United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland settlement & citizenship
The UK settlement ladder runs from a time-limited work, study, family, or protection visa, to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after typically 5 years of qualifying residence, to British citizenship by naturalisation 12 months after ILR.
Last reviewed 20 April 2026.
Stages — from visa to passport
- 1
Time-limited leave
Up to 5 years, route-dependent
- Who qualifies
- Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Global Talent, Family, Student, Graduate, Innovator Founder, and protection-route visa holders.
- Key gate
- Maintain sponsor employment, income, or family relationship; absences below the cap.
- 2
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Permanent, no time limit (subject to 2-year continuous absence rule)
- Who qualifies
- Applicants with 5 years of continuous qualifying residence on eligible work or family routes (10 years for long-residence; 3 years for Global Talent / Innovator Founder in many cases).
- Key gate
- Life in the UK test (pass), English at CEFR B1 or above, residence below absence caps (typically 180 days in any 12-month window over 5 years), income continuity.
- 3
British citizenship by naturalisation
Apply 12 months after ILR (or immediately if spouse of a British citizen)
- Who qualifies
- ILR holders who have been in the UK for 5 years (or 3 years as a spouse), good-character tested, and meet the absence limits (450 days in 5 years / 270 in 3).
- Key gate
- Life in the UK test (if not already taken), English B1+, good character declaration, referees.
Physical presence
ILR: absence caps of 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. Citizenship: maximum 450 days absent in 5 years and 90 days in the final 12 months.
Language level
CEFR B1 in English (or Welsh / Scottish Gaelic) for both ILR and citizenship.
Test / oath
Life in the UK test (24/24 questions, 75% pass mark). Citizenship ceremony with an oath of allegiance or affirmation.
Dual citizenship
The UK allows dual and multiple citizenship; check whether your origin country permits it.
Typical full timeline
Arrival → ILR (5 years) → citizenship (6 years). Faster on Global Talent / Innovator Founder (3 years to ILR).
Primary source
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get British citizenship after first arriving in United Kingdom?
Arrival → ILR (5 years) → citizenship (6 years). Faster on Global Talent / Innovator Founder (3 years to ILR).
How many days a year must I physically be in United Kingdom to qualify?
ILR: absence caps of 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. Citizenship: maximum 450 days absent in 5 years and 90 days in the final 12 months.
What language level do I need for British citizenship?
CEFR B1 in English (or Welsh / Scottish Gaelic) for both ILR and citizenship.
Does United Kingdom allow dual citizenship?
The UK allows dual and multiple citizenship; check whether your origin country permits it.