Can I live in the United Kingdom?
This section explains who has the right to live in the United Kingdom (we call this residency) or can apply for permission to do so, either temporarily or permanently.
If these pages do not answer all your questions, you can contact us.
If you are not currently in the United Kingdom, you may need to obtain a visa before you come here. See the applying section for more information.
If you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country, you may already have the right to settle permanently in the United Kingdom. See Who has the right to live in the United Kingdom? for details of who qualifies for this. You may also be able to apply to live and work here if you can show you have United Kingdom ancestry. If you have previously lived in the United Kingdom and wish to return, see Returning residents.
If you are a permanent resident of the United Kingdom - or have a husband, wife, partner or proposed partner who is a permanent resident - you can find out how you or your partner can apply to live here at Partners and families.
If you are a permanent resident of the United Kingdom and wish to have your child or children join you here, see Partners and families. This includes information for both natural and adopted children.
If you are a permanent resident of the United Kingdom or have a relative who is a permanent resident, you can find out which relatives are able to come to live here.
Some retired people may be able to apply to live in the United Kingdom.
If none of these categories applies to you, other sections give details of:
- visiting the United Kingdom;
- working in the United Kingdom;
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studying in the United Kingdom; and
the rules for citizens of the European Economic Area who wish to live here.
If you already have permission to stay in the United Kingdom temporarily (we call this 'limited leave to remain') and you want to extend your stay, see the section on extending.
If you want to apply for permission to settle in the United Kingdom permanently (we call this 'indefinite leave to remain'), you will need to show that you have enough knowledge of language and life here. See the settlement section for more information.
If we refuse your application for residency, you may have a right to appeal against our decision.
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Terms explained
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Commonwealth
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 independent countries that consult and co-operate in the common interests of their people to promote international understanding and world peace. All of the member countries, except for Mozambique, have experienced direct or indirect British rule, or have been linked administratively to another Commonwealth country. For a list of members, and more information, see the Commonwealth Secretariat website.
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Indefinite leave to remain
Indefinite leave to remain (often known as ILR) is permission to stay permanently (settle) in the United Kingdom, free from immigration control.
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Limited leave to remain
Permission to stay in the United Kingdom temporarily, for the length of time stated on your visa.