GB Other routes Permanent

Settlement (ILR) and British citizenship

Indefinite Leave to Remain, then naturalisation as a British citizen.

Who this route is for

People who have completed the qualifying period on an eligible route and want to settle permanently, then become British.

ILR: usually 5 years' continuous lawful residence (10 years via long residence; 3 years on some Global Talent/Innovator routes).
ILR: pass the Life in the UK test (50 pounds) and meet English at CEFR B1.
ILR: stay within absence limits (commonly no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months).
Citizenship: hold ILR/settled status (usually 12 months, waived for spouses of British citizens); 5 years' UK residence (3 if married to a British citizen).
Good character requirement and absence limits for naturalisation.
Proposed reform may lengthen the standard ILR qualifying period to 10 years for many routes (announced 2025, not yet law).

Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.

The UK's main sponsored work visa.

IHS-exempt Skilled Worker branch for NHS and eligible health professionals.

Unsponsored visa for leaders in research, arts/culture or digital technology.

The UK's main entrepreneur route; no fixed minimum investment.