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Secure Your Permanent Residence UK Effortlessly
Applying for Permanent Residence in the UK can feel complex, particularly where long-term settlement depends on strict Home Office requirements. Our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors provide structured, legally accurate guidance to help you prepare a compliant application based on your immigration route and circumstances.
Permanent Residence is commonly used to describe Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — the immigration status that allows you to live in the UK without time limits, subject to meeting all eligibility requirements.
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Stressed About Your UK Permanent Residence Application? Get Help Now
Permanent Residence in the United Kingdom is commonly used to describe Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), an immigration status that allows a person to live, work, and study in the UK without a time limit, provided it is not revoked, curtailed, or lapses in accordance with the Immigration Rules.
ILR provides long-term immigration security for individuals who have lawfully established residence in the UK. It removes the need for further visa extensions and allows access to public services, such as healthcare and education, in line with UK eligibility rules.
Indefinite Leave to Remain is commonly a prerequisite for British citizenship, but it does not grant citizenship automatically. Separate eligibility requirements apply, including residence periods, good character assessments, and additional application criteria. ILR provides immigration stability, but citizenship is a distinct legal status that must be applied for separately.
Key Facts About UK Permanent Residence
Benefits of Permanent Residence UK
Indefinite Leave to Remain (often referred to as Permanent Residence UK) allows individuals to live and work in the UK without time limits. It removes the need for further visa extensions and permits access to healthcare and other public services in line with UK eligibility rules. Family members may be able to join or remain with you depending on the specific immigration route, and British citizenship may be applied for separately once all statutory requirements are met.
Duration of Permanent Residence UK
The qualifying residence period for Indefinite Leave to Remain depends on the immigration route. Many routes require five years’ continuous lawful residence, while some routes allow settlement after three years, where expressly provided for under the Immigration Rules. All routes require continuous lawful residence, and absences from the UK must fall within the limits set for the relevant visa category.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you must meet the residence requirements of your specific immigration route and have lived in the UK lawfully for the required qualifying period. Most applicants must also pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement, unless an exemption applies.
Documents Checklist
Supporting documents for an Indefinite Leave to Remain application typically include a valid passport, Biometric Residence Permit (if issued), and evidence of lawful and continuous residence in the UK. Where required, applicants must also provide a Life in the UK test pass certificate and evidence of meeting the English language requirement. Additional documents depend on the immigration route and individual circumstances.
The Immigration Health Surcharge does not apply to Indefinite Leave to Remain applications, as the surcharge applies only to grants of time-limited leave. Once ILR is granted, individuals are no longer subject to the surcharge while resident in the UK, subject to ordinary NHS eligibility rules.
In addition to the Home Office application fee, applicants must pay the mandatory biometric enrolment fee. Priority and super priority services may be available in certain cases for an additional fee, subject to availability at the time of application.
Standard processing times for Indefinite Leave to Remain applications can be up to six months. Faster processing options may be available for an additional fee, depending on the application route and service availability.
The UK government has published policy proposals outlining potential future changes to settlement rules, including potential changes to qualifying periods, sponsorship requirements, and settlement eligibility for some migrants under the points-based system. These proposals are not law and do not affect current eligibility requirements unless and until formally implemented.
Planning Long-Term Settlement in the UK
Preparing an application for Permanent Residence UK requires careful attention to Home Office rules and supporting evidence. Our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors provide clear, structured guidance to help you prepare a compliant application based on your circumstances.
Benefits
Benefits of Choosing UK Immigration Solicitors
Permanent residence UK is not a single visa route and depends on individual circumstances, immigration history, and long-term intentions. Our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors provide clear, route-specific guidance to help you understand your position, identify the correct pathway, and prepare accurate, compliant applications in line with current Home Office requirements.
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From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
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Evidence-based case preparation
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Home Office compliance checks
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Success rate optimisation
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Risk mitigation strategies
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
Work With Trusted, SRA-Regulated UK Immigration Experts
Your immigration journey is too important to risk on unqualified or unregulated help. Every case we handle is prepared by SRA-regulated solicitors who apply structured legal reasoning, precise documentation checks and full compliance with Home Office and UKVI rules.
Our accreditations are your assurance that you are working with a reputable, experienced and highly trained legal team. We combine decades of immigration expertise with strict professional standards to give you clarity, confidence and complete peace of mind — no matter which visa or application route you are pursuing.
