What Documents Do I Need for a De Facto Partner Visa?

What is a De Facto Partner Visa?

A de facto partner visa (Subclass 820/801 for onshore, 309/100 for offshore) allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The core requirement is proving a genuine and ongoing de facto relationship (living together as a couple, but not legally married), lasting at least 12 months before applying (unless you’re registered as de facto in certain jurisdictions).

Proving this relationship — and passing Department of Home Affairs scrutiny — rests almost entirely on your supporting documentation.

Why Are Documents So Important?

Your application is only as strong as your evidence. Every claim you make about your relationship must be proven through “supporting documentation”. Given the risk of fraud, the Department examines evidence critically. Submitting comprehensive, relevant documents maximizes your chance of visa approval and minimizes processing delays.

How To Go About Document Gathering

Understand the Four Pillars of Evidence:
- Financial aspect: How you share finances or support each other.
- Social aspect: Your joint commitment within your community/family.
- Nature of household: Living arrangements, sharing chores/responsibilities.
- Nature of commitment: Long-term intentions, emotional support.
Collect Documents Across Time:
- Target a continuous timeline covering your entire relationship (from at least 12 months before lodgment, or since registration).
Check Document Requirements:
- Certified copies for all non-digital documents
- English translations for non-English documents
- Clear, readable scans
- Label documents descriptively

Key Documents Required: A Detailed Checklist

Relationship Evidence

1. Financial Evidence

Joint bank account statements showing regular transactions
Joint loan/mortgage/lease agreements
Utility bills (electricity, phone, water, gas) showing both names or payment history
Car/home/health insurance policies under both names or mutually benefiting each other
Evidence of shared significant purchases (e.g., furniture, appliances)\
Superannuation beneficiary nomination forms

2. Social Evidence

Photographs together at various events (annotated: date, place, with whom)
Wedding/engagement invitations, joint travel itineraries/tickets
Joint memberships (clubs, gyms, sports teams, organizations)
Copies of messages, emails, or cards between partners (esp. while apart)
Statutory declarations by family and friends (Form 888*)

3. Nature of Household

Rental agreements or mortgages listing both partners as residents/owners
Mail and addresses to both at same place
Household bills addressed jointly
Evidence of sharing chores or home organization (emails/texts/plans)
Arrangements for children or pets (if applicable)

4. Nature of Commitment

Wills or power of attorney documents including each other
Evidence of ongoing plans (travel, career, shared commitments)
Joint life insurance policies
Shared future plans in written communication

5. Cohabitation Evidence

Lease, tenancy, or mortgage in both names—or, if not possible, proof of residence from utility bills, council letters, or rental receipts
Mail/bills to each partner at shared address over 12+ months

6. History and Continuity Evidence

Timeline/narrative statement from each partner, explaining your relationship history, significant events, plans, and the nature of your commitment

7. Statutory Declarations

At least two (preferably more) Form 888 declarations by Australian citizens/permanent residents who know both partners
Personal statements/declarations from each partner

Note: Each Form 888 must be witnessed by a prescribed authority (see the form PDF for details).

Health & Character Documents

Police clearance certificates from every country lived in for more than 12 months (from age 16)
Valid passports for both applicant and sponsor (certified copies)
Birth certificates
Passport-sized photographs (recent, as per Home Affairs specs)
Evidence of all prior marriages (divorce certificates, death certificates)
Military service certificates/discharge paperwork (if applicable)
Health examination results (panel doctor reports)

Additional/Common Scenario Evidence

Relationship registration certificate (from a state/territory registry, if available)—especially useful if you haven’t lived together for 12 months
Evidence of periods apart (e.g., explanation plus continued communication)
Previous visa grant/refusal letters
Evidence of sponsor’s citizenship or permanent residency (passport, grant letter, VEVO check)

Who Typically Applies for De Facto Partner Visas?

International students dating, living with, or engaged to Australians
Skilled workers (engineers, healthcare professionals) on temporary visas
Newly-arrived migrants in de facto relationships with Australians
Carers or family members now in relationships with Australian residents
LGBTIQ+ couples (married or otherwise), including those unable to marry overseas
Australian expats returning home with non-citizen partners

The Application Process (Step-By-Step Overview)

Assess eligibility: Confirm you’ve been together de facto for at least