Tier 1 (Investor)
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 (Investor) of the points-based system.
On this page
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 in the UK, you must complete a continuous residence period of 2, 3 or 5 years here before you can apply for settlement.
During the continuous residence period, you cannot be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 consecutive months.
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 a Tier 1(Investor) or as an investor.
Your most recent permission to stay must have been given in the UK as a Tier 1(Investor).
The continuous residence period is 2 years if:
- you have money of your own under your control in the UK amounting to at least £10 million; or
- you own personal assets with a value (once any liabilities are taken into account) of at least £20 million, and you have at least £10 million under your control and disposable in the UK which has been loaned to you by a UK regulated financial institution.
The continuous residence period is 3 years if:
- you have money of your own under your control in the UK amounting to at least £5 million; or
- you own personal assets with a value (once any liabilities are taken into account) of at least £10 million, and you have at least £5 million under your control and disposable in the UK which has been loaned to you by a UK regulated financial institution.
The continuous residence period is 5 years if:
- you have money of your own under your control in the UK amounting to at least £1 million; or
- you own personal assets with a value (once any liabilities are taken into account) of at least £2 million, and you have at least £1 million under your control and disposable in the UK which has been loaned to you by a UK regulated financial institution.
Additional requirements
If you have been in the former investor category throughout your permission to remain in the UK, you must show that you have maintained your investments throughout the investment period, with the exception of the period before the investments were made.
If you currently have permission to remain under Tier 1 (Investor), you must show that you have maintained your investments throughout the investment period, with the exception of the first 3 months of that period.
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.
How can you apply for settlement?
You should apply using the SET(O) form, which you can download from the right side of this page.
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.
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.
Application forms
Application for permanent residence in the UK in an employment or other category listed on the form
- Form SET(O) PDF 616KB opens in a new window
- Guide SET(O) PDF 243KB opens in a new window
- Photo guidance (new)PDF 374KB opens in a new window