UK Residency
Applying for permanent residence in the UK
Life in the UK is a common goal for many individuals across the globe. With our diverse and multicultural population, national healthcare system and excellent education on offer, many people seek permanent residence in the UK each year.
The ultimate settled status is acquiring British Citizenship, which offers you all the rights of a British national. Some of the common pathways to citizenship are to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status via the EU Settlement Scheme.
There are also some other less common routes to residency. So, if you’re looking to explore permanent residence in the UK, we can help you.
Which Visa Do I Need?
This gives you the right to stay in the UK permanently. You can live and work here, study and raise a family for as long as you like. Holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) can also lead to British citizenship. There are different routes to obtaining ILR if you:
- Work in the UK
- Have family in the UK
- You’ve lived in the UK for 10 years or more
- You’re a commonwealth citizen
- You’re a refugee, returning to the UK or have been in the Armed Forces
The EU Settlement Scheme was implemented to offer European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens protection of their residency in the UK. Qualifying individuals living in the UK before the end of the transition period (Brexit), and their eligible family members, are able to benefit from these protected rights.
If you are a citizen of a country in the EU/EEA or Switzerland, there are routes available for you to reside in the UK or join UK family members. You can:
- Apply to settle in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit
There are different ways to qualify for British citizenship. Some of the more common routes are to hold Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The progression to becoming a citizen is often referred to as ‘naturalisation’. This status gives you all the rights of British citizens, including:
- The right to apply for a British passport
- The ability to vote in the UK
- The right to claim public funds
- The ability to run for office in the UK
- The right to be joined by overseas family members