Permanent Residence in the United Kingdom

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Once you have lived in the UK for five years on a qualifying visa or ten years under the Long Residence rule, you may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a status that allows you to stay in the country permanently. Here’s an overview of what you need to know about permanent residence in the United Kingdom.

What is a British permanent residence permit?

A British permanent residence permit, known as "Indefinite Leave to Remain" (ILR), lets individuals live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely. Unlike temporary visas, ILR grants permanent residency, which means you are no longer subject to immigration control. This status also allows you to apply for British citizenship if you meet the eligibility criteria. ILR is often called "settlement," as it marks the point when an immigrant can fully settle in the UK without stay restrictions.

Is permanent residence the same as being a British citizen?

While ILR grants you the right to settle permanently in the UK, it does not make you a British citizen. British citizenship is a separate status that provides additional rights, like holding a British passport and voting in elections. To become a British citizen, you must apply for citizenship, which you can typically do after holding ILR for 12 months, provided you meet the criteria.

Benefits of a British permanent residence permit

As a permanent resident, you have the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time limitations. You can also access public services, such as healthcare and education, just like a British citizen. Additionally, ILR allows you to apply for certain benefits and tax credits. Another big benefit is that you can use your ILR status as a stepping stone to apply for British citizenship, which provides you full rights as a British national.

Do you need British permanent residence to live comfortably in the United Kingdom?

While British permanent residence offers security, it's not the only path to a stable life. For EU citizens and their families, the EU Settlement Scheme offers both settled and pre-settled status, which allows them to live and work in the UK without the need for an ILR. If you have the right of abode, you already have the legal right to live in the UK without time restrictions. Stateless individuals can apply to remain in the UK under specific provisions—they must prove that they are not recognised as citizens of any country and have no legal right to reside elsewhere.

When can you apply for a British permanent residence permit?

ILR eligibility depends on your visa status and how long you have lived in the UK. Generally, you can apply after living in the UK for five years on a qualifying visa, such as a Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2) visa. Some visa categories allow application after two or three years. If you have lived in the UK for ten years continuously, you may also be eligible to apply under the Long Residence rule. You can apply 28 days before reaching the required residency (that’s five years minus 28 days then).

What documents are required to apply for a British permanent residence permit?

To apply for permanent residence in the UK, you need to submit various documents to prove your eligibility. These include proof of residency, such as utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements that record your continuous stay in the country. If you’ve spent time outside the UK, you must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. You must also show evidence of your visa status and immigration history.

If applying based on a work visa, you need to provide your biometric residence permit (BRP) and evidence that you meet the financial requirement. For most visa types, you must prove that you meet the income threshold, typically £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour on a Skilled Worker visa. So expats who want to work in the UK to obtain permanent residence know that they should be earning slightly above £2k a month. If you check a salary calculator, you’ll realise that’s absolutely likely to happen.

If you are between 18 and 64 years old, you must pass the Life in the UK Test, which evaluates your knowledge of British life and culture—like, what do you do if you spill someone else’s beer at a pub? (No, the answer is not "You brawl.") You might also need to provide proof of English language proficiency, unless this was previously demonstrated during your visa application. Lastly, you must submit biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph.

How to apply for permanent residence in the United Kingdom

To apply for ILR, you must complete the application online through the official UK government website. The process involves filling out the application form with accurate information about your visa status, employment, and residency. You will need to upload the required documents to prove your eligibility. Once the application is submitted, you must schedule an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo).

Can your family members get British permanent residence?

Yes, your family members can also apply for ILR if they meet the eligibility criteria. Your partner and children can be included in your application if they have lived with you in the UK for at least five continuous years as your dependents. If they don’t meet this, they can extend their visas until they are eligible.

Children can apply if unmarried, live with you, and are supported without public funds. If they are over 16, you must provide evidence of their residence and financial support. Children over 18 must meet additional requirements and apply separately if ineligible.

What are British permanent residence permit fees?

The cost of applying for ILR is £2,885 per person. This fee covers processing your application, including document and biometric review. If you want a faster decision, you can pay an additional £500 for the priority service, which delivers a decision within five working days, or £1,000 for the super-priority service, which offers a decision by the next working day.

What if your application is rejected?

If your ILR application is rejected, you will receive a letter detailing the reasons for the refusal. Common issues include not meeting residency requirements, providing insufficient documentation, or problems with your immigration history. Depending on the grounds for rejection, you may be able to request an administrative review within 14 days of receiving the refusal notice. This review allows you to challenge the decision if you believe there has been an error in handling your application.

Alternatively, you can submit a new application, addressing the refusal concerns. You can improve your chances by getting legal advice, especially from immigration experts who’ve helped expats before.

How to renew British permanent residence?

ILR is a permanent status and does not require renewal like a visa. However, if you leave the UK for more than two years, you may lose your ILR status. If this happens, you may need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to re-enter the UK and restore your ILR status. When applying for a Returning Resident visa, you must prove strong ties and explain your extended absence. Additionally, if your ILR document is lost or damaged, you can apply for a replacement at the Home Office.

Talk to an immigration expert

If you’re looking to make the UK your permanent home, getting British permanent residence is a significant step. Finding a job with a UK-based employer who can assist with your relocation can make the process easier and support you through the ILR application.

Relocate.me is a great place to start. Explore our job board and start your journey towards permanent residence today. Or, contact us to talk to experts in relocation or immigration—we can connect you with those professionals as well.

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