Ancestry visa UK 2025 (Documents & Requirements)

If you have a grandparent who was born in the United Kingdom, you may be eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa 2025. This visa allows you to live, work, and eventually settle in the UK, making it one of the most flexible routes to reconnect with your British heritage.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we specialise exclusively in UK visas and immigration. Our experienced immigration solicitors have helped many Commonwealth citizens successfully secure their UK Ancestry Visas, guiding them through the eligibility rules, required documents, and application process.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Ancestry Visa 2025 from eligibility requirements to the documents you must provide so you can apply with confidence. Our 5-star Google Reviews reflect the quality of service we deliver, ensuring your journey to the UK is smooth and stress-free.

Who is Eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa?

You can apply for a UK Ancestry visa if you’re one of the following:

You must also:

  • prove one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
  • meet the other eligibility requirements

What is the UK Ancestry Visa?

The UK Ancestry Visa is a five year visa that allows Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom. It provides a direct pathway to permanent settlement and, eventually, British citizenship.

This visa pathway provides a direct route to British citizenship, with holders eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years’ continuous residence, followed by British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months.

Ancestry Visas UK

Definition Of Commonwealth Citizen

A Commonwealth citizen is a citizen or qualified national of a Commonwealth of Nations member state.

The definition of ‘Commonwealth citizen’ has been amended in line with the revised definition in paragraph 6.2 of the Immigration Rules (Statement of Changes HC 1248) to include British Overseas Territories citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas citizens and British subjects. The previous definition (both in the Rules and in this guidance) inadvertently excluded such British nationals.

Commonwealth Countries List 2025

Commonwealth citizens from the following countries are eligible for the UK ancestry visa:
African Commonwealth Countries: Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
Asian Commonwealth Countries: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka
Caribbean Commonwealth Countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago
European Commonwealth Countries: Cyprus, Malta,
Pacific Commonwealth Countries: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Applications Under Ancestry Visa UK

Our specialist ancestry visa UK lawyers can help you with the following application under Ancestry visa route:

  • entry clearance or permission to stay as a person with UK Ancestry
  • settlement as a person with UK Ancestry
  • entry clearance or permission to stay for dependants • settlement for dependants

Required Documents for UK Ancestry Visa 2025

Essential Documents

  • Current passport or valid travel document
  • Your full birth certificate
  • Parent’s full birth certificate (linking you to your grandparent)
  • Grandparent’s full birth certificate (proving UK birth)
  • Evidence of work plans (job offer, business plan, or employment search evidence)
  • Bank statements proving financial maintenance
  • Tuberculosis test results (if applying from certain countries)

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

  • Marriage certificates for parents/grandparents if names have changed
  • Legal adoption papers if relevant to your ancestry claim
  • Evidence of name changes (marriage certificates, deed polls)
  • Relationship evidence for partners and children joining you

Obtaining historical documents for grandparents who left the UK decades ago can be challenging. Our immigration lawyers can assist with sourcing these vital records from UK archives.

Your ancestry

You must show that you have a grandparent born in one of the following circumstances:

  • in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
  • before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland
  • on a ship or aircraft that was either registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government

You cannot claim UK ancestry through step-parents.

uK ancestry visa cost

Application Fees

  • Main applicant: £682
  • Each dependant: £682

NHS Healthcare Surcharge

  • Adults: £1,035 per year (£5,175 for 5 years)
  • Under-18s: £776 per year (£3,880 for 5 years)

Priority Processing (Optional)

Standard processing: Up to 3 weeks

Priority Service: £500 (decision within 5 working days)

Super Priority Service: £1,000 (decision by end of next working day)

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK for 5 years on this visa.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:

  • your partner
  • your child under 18
  • your child aged 18 or over who was previously on your or your partner’s visa as a dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove one of the following:

  • you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK
  • you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply
  • you’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply but you cannot live together, for example because you’re working or studying in different places, or it’s not accepted in your culture

If you’re not living together, you’ll need to prove that you have an ongoing commitment to each other, for example by providing evidence that you:

  • communicate regularly with each other
  • support each other financially
  • care for any children you have together
  • spend time together as a couple, for example on holiday or at events

Your child

They must:

  • live with you (unless they’re in full time education at boarding school, college or university)
  • not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children
  • be supported by you without using public funds

Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Immigration Cases?

Looking for trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester or London? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our team is here to make your visa application process smooth, simple, and stress-free.

✅ Experienced Immigration Solicitors: Our team has years of experience and stays up to date with the latest UK immigration rules. We give you accurate and honest legal advice.

✅ Personalised Legal Support: Every visa case is different. We take the time to understand your situation and offer solutions that work for you.

✅ Fast Visa Services: Need a quick decision? We offer Priority and Super Priority visa services for faster results.

✅ Online & In-Person Services: We can handle your case online or in person at our Manchester office—saving you time and travel costs.

✅ Open 7 Days a Week: We’re available every day, including weekends, to offer expert immigration advice when you need it most.

✅ Free Initial Advice: Call us for a free 5-minute advice to get started.

✅ Fixed Fees with Instalments: Clear, affordable pricing with the option to pay in two instalments—no hidden costs.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are committed to providing professional, fast, and reliable immigration services.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How long you can stay on Ancestry visa UK?

You can stay in the UK for 5 years on this visa.

Can I bring my family with me on an Ancestry visa UK?

Yes, you can bring your dependent family members with you on an Ancestry visa. This includes your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under the age of 18.

Can I work freely in the UK on an Ancestry visa?

Yes, an Ancestry visa allows you to work in the UK without any restrictions, including self-employment. You can seek employment or start your own business during your stay in the UK.

Can I apply for British citizenship with an Ancestry visa?

Yes, you can apply for British citizenship after living in the UK on an Ancestry visa for at least 5 years. This requires meeting certain residency and other criteria set by the UK Home Office.