Eligibility Criteria for Permanent Residence UK
Eligibility for Permanent Residence UK depends on the immigration route you rely on, your length of lawful residence, and your compliance with immigration conditions. There is no single set of PR requirements, and qualifying periods vary depending on the route.
Permanent residence UK is not granted under a single route.
The qualifying residence period depends on the immigration category, for example:
- Family routes (partner or parent): usually five or ten years, depending on circumstances
- Work routes: commonly five years, subject to visa type
- Long residence: ten years of continuous lawful residence
- Business and talent routes: qualifying periods vary by category
You may be eligible for permanent residence if you meet the requirements of a qualifying immigration route and satisfy all associated conditions.
Our immigration solicitors can assess your circumstances, explain the routes available to you, and advise on the requirements that apply to your situation.
Essential Documents for a Permanent Residence UK Application
The documents required for a permanent residence uk application depend on the route and individual circumstances, but commonly include the following.
Identification
- Valid passport or Biometric Residence Permit (if issued)
- Evidence of lawful residence in the UK, such as tenancy agreements or official correspondence
- Relevant Home Office correspondence, where applicable
Financial Records
- Evidence of income or financial circumstances where required by the route
- Payslips, bank statements, or tax records, where applicable
- Employer or business documentation where relevant
Proof of Residence & Relationships
- Evidence of Permanent Residence UK, such as tenancy agreements or official correspondence
- Relationship evidence for family routes, where applicable
- Evidence relating to dependent children, if included
Life in the UK Test
- Required for most applicants, unless an exemption applies
- Evidence of passing the test must be provided where applicable
Pre-Brexit EEA Permanent Residence UK Rules
Before the end of the Brexit transition period, EEA and Swiss nationals (and certain family members) were able to enter the UK using a valid passport or national identity card and were not subject to UK immigration control during an initial period of residence.
Following initial entry, EEA nationals could acquire a right of residence under EU law if they were exercising Treaty rights, such as working, studying, being self-employed, being self-sufficient, or actively seeking work in accordance with EU free movement rules.
After completing five years of continuous residence while exercising Treaty rights, EEA nationals could acquire permanent residence under EU law. A permanent residence uk card was available as documentary evidence of that status.
Permanent residence uk did not itself confer British citizenship. Separate naturalisation requirements applied, including residence, good character, and eligibility criteria. In some cases, citizenship applications could be made after holding permanent residence uk for the required qualifying period.
Under the former EEA Regulations, permanent residence uk could also arise in specific circumstances, including where:
- A family member or extended family member resided in the UK for five years in accordance with EU law.
- A right of residence was retained following divorce, dissolution, or the death of the EEA national.
- A family member accompanied or joined a British citizen returning to the UK under the Surinder Singh route.
- An EEA national qualified for permanent residence uk following retirement, permanent incapacity, or periods of work abroad while maintaining residence links to the UK.
These provisions applied only under EU free movement law and are no longer open to new applicants.
Pre-Brexit Rules: UK Permanent Residence Card
Under the former EEA Regulations, permanent residence existed as a legal status under EU law and did not depend on holding a physical document. A permanent residence UK card was available as evidence of that status, but was not mandatory.
The permanent residence UK card was commonly relied upon as documentary evidence in situations such as:
- Supporting an application for British citizenship by evidencing five years’ residence under EU law.
- Demonstrating lawful residence for family or extended family members under the EEA Regulations.
- Assisting with right-to-work checks carried out by employers in accordance with Home Office guidance.
The permanent residence uk card functioned as recognised evidence of residence under EU free movement law. It did not itself grant immigration status and has no ongoing effect for new applications following the end of the Brexit transition period.
Pre-Brexit Rules: Absences & Continuous Residence Requirements
Under the former EEA Regulations, permanent residence uk depended on whether the UK remained the applicant’s principal place of residence, rather than compliance with fixed numerical absence limits. Extended or frequent absences could lead the Home Office to question whether the applicant had maintained genuine residence in the UK, depending on the overall pattern of residence.
Time spent travelling to and from the UK was assessed in context, with particular attention given to overnight stays outside the UK when determining residence patterns.
There were no fixed statutory minimum-presence requirements under EU law. Residence was assessed holistically, based on whether the applicant’s life was centred in the UK.
