Blogs • September 1, 2025 • 13 Min

Your Complete Guide to UK Permanent Residence in 2025

In the UK, permanent residence is officially called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It allows a foreign national to live, work, and study in the country without time limits and is often the last step before applying for British citizenship. To qualify, applicants usually need to have spent five continuous years in the UK on an eligible visa route, meet the English language and Life in the UK test requirements. Some categories, such as the Innovator Founder Visa or Global Talent Visa, may lead to ILR in as little as two years. Once granted, ILR provides security and stability: no further visa renewals, free access to the National Health Service, and greater freedom in employment or business. However, it is not unconditional. ILR can lapse if you spend more than two continuous years outside the UK, or if you commit serious criminal offences. This guide explains the eligibility rules, application process, benefits, and challenges of obtaining ILR in 2025, along with tips for preparing a strong application. Understanding the UK Green Card System The term “UK Green Card” is often used informally, but the official status is called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is the UK’s form of permanent residence, giving a person the right to live in the country without being restricted by visa renewals or sponsorship. What ILR Means You can live in the UK without a time limit You are free to work or run a business without sponsorship You gain access to public services, including the NHS, education, and certain welfare benefits After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship Why It’s Important ILR offers long-term stability. It removes the uncertainty of visa extensions and opens more opportunities in both personal and professional life. Employers also value ILR holders, as they are not restricted by sponsorship rules. Key Conditions ILR can lapse if you spend more than two consecutive years outside the UK It can be revoked if you commit serious crimes or breach immigration laws Eligibility Requirements for UK Permanent Residence To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), applicants must meet a combination of residence, language, knowledge, and character requirements. These are assessed by the UK Home Office at the time of application. Continuous Residence Period Most visa holders must live in the UK for five continuous years before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Some categories allow for an earlier application: Global Talent Visa and Innovator Founder Visa holders may apply after three years, if they meet the endorsement or business performance criteria Tier 1 Investor Visa holders who applied before the route was closed can qualify after three years with a £5 million investment, or five years with a £2 million investment Applicants must also show they have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying years. English Language Requirements You must prove your ability to speak and understand English at the required level. This can be done by: Passing an approved B1 English language test Holding a degree taught in English Being a national of a majority English-speaking country Life in the UK Test The Life in the UK test is mandatory for almost all ILR applicants. It is a computer-based exam covering British history, culture, laws, and values. A pass mark of 75% is required. Good Character Criteria Applicants must demonstrate good character, meaning: No serious criminal convictions No immigration breaches or overstaying history Compliance with UK laws and taxes Pathways to UK Permanent Residence There are several visa routes that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The exact timeline and conditions depend on the type of visa you hold. Work Route – Skilled Worker Visa Holders of the Skilled Worker Visa can usually apply for ILR after five years of continuous lawful residence. They must show they still meet the salary threshold, have maintained employment with an eligible sponsor, and have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. Family Route If you are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or someone who already has ILR, you can apply for permanent residence after five years on a family visa. Applicants must show evidence of a genuine relationship, financial stability, and compliance with English language and Life in the UK test requirements. Innovator Founder Visa This route allows entrepreneurs building innovative businesses in the UK to apply for ILR after three years if their venture meets performance criteria, such as job creation or revenue milestones. Global Talent Visa Global Talent visa holders may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three or five years, depending on their endorsement type and field of expertise: If endorsed as a recognised leader (commonly referred to as "exceptional talent"), you can apply for ILR after three years. If endorsed as an emerging leader ("exceptional promise") in fields such as arts, culture, or digital technology, the qualifying period extends to five years. Note: You may include time previously spent under certain other visa categories, such as Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, or other Tier 1 routes, toward your ILR residence requirement, as long as you hold a Global Talent visa at the time of application. Additionally, there are limited circumstances where absences from the UK may not count toward the 180-day annual absence limit, for example, if they were due to research-related travel and your endorsement came from bodies like the Royal Society or British Academy. Investor