Easiest way to obtain a visa between 2 countries.

[relco]

I am a Greek Cypriot / British (dual nationality) and my girlfriend is of Brazilian nationality.
We have been together for 2 years (also living together between the UK and partly in Brazil), and we are currently in the uk.
She is now currently on a tourist visa, which ends in 5 months.

We would like to continue living in London and so thought the best way to go about it is to get a civil marriage here?

When we get married, which would be the fastest and easiest way to obtain a visa for her?

I assume that obtaining a visa through the uk could be harder, so:

1. Is it possible, and would it be better, to go and apply for a visa from Cyprus, and then come back to the UK?

2. In which country am I required to be paying social security tax in order to be able to apply (i'm self employed). In the country I apply for the visa (cyprus), or the country we will be living in (uk) ?
If I haven't been paying in the required country, could I make a payment to cover the whole past year in one go?

3. In regards to a UK Unmarried Partner Visa. Could someone advice? Are these generally harder to get?

Are there any tips or suggestions you could give me?

Thank you

[anniecc]

Can't answer your first two questions, but re the unmarried partner visa, you have to have lived together for two full years, and be able to document this (e.g. by providing items of mail sent to both of you at the same address). It's ok if part of the two year period was overseas. UKBA also has to be convinced that the relationship is"akin to marriage", so it helps to show evidence of joint financial commitments etc. I don't think this visa is any harder to get than a spouse visa, but you do need to meet the cohabitation requirements.