A UK residence permit allows non-EU/EEA nationals to stay in the United Kingdom for more than six months for purposes such as work, study, family reunification, or job seeking. It’s a requirement for anyone planning a long-term stay in the UK and must be applied for shortly after arrival.
How to Get a Residence Permit in the UK?
To obtain a temporary residence permit in the UK, you must apply through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) service. You need a valid reason to stay in the UK long-term, such as a job offer, university admission, or family connection.
Your residence permit will be issued based on your purpose of stay:
| Residence Permit Types by Purpose | Who’s It For? |
| Employment Purposes | For individuals with a job offer or employment contract in the UK. Includes skilled workers on the Skilled Worker Visa. |
| Studying Purposes | For foreigners admitted to a recognized university or higher education institution in the UK. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds. |
| Marriage Purposes | For registered partners or spouses of UK residents or citizens. Often part of a family reunification permit. |
| Job-Seeking Purposes | For qualified professionals seeking employment in the UK. Requires proof of qualifications and financial self-sufficiency. |
Entry Visa Requirements
Before traveling to the UK, you may need to apply for a national long-stay visa (such as the Skilled Worker or Student Visa) through the UK embassy in your home country.
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa for short stays (up to 6 months) and can apply for a residence permit directly within the UK:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- USA
🔗See here for more information on who needs a visa to enter Uk.
Application Process
After entering the UK, you must apply for your residence permit as follows:
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with the UK Visas and Immigration office or apply online.
- Register Your Address: You must register your address in the UK within 7 days of arrival and arrange your health insurance. Proof of address and insurance will be required for your application.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather necessary documents such as your passport, entry visa, proof of work, family certificates, etc.
- Fill Out the Application: Complete the application form, which you can find on the UKVI website.
- Submit Your Application: Submit your application and attend your appointment.
- Receive Your Residence Permit: Once approved, you will receive your residence permit that specifies your right to reside and, if applicable, work in the UK.
Documents Required
You must prepare the following documents for your residence permit application:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of a clean criminal record.
- Proof of English proficiency (at least B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR).
- Proof of financial means for your stay in the UK.
- For a study residence permit, you will also need:
- Proof of university admission.
- Financial proof showing sufficient funds for living costs.
- For a work residence permit, you will also need:
- Proof of a work contract.
- Proof of self-employment (if applicable).
- For a family residence permit, you must prepare the following:
- Proof of marriage or relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, joint bank account, rental agreement, etc.).
Fees
The application fees for a UK residence permit vary by type of visa and duration:
- Skilled Worker Visa: £610–£1,408 depending on the job and your salary.
- Student Visa: £348 for applicants staying for more than 6 months.
- Family Visa: Fees typically range from £1,500 to £3,000 depending on circumstances.
Additionally, applicants may need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per year for most applicants. Some applicants, such as students or those under 18, pay a reduced rate of £776.
Processing Time
The average processing time for your residence permit is approximately 8 to 12 weeks, but it can vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. Processing may take longer if additional documentation is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Renew My Residence Permit?
Yes, in most cases, your initial residence permit is issued for up to 2.5 years. You have the option to renew your permit for another 2 years (and an additional 1 year) if you want to continue staying longer in the UK.
For renewals, you need to apply online or at your local UKVI office and pay a renewal fee. The fee is usually £500 for the Skilled Worker Visa, but this can vary depending on the type.
Where Can I Travel With a UK Residence Permit?
A UK residence permit allows you to live and work in the UK, but you will need a separate visa to travel to other countries. Short-term travel to other countries may be allowed depending on your nationality.
Can I Work in Other EU Countries With a UK Residence Permit?
No, you cannot work in other EU countries with a UK residence permit. If you want to work in the EU, you need to apply for a specific work visa for that country or obtain an EU permanent residence permit after living in the UK for a number of years.
Can I Switch From a Student to a Work Residence Permit?
Yes, if you find employment during your studies in the UK, you can switch to a work permit. For this, you must have a valid job offer and apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
What Is the Difference Between a Residence Permit and a Settlement Permit?
A residence permit (temporary) is issued for up to 2.5 years and allows you to live and work in the UK. A settlement permit (also called Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR) allows you to live in the UK permanently and work without restrictions. To qualify for ILR, you usually need to live in the UK for at least 5 years (depending on the visa type).
| Residence Permit | Settlement Permit (Indefinite Leave to Remain) |
| Issued for temporary stay (typically 2.5 years). | Issued after living in the UK for at least 5 years. |
| Work rights vary depending on the visa type. | Full access to the UK labor market with no restrictions. |
| Application often requires a visa before entering the UK. | Can be applied for from within the UK after meeting the eligibility criteria. |