Pro Tip:
Under the former EEA Regulations, residence was assessed holistically by reference to whether the UK remained the applicant’s principal place of residence, rather than by fixed numerical absence limits.
Pre-Brexit Rules: Criminal Convictions
Under EU free movement law, criminal history was considered when assessing residence rights, particularly where conduct raised public policy or public security concerns.
Criminal conduct could be considered depending on its nature, seriousness, and relevance to public policy considerations under EU law.
- The seriousness of the offence.
- When it was committed.
- Whether it occurred in the UK or overseas.
Examples of offences treated as criminal convictions included:
- Drink driving.
- Driving while using a mobile phone.
- Driving disqualification.
Pre-Brexit Rules: Life in the UK & English Language Tests
Candidates for permanent residency were not required to demonstrate proficiency in English or to have completed the Life in the UK test.
Unless an exception was made, EU persons seeking British citizenship with PR were required to provide proof of having passed an English proficiency exam at B1 CEFR level or above, or an equivalent qualification, such as a degree taught in English.
If the goal was to apply for citizenship after permanent residence was granted, it was feasible to take the test along with the ILR application.
How to Get UK Permanent Residency as a Non-EU Citizen?
You may submit an application for PR for UK through one of the routes listed above if you are not a native EU citizen. It is important to make sure that you satisfy UK PR eligibility standards and have every piece of proof you need before you apply.
How to Register your non-EU Family Members in the UK?
Non-EU citizens do not apply for permanent residence uk through a single PR application. Instead, permanent residence is achieved by completing a qualifying immigration route and meeting the settlement requirements that apply to that route. It is essential to confirm eligibility and prepare the correct supporting evidence before making any application.
Eligibility for Settlement in the UK
Eligibility for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) depends on your visa type and circumstances. In general, applicants must have lived in the UK continuously for the required period and complied with immigration laws during their stay.
Settlement Routes
- Five-year route
- Ten-year route
If you are applying under any of the settlement routes, you must first meet the residence requirement for that visa. For example, holders of a Skilled Worker visa must have lived in the UK lawfully for five years before becoming eligible, which may result in refusal, or in some cases a grant of further limited leave depending on the facts.
Eligibility Requirements
Marriage/Partnership
- You must hold a valid partner or marriage visa.
- Applications may be made if you are married to, in a civil partnership with, or have lived with a British partner for at least two years.
Cohabitation
- You must show evidence of living together in a genuine and ongoing relationship.
- Acceptable proof includes joint tenancy agreements, joint bank statements, or other official documents.
Life in the UK Test
- Mandatory for most applicants.
- A multiple-choice test on British history, culture, and society designed to confirm basic knowledge of life in the UK.
English Language Requirement
- Non-native English speakers must provide proof of proficiency.
- Evidence can include an approved English language test or a recognised qualification from a UK institution.
Financial Requirement
- Current minimum income threshold: £29,000 (if there are no dependent children).
- Dependent children’s income cannot be counted when assessing the minimum income requirement, in accordance with Appendix FM.
- Household income can be combined between both partners.
Exceptions:
- Two-year route: no minimum income requirement, but applicants must show they can support themselves without public funds.
- 10-year route: no set threshold, but evidence of financial stability is required.
How Family Members Can Apply for Settlement in the UK?
If your partner lives in the UK on a qualifying work or business route that leads to settlement under the Immigration Rules, you may also be eligible for settlement, which may result in refusal, or in some cases a grant of further limited leave depending on the facts. To qualify, you must be married, in a civil partnership, or have lived together for at least two years.
Partner Eligibility
- You must hold a valid dependent visa.
- Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
- No access to public funds.
- Must meet the English language requirement.
Application Process
You can apply online. Standard decision times can be up to six months. Priority services may be available for an additional fee, subject to route eligibility and availability, which may result in refusal, or in some cases a grant of further limited leave depending on the facts.
Once approved, you’ll be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), giving you the right to live permanently in the UK.
What are the Restrictions On Permanent Residence UK?
There are numerous positive aspects of permanent residence, but there are also a few negative aspects to think about.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain may lapse if the holder spends more than two continuous years outside the UK, subject to the Immigration Rules and the facts of the case.
- You might not be able to use your pre-settled statusafter that time.