Visa Route Although the UK’s Tier 1 Investor visa closed to new applicants in 2022, those who already hold it can still apply for ILR. Investment of £10 million – ILR after 2 years Investment of £5 million – ILR after 3 years Investment of £2 million – ILR after 5 years UK Green Card Application Process Once you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is to complete the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application. The process is formal, and missing details or documents can delay or even lead to refusal. Required Documentation Applicants must provide clear evidence of their lawful stay and eligibility. Common documents include: Current passport and any previous UK visas Biometric Residence Permit (if issued) Proof of continuous residence, such as utility bills, council tax letters, tenancy agreements, or bank statements Employment evidence, such as payslips and a letter from your employer on company letterhead Proof of meeting financial requirements if applying under the family route Pass certificate for the Life in the UK Test and proof of English language qualification Application Fees and Costs As of 2025, the ILR application fee is £3,029 per person. Additional costs may include: English language test fees Life in the UK test fee (£50) Legal advice or representation, if used Processing Times Most ILR applications are decided within six months. Faster processing is available through the super priority service, which can provide a decision within 24 hours for an additional fee. Biometric Requirements Every applicant must submit biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photo) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre. This information is used to issue the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which confirms ILR status. Rights and Benefits of UK Permanent Residence Holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) brings important rights and advantages that make life in the UK more secure and flexible. Employment Rights You can work for any employer or become self-employed without needing sponsorship. There are no restrictions on the type of job or number of hours you can work. Healthcare Access ILR holders can use the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as British citizens, without paying the immigration health surcharge. Education Benefits Permanent residents have access to UK schools, colleges, and universities. In many cases, they can qualify for “home fee status” at universities, which means significantly lower tuition fees than international students. Social Security Entitlements ILR gives access to certain welfare benefits, pensions, and public housing support, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each program. Common Challenges and Solutions Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) can be complex, and many applicants face difficulties that delay or jeopardize approval. Below are the most frequent challenges and how to address them. Meeting Residence Requirements You must show you have lived in the UK for the required period without long absences. Solution: Keep detailed travel records and ensure you do not exceed 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. If you are close to this limit, consider delaying your application to stay compliant. Absences from the UK Extended trips abroad for work or personal reasons can affect eligibility. Solution: Provide clear evidence explaining the reason for absences, such as employer letters or medical records. The Home Office may consider exceptional circumstances. Income Thresholds Family route applicants must meet financial requirements, which can be difficult if income fluctuates. Solution: Combine earnings, savings, or self-employment income where permitted. Keep payslips, bank statements, and HMRC records to show consistency. Document Verification Applications can be refused if documents are missing or inconsistent. Solution: Double-check that all documents are current, official, and in the correct format. Where documents are not in English, provide certified translations. Maintaining UK Permanent Residence Status Once granted, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) provides long-term stability, but it must be maintained carefully. Travel Restrictions ILR can lapse if you spend more than two consecutive years outside the UK. If this happens, you may need to reapply for a Returning Resident visa to restore your status. Regular travel is allowed, but extended absences should be avoided. Employment Conditions There are no restrictions on work once ILR is granted. However, you are still expected to comply with UK tax laws and avoid any activities that could breach immigration rules or lead to criminal convictions, as these may result in loss of status. Citizenship Pathway ILR is often the final step before applying for British citizenship. Most applicants can apply for naturalization after holding ILR for 12 months, provided they meet residence requirements, demonstrate good character, and intend to continue living in the UK. Special Categories and Exceptions Some groups of applicants benefit from tailored pathways or exceptions when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). EU Citizens Post-Brexit EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 could secure status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Those granted settled status have rights equivalent to ILR. New arrivals after Brexit must follow the same immigration rules as non-EU nationals. Commonwealth Citizens and Other Eligible Nationals Eligibility for the UK Ancestry Visa extends beyond Commonwealth citizens. You may be able to apply if you can prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland. This route allows you to live and work in the UK and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence. You can apply if you are: A Commonwealth citizen A British overseas citizen A British Overseas Territories citizen A British national (overseas) A citizen of Zimbabwe In addition, older provisions like the Windrush Scheme grant ILR (and in some cases British citizenship) to people who arrived in the UK before 1973 without formal paperwork, as well as to their children. Refugees and Protected Persons Refugees granted asylum in the UK, and individuals with humanitarian protection, are usually placed on a five-year route to settlement. After this period, they can apply for ILR provided they still require protection and meet the residency conditions. Cost Breakdown and Financial Planning Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) involves more than just the Home Office application fee. Applicants should prepare for the full range of expenses to avoid surprises. Application Fees The standard ILR fee in 2025 is £3,029 per person. This applies to both main applicants and each dependent family member. Legal Assistance Costs Many applicants choose to work with an immigration solicitor to avoid mistakes. Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the case but typically range between £1,000 and £3,000. Supporting Document Expenses Additional costs may include: English language test fees (around £150) Life in the UK test (£50) Translation and certification of documents not in English Travel expenses for biometric appointments at UKVCAS centres Budgeting for these costs is important, especially for families applying together, as fees multiply per applicant. Tips for a Successful Application Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) requires careful preparation. Even small mistakes can delay or derail the process, so planning ahead is key. Timeline Planning Start preparing well before you reach the qualifying residence period. Book your Life in the UK test and English language test early, as appointments can be limited. Keep track of absences to ensure you meet residence requirements. Document Preparation Gather documents systematically, passports, visas, financial records, employment letters, and proof of residence. Keep originals and make copies, and ensure all paperwork is up to date and consistent. Common Mistakes to Avoid Submitting incomplete or expired documents Misreporting absences from the UK Forgetting to include dependents’ separate applications Missing payments or biometric appointments By organising your application early, checking details carefully, and seeking legal guidance if needed, you improve your chances of a smooth approval process. Moving Forward with UK Permanent Residence Gaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is one of the most important milestones for anyone building a life in the UK. It turns a temporary visa into long-term stability, removes the need for extensions, and opens the door to British citizenship. The process requires commitment, meeting residence rules, passing the required tests, and preparing the right documents, but for those who plan ahead, it is entirely achievable. Whether you qualify through work, family, talent, or long residence, ILR gives you the security to invest in your future in the UK with confidence. If you are considering settlement in the UK, contact Savory & Partners for expert guidance on eligibility, application preparation, and long-term planning. Our team can help you navigate every step, ensuring your application is as strong as possible. FAQs on UK Permanent Residence How many years do I need to live in the UK to get permanent residence? In most cases, you need to live in the UK for five continuous years on an eligible visa. Some visas, such as the Global Talent or Innovator Founder Visa, allow you to apply after three years, while long residence applicants may qualify after ten years. How much does it cost to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain? The ILR application fee in 2025 is £3,029 per person. This does not include additional costs such as the Life in the UK test, English language test, translations, or legal fees. Can I lose my UK permanent residence once it is granted? Yes. ILR can lapse if you spend more than two consecutive years outside the UK, or it can be revoked if you commit serious criminal offences or breach immigration laws. Can I apply for British citizenship after getting ILR? Most applicants can apply for British citizenship after 12 months of holding ILR, provided they meet residence, language, and good character requirements. Do family members need to apply separately for ILR? Yes. Each dependent, including children, must submit their own ILR application. Parents can apply on behalf of minors, but separate fees and documents are required for each applicant. References Home Office. (2025, April 9). Immigration and nationality fees. UK Government. Referred from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-9-april-2025 Home Office. (2025). Indefinite leave to remain: Eligibility and application process. UK Government. Referred from: https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain Home Office. (2025). Global Talent visa: Indefinite leave to remain. UK Government. Referred from: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent Home Office. (2025). UK Ancestry visa. UK Government. Referred from: https://www.gov.uk/ancestry-visa Migration Observatory. (2025). Changes to settlement: What do they mean? University of Oxford. Referred from: https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/commentaries/changes-to-settlement-what-do-they-mean