This route is for applicants seeking to settle in the UK through investment (Tier 1 Investor) or through the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route’s transitional provisions. Please note that Tier 1 Entrepreneur settlement applications will be accepted until 5 July 2027, as the route is currently closed to new applicants.
SETTLEMENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, an applicant must normally meet the following requirements.
Spent a continuous period of lawful residence in the United Kingdom under a permitted category – normally five years unless applying for accelerated settlement.
- Not been absent from the United Kingdom for more than 180 days in any of the twelve months preceding the date of application on a rolling basis.
- Possess a sufficient command of the English language or be exempt
- Passed the Life in the United Kingdom test or was exempt Additionally, the various investment and business categories have their own set of settlement eligibility criteria, which are summarised below.
SETTLEMENT AS A TIER 1 INVESTOR
Investors in the Tier 1 category may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain if they have lived in the UK for five years and meet the requirements listed below.
Invested a minimum of £2 million in the United Kingdom through the purchase of UK government bonds, share capital, or loan capital in active and trading UK-registered businesses.
By maintaining at least £2 million in self-directed funds in the United Kingdom. Additionally, after three years of maintaining a £5 million investment or after two years of maintaining a £10 million investment, you may qualify for accelerated settlement.
AS A TIER 1 ENTREPRENEUR, YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SETTLEMENT
Entrepreneurs in the Tier 1 category may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain if they have lived in the UK for five years and meet the requirements listed below.
- Within six months of either entering the UK as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur or being granted leave to remain as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur, you must register as a business director or self-employed.
- At least £200,000 or £50,000 (as applicable) in a UK business or businesses.
- Created at least two full-time jobs for individuals who have been settled in the UK for at least 12 months.
After three years, the applicant may also apply for accelerated settlement if the applicant created ten new jobs or the business generated at least £5 million in gross revenue from business activity. Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate to the Home Office that he or she established, acquired, or became a director of a genuine UK business, operated that business legitimately, and intends to continue operating the business legitimately in the UK.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: CAN MY PARTNER AND CHILD GET A SETTLEMENT?
A: In some cases, people who live with the main applicant in the UK for at least five years can apply for ILR. They must have permission to stay in the UK as a partner and must have lived with the main applicant for at least five years in the UK (if they applied on or after 9 July 2012). Child may be able to get ILR if they were already allowed to stay in the UK as the child of the main applicant.
Q: WHEN CAN I BECOME A BRITISH CITIZEN AFTER I GET A SETTLEMENT?
A:The general rule is that applicants will be able to apply to become a British citizen 12 months after getting the settlement. If they are married to a British citizen, they can apply right away.
Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET A WAIVER FOR KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGE AND LIFE IN THE UK, OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE TAKEN?
A: No, you don’t have to meet the requirements. However, if you have a medical condition or other reason, the SSHD may make a decision.
Q: WILL MY SETTLEMENT STATUS EVER LAPSE?
A: If you stay away from the UK for more than two years, your settlement status will be lost. As a result, people who want to come back to the UK as a returning resident will have to apply for a new visa.