Close Menu

10 Easiest Ways to Get Permanent Residency in the UK

The United Kingdom remains a top destination for people around the world seeking a better quality of life, a strong economy, excellent healthcare, and a world-class education system. For many, the ultimate goal is to obtain Permanent Residency in the UK—known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—which allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without time limits.

While the journey to ILR can seem complex, several pathways offer a clear and relatively straightforward route to permanent settlement. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 easiest ways to get permanent residency in the UK, depending on your background, visa type, and personal situation.

1. Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most accessible and widely used routes to UK permanent residency. It’s designed for foreign nationals with a job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor workers.

  • Eligibility: Job offer from a UK sponsor, minimum salary of £26,200 (or £20,960 for shortage occupations), and a qualifying role.

  • Path to PR: After 5 years of continuous employment on this visa, you can apply for ILR.

  • Why it’s easy: In-demand skills and wide employer sponsorship opportunities make this a reliable and structured path to settlement.

2. Spouse or Partner Visa

If you are married to or in a long-term relationship with a UK citizen or someone who already has ILR, the Spouse or Partner Visa allows you to live together in the UK and work freely.

  • Eligibility: Proof of a genuine relationship, financial support, and suitable accommodation.

  • Path to PR: Apply for ILR after 5 years of residence under this visa.

  • Why it’s easy: A family-oriented route with a clear progression toward settlement and citizenship.

3. Family Visa

The Family Visa allows you to join close family members (such as parents or children) already living in the UK.

  • Eligibility: Demonstrate family relationship, financial support, and living arrangements.

  • Path to PR: Eligible for ILR after 5 years of residence.

  • Why it’s easy: Ideal for those with immediate family already settled in the UK.

4. Innovator Founder Visa

Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas can apply through the Innovator Founder Visa. This route supports those planning to set up or run a UK-based business.

  • Eligibility: Business plan endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body; minimum investment of £50,000.

  • Path to PR: Apply for ILR after 3 years if your business meets specific success criteria.

  • Why it’s easy: Offers a faster route to PR for entrepreneurs with strong business ideas and clear growth potential.

5. Graduate Visa → Skilled Worker Visa

International students who complete a degree in the UK can stay for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) under the Graduate Visa. During this time, you can find work and later switch to the Skilled Worker Visa.

  • Eligibility: Completion of a recognized UK degree.

  • Path to PR: Transition to Skilled Worker Visa and apply for ILR after 5 years of work.

  • Why it’s easy: Smooth transition from education to employment makes it an ideal route for recent graduates.

6. Long Residence (10-Year Rule)

If you’ve lived legally in the UK for 10 continuous years, regardless of visa type, you may be eligible for ILR under the Long Residence rule.

  • Eligibility: 10 years of continuous lawful residence.

  • Path to PR: ILR after fulfilling the 10-year requirement.

  • Why it’s easy: A dependable option for long-term residents who have built a life in the UK.

7. UK Ancestry Visa

If you have a grandparent who was born in the UK, you may qualify for the UK Ancestry Visa. This allows you to live and work in the UK for five years.

  • Eligibility: Commonwealth citizen, proof of UK ancestry, and intention to work.

  • Path to PR: ILR after 5 years of residence and employment.

  • Why it’s easy: A simple and effective route for those with British heritage.

8. Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is for highly skilled individuals in fields like science, technology, arts, and academia. With endorsement from an approved UK body, you can live and work in the UK freely.

  • Eligibility: Endorsement as a leader or emerging leader in your field.

  • Path to PR: ILR after 3 to 5 years, depending on your profile and achievements.

  • Why it’s easy: Offers a fast-track route for recognized talent, without requiring a job offer.

9. Investor Visa (Closed to new applicants as of 2022 but may return or be replaced)

Previously, the Tier 1 Investor Visa allowed high-net-worth individuals to gain residency by investing in the UK economy. Though the program is closed, it’s important to monitor for future updates or similar replacement schemes.

  • Eligibility (if reinstated): Investment of £2 million+ in UK government bonds or companies.

  • Path to PR: ILR in 2–5 years, depending on the amount invested.

  • Why it was easy: Ideal for wealthy individuals seeking fast, low-barrier entry to permanent residency.

10. Refugee Status or Humanitarian Protection

Individuals granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK can apply for ILR after five years.

  • Eligibility: Must demonstrate that returning to your home country would pose a serious threat to your safety.

  • Path to PR: ILR after 5 years of residence under protection status.

  • Why it’s easy: Offers legal security and a path to rebuild your life in the UK if you’re fleeing conflict or persecution.

Final Thoughts

Gaining Permanent Residency (ILR) in the UK is a major milestone for anyone looking to build a long-term future in the country. Whether you’re coming as a skilled worker, a student, an entrepreneur, or through family ties, there are many practical and achievable paths to settlement.

Understanding the eligibility requirements and choosing the route that best fits your profile can significantly increase your chances of success. With the right preparation, the UK can become not just your destination—but your home.

Related Posts