Marry to get DP for EU girlfriend - Before or after coming??

[Strong Eagle]

Another major question is what visa your GF intends to get.

Guessing the LTVP will be the best one to try for initially until she can find some work?

GF's don't qualify for LTVP. Common law wives do.

[cjcorney]

Another major question is what visa your GF intends to get.

GF's don't qualify for LTVP. Common law wives do.

OK, we've lived together for almost two years now so in UK terms at least we can say she is my common-law spouse, will I need to get proof of that here first or does this need to happen in SG? In which case which visa can she apply for first off to allow her to stay with me?

[nakatago]

GF's don't qualify for LTVP. Common law wives do.

OK, we've lived together for almost two years now so in UK terms at least we can say she is my common-law spouse, will I need to get proof of that here first or does this need to happen in SG? In which case which visa can she apply for first off to allow her to stay with me?

You can look for adione's thread somewhere here where he laid out how he did it. His girlfriend came with him here to Singapore using the LTVP. She eventually found a job and I assume, then go through the paperwork for an EP.

[cjcorney]

Cheers, found the thread and it doesnt look like it will be a problem if I can get my company to sponser her LTVP application as my common-law spouse, we have rental contracts etc to back this up too so that should be enough along with a letter from the embassy in the UK (or does this have to be in SG?)

Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated.

As for my other question, in your wise opinions would 3000 - 3500 SGD per month be enough to cover expenses (not-including rent) for a young couple but just me working?

[sundaymorningstaple]

If your rent is covered, it's do-able. Unless you are spoiled. Depending on your proclivities, you might even be able to save some. But be aware, if you like a tipple now & again, it can get to be habit forming and bloody expensive as well.

[cjcorney]

If your rent is covered, it's do-able. Unless you are spoiled. Depending on your proclivities, you might even be able to save some. But be aware, if you like a tipple now & again, it can get to be habit forming and bloody expensive as well.

Yep, here too, it's almost £6 a pint in my work local in Chelsea!

As I said from what I've seen on the property sites I'm guessing anywhere between 3 - 3.5K / month for rent so the rest will be for bills and hopefully saving a bit like you said.

What would you guys say is average spend per month for general bills and going out now and again? We'll be eating locally as much as possible but bound to buy the odd western item at the supermarkets now and again, plus a few 6-packs of beer

[JR8]

A point that I have raised before, but perhaps worth putting back on the radar again.

Be aware that single guys* with significant assets who have it documented andd certified that their girlfriends are to be considered the equivalent of wives expose themselves to the risk of division of assets should the relationship end.

* or ladies, or halves of same sex couples

[cjcorney]

A point that I have raised before, but perhaps worth putting back on the radar again.

Be aware that single guys* with significant assets who have it documented andd certified that their girlfriends are to be considered the equivalent of wives expose themselves to the risk of division of assets should the relationship end.

* or ladies, or halves of same sex couples

Cheers JR8, read that post somewhere earlier as well and I'm aware of the risks. I'm coming out on a 'local' package with a few extra's thrown in by the company. I'm 26, don't own any property or have any real assets here in the UK other than some savings. In an ideal world she'd be coming out in her own right to look for work without the need for this, but it's not always that easy as we all know.

[JR8]

Yep fair enough. It was as much for you as others that might search this thread in future.

Oh and BTW, don't know if anyone said, but any 'certification of status' for the common-law wife would be done via the SG embassy in London. Wilton Crescent if I'm not mistaken...

[danvito]

Thanks,

However, when I talk to my local HR department they tell me that "Only for certain country is is possible to use the Common Law's spouse certification." i.e. for DP application.

Cheers

Hi Mulherengo,

I'm in a similar situation, arrived here about the same time as you - 12 months ago - with my girlfriend of four years (two years living together now). We got her in on a LTSVP but are now looking to reclassify her as dependant. Just wondering if your HR department used an Agent for the application? I'd very much like to get in touch with them to discuss this as the two agents I have approached so far have been very confident in their answer of 'cannot'.

Any additional info you could share, particularly on the declaration, would be very much appreciated.

(I'm Australian and on P1 pass)

[sundaymorningstaple]

Does Australia consider you and a "couple" legally? If not, there's your answer.

[danvito]

Does Australia consider you and a "couple" legally? If not, there's your answer.

Yes, it does consider us a "couple". We are as good as married to the government (taxation, for example). But we approached the High Commission and they weren't sure how to notarise this. Not sure how that answers my question though. Anything constructive to add?

Thanks

[sundaymorningstaple]

If you both have the same address on your driver's licenses, and tax returns, maybe utility bills & phones bills in both names showing both living at the same address, it should be reasonably easy to write a letter referencing these facts and then have the Australian Embassy notarize your statement as attesting to the claim that you are, in fact, a de facto couple.

By the way, this forum has an excellent search facility, if one cares to use it.....

http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/sutra4 ... ips#421959

[danvito]

If you both have the same address on your driver's licenses, and tax returns, maybe utility bills & phones bills in both names showing both living at the same address, it should be reasonably easy to write a letter referencing these facts and then have the Australian Embassy notarize your statement as attesting to the claim that you are, in fact, a de facto couple.

We went into the Australian High Commission with a letter several weeks back and they suggested we do a Statutory Declaration instead. But there is no notarization of any documents, it's just notarizing that I made my statement in front of them. Honestly, I could have said I was purple and had green hair and they would have still stamped/signed it as it was my declaration. So would be good to get some first hand, detailed feedback on what was done by previously successful applicants. This is something I suspect we will only get one shot at, so want to make sure we cross all the T's and dot all the I's first time round.

By the way, this forum has an excellent search facility, if one cares to use it.....

I found this thread didn't I? Forums are meant for discussion right?

Thanks,
Dan

[sundaymorningstaple]

If you found the answer, what's there to discuss?

Welcome to the forum. We're an acerbic bunch at times, but we mean well. But, if you've been lurking here for a while you already know that.