Getting residence in the United Kingdom
Post-Brexit UK uses points-based visas (work, talent, founder). Indefinite leave (ILR) after 5 years on most routes.
The essentials · reside · July 2026
For comparing a residence title: timeline, cost, limits.
2–4 months
Skilled Worker visa
$1,500–$5,000
3–6 months
Innovator Founder visa
$2,000–$8,000
3–6 months
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
$3,000–$5,000
The routes
- Skilled Worker visa — Up to 5-year renewable visa
- Innovator Founder visa — 3-year renewable visa
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — ILR (permanent residence)
Who it fits
- Skilled Worker visa — Licensed sponsor employer, salary threshold, English B1
- Innovator Founder visa — Innovative business approved by endorsing body, own funds
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — 5 years legal stay on eligible route, Life in the UK test, English B1
Paths by category
Indicative thresholds, timelines and fees. Verify with official sources and local counsel.
Work / employment
Skilled Worker visa
Work / employment
Residence permit
Temporary
Process steps
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Online UKVI application
- IHS health surcharge
- Biometrics
- Entry
- Renewal
Sources: gov.uk
Entrepreneur / company
Innovator Founder visa
Entrepreneur / company
Residence permit
Temporary
Process steps
- Endorsement
- Business plan
- UKVI visa
- UK incorporation
- Endorsing body milestones
Sources: gov.uk
Naturalisation / long stay
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Naturalisation / long stay
Permanent residence
Permanent
Process steps
- Document 5 years
- Life in the UK + English
- ILR application
- BRP decision
Sources: gov.uk
How to read the paths
Each card combines a category (how you qualify), an outcome (what you get) and duration (renewable title or permanent). RBI ≠ CBI: the first grants residence, the second a passport.
- EU free movement : EU/EEA citizens register their stay. A consular visa is a different route.
- Work / employment : Status tied to a local employer or qualifying contract.
- Entrepreneur / company : Activity or company setup: the visa follows the project. A passport is a different outcome.
- Passive income / retirement : Stable income (pension, dividends, rent) without local employment.
- Nomad / remote : Remote work for an employer or clients outside the country.
- Residence by investment : Investment or financial threshold leads to residence. A passport is a different outcome.
- Citizenship by investment : Investment or contribution → passport (programmes often restricted).
- Naturalisation / long stay : After years of legal stay: PR, ILR, C permit, etc.
- Other : Visit, transit or routes outside the frames above.