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Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)

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Settlement

This section explains whether and how you can apply for permission to settle in the UK (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain') if you are here under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) of the points-based system.

Full details of these requirements are in Part 6A of the Immigration Rules, which you can find on the right side of this page.

When can you apply for settlement?

Depending on your level of investment and business activity in the UK, you must complete a continuous residence period of 3 or 5 years in an eligible immigration category before you can apply for settlement.

The continuous residence period is 3 years if:

  • your business has created at least 10 new full-time jobs for settled people; or
  • you have established a new UK business that has had an income from business activity of at least £5 million during a 3-year period while you have been in the UK under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur); or
  • you have taken over or invested in an existing UK business, and your services or investment have resulted in a net increase of £5 million in that business's income from business activity during a 3-year period while you have been in the UK under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), compared to the immediately preceding 3-year period.

The continuous residence period is 5 years in all other cases.

During the continuous residence period, you cannot be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 calendar months.

Time spent in the UK as a business person or an innovator also counts towards your continuous residence period.

Time spent in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man may be included in the continuous  period as long as you were given permission to stay (also known as  leave ) as either a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) , a business person or an innovator. 

Your most recent permission to stay must have been given  in the UK as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur.

You must have sufficient English language ability and knowledge of life in the UK, unless you are under 18 years old or over 65 years old when you apply. You can find more information in the Settlement section.

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Additional requirements

You must show that you are engaged in business activity at the time when you apply for settlement.

You must also meet all other requirements of the Immigration Rules. The Immigration Rules are subject to change, and you must meet the requirements that are in place at the time when you apply for settlement.

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Can your dependants apply for settlement?

If your dependants want to apply for settlement, they and you must meet all the requirements of the Immigration Rules at the time when they apply for settlement. If they are considering applying for settlement in the future, you should note that the Immigration Rules are subject to change.

At present, your partner must have lived with you in the UK for a minimum of 5 years or 2 years if they had been granted leave as your partner before 9 July 2012 and continuously since then, before they can apply for settlement. Your children can apply for settlement when you and your partner have either:

  • applied for settlement; or
  • been granted settlement.

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Application forms

Application for permanent residence in the UK in an employment or other category listed on the form

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