UK Permanent Residence (PR): A Complete Guide to Settling in the UK

Are you ready to make the UK your permanent home? Getting UK Permanent Residence (PR), officially known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), is a crucial step. This status allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without any visa restrictions. It’s the key that unlocks access to the NHS, educational opportunities, and, eventually, British Citizenship and a British passport.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting ILR in the UK, from the visa routes that qualify to the specific documents and application forms you’ll need.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are regulated immigration solicitors who work with families, professionals, and businesses across the UK to make their ILR applications strong and stress-free.

Call us today on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment online.

Table of Contents

What is UK Permanent Residence?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of settlement that grants you the right to live in the UK indefinitely. It’s often referred to as Permanent Residence or Settled Status for EU nationals.

With ILR, you can:

• Work for any employer or start your own business.
• Study at any university without international student restrictions.
• Access the NHS without paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Sponsor eligible family members to join you in the UK.
• Apply for British Citizenship after 12 months.

A common point of confusion is the difference between ILR and citizenship. While ILR lets you stay in the UK indefinitely, you still hold your original nationality. Citizenship, however, grants you a British passport and voting rights.

Who Can Apply for UK Permanent Residence?

Eligibility for ILR depends on your current visa and how long you have lived in the UK under the Home Office’s rules. The continuous residence requirement is a key part of the Immigration Rules.

Minimum Residence Requirements:

• 5 years – The most common route for family visas and work visas.
• 3 years – For holders of the Innovator Founder Visa or Global Talent Visa.
• 10 years – The Long Residence route for those who have lived in the UK lawfully for a decade.

Main Visa Routes that Lead to ILR:

• Family visas (spouse, civil partner, or dependant relative visa)
• Work visas (Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Scale-up, Global Talent)
• Business visas (Innovator Founder)
• EU Settlement Scheme (Settled Status for eligible EU nationals)
• Other routes, including private life and discretionary leave.

UK Permanent Residence via Family Visa

If you’re in a genuine relationship with a settled person or British citizen, you can apply for settlement after meeting the minimum residence period.

The most common route is the Spouse Visa. You can apply for ILR after 5 years if you’re on the 5-year route. To qualify, you must:

• Have lived in the UK for the required period without excessive absences (e.g., more than 180 days in any 12-month period).
• Meet the financial requirement (currently a joint income of at least £29,000).
• Still live with your partner in a genuine relationship.
• Pass the Life in the UK test.
• Prove your English language ability by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider like Pearson PTE or IELTS.

UK Permanent Residence via Work Visa

Work visas are a very popular path to ILR. If you hold a Skilled Worker visa or a Health and Care Worker visa, you can typically apply for ILR after 5 years.

Other qualifying routes include:

• Scale-up visa – A flexible route leading to ILR.
• Global Talent visa – ILR is possible in 3–5 years, depending on your achievements.

Important note: Not all work visas qualify for ILR. The High Potential Individual visa and Intra-company transfer (ICT) visas, for example, do not lead directly to settlement.

UK Permanent Residence via Business Visa

Entrepreneurs can get ILR in as little as 3 years through the Innovator Founder visa, as long as they meet specific endorsement and business requirements.

Steps for applying include:

• Living in the UK for 3 years under this visa.
• Proving your business is active and has been endorsed.
• Passing the Life in the UK test and English language requirements.

UK Permanent Residence for EU Nationals

Since Brexit, EU citizens must apply under the EU Settlement Scheme.

• Settled status is the equivalent of Permanent Residence, granted after 5 years of continuous residence.
• Pre-settled status is a temporary status until you reach 5 years.

If you arrived in the UK after 31 January 2021, you must follow the same visa routes as non-EU nationals under the Home Office’s standard Immigration Rules.

How to Apply for ILR: A Step-by-Step Guide

The ILR application process can be complex, but it generally follows these steps:

• Check eligibility: Confirm you meet the continuous residence and financial requirements for your specific visa route.
• Complete the online application form: The specific form varies. For example, a Skilled Worker visa holder would use the Set (O) form, while a spouse visa holder would use the Set (M) form.
• Pay the application fee: Check the current UKVI fees for permanent residence. The ILR application fee 2025 is subject to change, so always check the official government website.
• Book a UKVCAS appointment: This is where you submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photos).
• Submit supporting documents: This includes your passport, visa history, Life in the UK test pass certificate, payslips, and tenancy agreements. Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is also a key document.
• Wait for a decision:
  • Standard service: Up to 6 months.
  • Priority service: 5 working days (for an extra £500).
  • Super-priority service: 1 working day (for an extra £1000).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying before meeting the continuous residence rules (e.g., exceeding the 180-day absences limit).
• Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents.
• Failing to meet income requirements for family routes.
• Not taking or passing the Life in the UK test.

Rights After PR – What Happens Next?

Once you have ILR, you can work or study without restrictions and access the NHS without extra charges. You can also sponsor family members to join you.

Crucially, your Permanent Residence can be revoked if you commit a serious crime or spend more than two continuous years outside the UK.

After 12 months with ILR, you may become eligible to apply for British Citizenship under the British Nationality Act.

Speak to Our Immigration Solicitor Today

Applying for UK Permanent Residence can feel overwhelming. At Deluxe Law Chambers, we help clients across Manchester, London, and the wider UK secure their future with clear, tailored advice that adheres to the Law Society’s professional standards.Call our team on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment online.

FAQs about UK Permanent Residence