There are many routes to securing permanent settlement in the UK which is also known as indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

10 Years

If you have lived in the UK for 10 years continuously, you may be eligible for settlement. You must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days at a time and 540 days in total during this time. If you are aged between 18 and 65, you will also need to pass an English language test and a Life in the UK test. However, it may not always be possible to combine different forms of leave to remain.


“…guided me from no status to citizenship with well informed, outstanding professional service — a solicitor who committed for his clients’ success, not just the fee.”

Aarachi, Coventry


5 Years

The following categories have a five year route to settlement:

  • Tier 1: Innovator
  • Tier 1: Investor
  • Tier 1: Exceptional Talent
  • Tier 2: General
  • Tier 2: Sole Representative of an Overseas Business
  • Spouse or unmarried partner
  • Refugee/Asylum
  • Humanitarian Protection

3 Years

Some categories allow for settlement after three years including:

  • Accelerated settlement for Tier 1: Investor
  • Endorsement in the Exceptional Talent category

An investor who wishes to settle after three years, will need to invest and maintain investment of £5 million in the UK.

Those endorsed as Exceptionally Talented, rather than exceptionally promising can also settle after spending three years in the UK.

2 Years

The quickest route to Indefinite Leave to Remain is the Accelerated Settlement route in the Tier 1 Investor category. This has an option for settlement after just two years, for those who have invested and maintained an investment of £10 million in the UK.