- You should also know that your PR status can be taken away if you are found guilty of a crime or if you can’t prove that you can afford to keep it.
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that living in the UK permanently does not mean you automatically become a British citizen. You might have to fill out another form and pass the Life in the UK test in order to become a British citizen.
Apply as a Permanent Resident UK
You can apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for five years and having a fixed address for one year. As long as your partner is a British citizen, though, you can apply for citizenship after three years of living in the UK permanently.
In both cases, you must meet the standards for English language skills and life knowledge before you can apply. You must also not be limited by visa time limits and have been a Permanent Resident for at least one year. This means that your ILR status is valid.
How to Get a Permanent Residence through a Work Visa?
If you have a work visa, like a Skilled Worker visa, you can come to the UK to work for a UK company. After completing the required qualifying period on a work route that leads to settlement, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which may result in refusal, or in some cases, a grant of further limited leave depending on the facts. The Skilled Worker visa is one of the easiest ways for people from outside the EU to live in the UK permanently right now.
People can live and work in the UK with a number of different work visas, such as
- Skilled Worker visa
- Healthcare worker visa
- Scale up visa
- Global Talent visa
It’s important to know that some work visas don’t let people stay in the UK forever. Like the Senior or Specialist Worker visa under the Global Business Mobility route (which used to be called the Tier 2 ICT visa) and the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa.
If you have an HPI visa or another type of visa that doesn’t let you apply for permanent residency in the UK, you might be able to change it to one that does. Some students can work in the UK even if they don’t have a job offer with the HPI visa, which makes it better than other work visas.
You can live in the UK permanently with a work visa if you:
- Possess a valid work visa and have lived in the UK for at least five years.
- Keep getting paid by the company in the UK.
- Continue working at a job that qualifies.
- Get paid at least the minimum wage.
- Pass the test on Life in the UK.
- Meet the English language standards.
If you want to start a creative firm in the UK, you can apply for a business visa like the Innovator visa. Under the present immigration rules, it is one of the easiest ways to get a PR in the UK for non-EU citizens.
The Innovator Founder visa can lead to Permanent Residence in as little as three years. In contrast, the Start-up visa does not provide a direct route to settlement. If you currently hold a Start-up visa and wish to secure Permanent Residence, you must switch to the Innovator Founder visa.
For Permanent residence as a holder of an Innovator visa, you must:
- Have resided in the UK on an Innovator visa for continuously three years.
- Hold a valid endorsement from an approved endorsing body in accordance with the Innovator Founder requirements.
- Do well on the Life in the UK test.
- Meet the requirements for English language skills.
Cost & Processing Time for UK PR Process
There is no single application fee or processing time for permanent residence in the UK. Costs and decision times depend on the immigration route under which settlement is sought and the services available at the time of application.
Application fees are set by the Home Office and vary by visa category. In some cases, optional priority or super priority services may be offered at an additional cost, subject to availability. Processing times are indicative only and are not guaranteed.
UK Permanent Residence FAQs
Permanent residence UK is not obtained through a single PR application. Instead, it is achieved by completing a qualifying immigration route, such as certain work, family, business, or long-residence pathways, and then meeting the settlement requirements that apply to that route.
No. “Permanent residence” is a commonly used term, but it is not a standalone visa in UK immigration law. For non-EU citizens, permanent residence is usually achieved through settlement under specific immigration routes, rather than through a visa called “Permanent Residence”.
No. Completing a qualifying residence period does not guarantee permanent residence. Applicants must still meet all settlement requirements, submit a valid application, and provide the required evidence under the relevant immigration route.
Eligibility depends on the immigration route relied upon, the required period of lawful residence, compliance with visa conditions, and satisfaction of settlement requirements such as residence, conduct, and documentation.
Yes. Most settlement routes include residence requirements, and time spent outside the UK can affect eligibility. The impact of absences depends on the immigration route and individual circumstances.
Indefinite Leave to Remain may lapse if the holder spends more than two continuous years outside the UK, or may be revoked in cases involving serious criminality, which may result in refusal, or in some cases a grant of further limited leave, depending on the facts.
No. Permanent residence allows an individual to live and work in the UK without time restrictions, but it does not grant British citizenship. Citizenship is a separate legal status with additional rights and a separate application process.
No. All applications are assessed individually by the Home Office. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee approval, and each application must be supported by accurate documentation and evidence.
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