As human relationships get more and more complicated, governments are adopting new policies to satisfy the emotional needs of their people. Things have changed a lot since young people had to get the agreement of their parents before they could marry the one they loved. The modern world of the 21 century is now witnessing unprecedented kinds of relationships among humankind. Same-sex marriage and de facto relationships, two people living together without being married, are two kinds of relationships that are prohibited or disdained in many countries. Meanwhile, some countries show more leniency toward people involved in such relations and provide proper living conditions to them. In this article, you’ll learn about the top five countries in which de facto partners receive better treatment and experience less discrimination.
Netherlands
If you want to bring your partner to the Netherlands, you only need to prove that you have been in a serious relationship for the past six months. Emails, photos, travel tickets, and family visits are among the things you can use as evidence. If the six-month relationship is proven, no restrictions regarding residency and work will be imposed on your partner. You may also need to sponsor your partner till they find a job. However, you don’t need to worry much as immigrants usually manage to get a job within the first months of their residency. Unlike countries such as France and England, where de facto partners have to pay extra taxes due to not being legally married, in the Netherlands, de facto partners have all the rights considered for married couples without having to pay any extra taxes.
Canada
The next country where de facto partners can find peace is Canada. It’s over three decades that Canada passed on anti-discrimination laws in support of unmarried partners, and now the government even helps partners unite. Canada is a multi-cultural nation where millions of people with various cultural backgrounds live peacefully. This makes Canada a perfect choice for unmarried couples. Any Canadian resident can bring their partner to Canada, provided that their relationship is genuine. In cases where the unmarried couple becomes parents, the government considers a monetary award for the unmarried couple. The child will also be regarded as a Canadian citizen receiving all the rights Canadians have.
Denmark
Denmark is perhaps the first European country to consider specific exemptions for unmarried couples. Those who can prove that they have been involved in a love relationship for more than three months are free to take their partner into the country. De facto partners in Denmark have all the property inheritance and maintenance rights as married couples do. A photo or a love letter from your partner is enough to make you eligible to apply for a partner visa. Of course, your partner should declare that they want you there. You can stay with your partner as long as your partner sponsors you. You can travel to all EU countries with your visa as well. No restrictions are set upon unmarried couples regarding the places they go or jobs they have. In case the couple gets married in Denmark, the government will consider a sum of 15000 Krone, the official currency of Denmark, as a reward.
Australia
The rules regarding unmarried partners in Australia are quite similar to those in European countries. What makes Australia a perfect choice is the various options you have after getting a partner visa. You can bring any family member to Australia if you sponsor them. To prove that you are in a genuine romantic relationship, you just need to provide evidence such as photos, emails, travel tickets, or any other evidence showing that you have previously spent six months or more with your partner. Also, you can stay, study, and work in Australia as long as you live with your partner. If your partner lives in Australia and you wish to join them, you only need to apply for the partner visa 820. It might take six months or more before your visa is lodged, but unless you fail to prove that your relationship is a genuine one, you can make sure that you’ll soon join your love.
Spain
Although cohabiting with your partner is allowed in many European countries, Spain is among the best options one could have. Partners may live together as long as they wish and even have children without getting married. The policy toward unmarried couples differs from region to region. However, unmarried couples receive complete legal protection from the government regardless of the area of their residency. Three years of peaceful cohabitation with your partner allows you to apply for permanent residency in Spain. In addition, if you have a child and agree to marry your partner, the government considers exceptional monetary support and a house mortgage.
Conclusion
This article introduced five countries where de facto partners receive legal protection from the government and do not face any discrimination or mistreatment. Attempts were made not to name any particular country where unmarried couples undergo mental or financial problems. In case you are in a serious relationship with someone from any of the countries mentioned above, you can rest assured that the government will be willing to help you join your love of life.