Moving to the UK 2026: Visas, Residency and Settlement

The landscape for UK residency has shifted in recent years. With the closure of the Tier 1 Investor visa, passive investment is no longer a direct route to a UK visa. Prospective residents must now use alternative pathways based on talent, entrepreneurship or skilled employment, reflecting a focus on active contribution to the UK economy and society. Key pathways include the Innovator Founder visa, the Global Talent visa and the Skilled Worker route. Family connections also remain a basis for moving to the UK. This article compares these routes, explores the rules for settlement and analyses potential changes to the immigration system.

Can you move to the UK by investing?

No. The UK government closed the Tier 1 Investor visa to new applicants in February 2022. This route, which allowed residency through substantial passive investment, was discontinued due to concerns about its economic benefits and security vulnerabilities. The UK now prioritises active economic contribution over passive wealth. New residents are expected to establish businesses, create jobs or bring world-class skills.

The closest alternative is the Innovator Founder visa. This is an entrepreneurship route requiring an innovative, viable and scalable business idea approved by an endorsing body. Success depends on the quality of the business concept, not the amount of capital held, demanding a hands-on role in a new UK enterprise.

Main UK visa routes compared

Choosing the correct visa is the most important decision in your UK immigration journey. The table below outlines the main routes for skilled and high-net-worth individuals, comparing their core features to help you identify the most suitable option.

Innovator Founder visa

The Innovator Founder visa is for entrepreneurs establishing a new business in the UK. It replaced the former Innovator and Start-up visas, creating a single pathway for founders. The core of the application is a business idea assessed by an endorsing body against three key criteria.

• Innovation: The business plan must be genuine and original, offering something new to the market with a clear competitive advantage. A standard business in a saturated market will not qualify.
• Viability: You must present a realistic business plan. The endorsing body will review financial projections, market analysis and your own experience to ensure the business has a clear path to profitability.
• Scalability: The plan must show strong potential for growth, including creating skilled jobs and expanding into national and international markets.

The process begins with securing an endorsement from a Home Office approved body. Once endorsed, you can submit your visa application. The route leads to settlement, making it attractive for entrepreneurs with long-term plans. For a complete overview of the requirements and process, see our detailed UK Innovator Founder visa guide.

Global Talent visa

The Global Talent visa is for individuals recognised as leaders or potential leaders in their field. It offers flexibility as it does not require a job offer or sponsorship. This allows holders to work for any employer, be self-employed or run their own business. The visa is open to applicants in three sectors: academia or research; arts and culture; and digital technology. Eligibility requires an endorsement from a designated body relevant to your field.

• For academia and research, endorsing bodies include The Royal Society, The British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). They look for leading academics with a strong track record.
• For arts and culture, Arts Council England assesses applicants such as artists, musicians and designers who have a history of international performance or exhibition.
• For digital technology, Tech Nation (or its successor as designated by the Home Office) endorses founders and employees with technical or business skills, looking for evidence of innovation.

There are two endorsement paths: ‘exceptional talent’ for established leaders and ‘exceptional promise’ for those early in their careers. A successful application leads to a visa offering considerable freedom and a route to permanent residency. Our guide to the UK Global Talent visa provides more information on the specific endorsement criteria for each field.

Skilled Worker and family routes

The most common pathways to the UK are through skilled work and family connections.

The Skilled Worker route is for individuals with a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office to sponsor migrant workers. To qualify, the applicant needs a 'Certificate of Sponsorship' for an eligible skilled role. The role must meet a minimum skill level and the salary must meet a general threshold plus a 'going rate' for the occupation. Applicants must also meet an English language requirement. The visa is tied to the sponsor, so changing jobs requires a new visa. This route leads to settlement after five years.

The family routes allow individuals to join family members who are British citizens or settled in the UK. The most common is the spouse or partner visa. Other visas exist for children and dependent adult relatives, though criteria for the latter are very strict. Applications require extensive evidence of the relationship’s authenticity. The UK-based sponsor must also meet a minimum income or savings requirement set by the government. A family visa leads to settlement after a five-year period. For all work and family routes, applicants must check the official GOV.UK website for the latest thresholds, visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge amount.

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Indefinite leave to remain: the current rules

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), or permanent residency, grants the right to live, work and study in the UK without time limits or visa restrictions. It is the final step before eligibility for British citizenship. Most work and family routes, including Skilled Worker and Global Talent, lead to ILR after a continuous qualifying period of five years in the UK. The Innovator Founder route may offer a faster path. During the qualifying period, there are strict limits on absences from the UK. Exceeding these limits can reset the settlement clock.

To apply for ILR, applicants must meet several key requirements:

1. Complete the qualifying period: This is typically five years on a single eligible visa route.
2. Pass the Life in the UK Test: This is a computer-based test on British history, customs and traditions.
3. Meet the English language requirement: Currently applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at the B1 level of the CEFR, proven via a degree or a test.
4. Meet route-specific requirements: For example, a Skilled Worker applicant must still be employed by their sponsor at the required salary.

These rules apply today, but the government has indicated a desire for reform which could affect future applicants.

Proposed earned settlement: what could change

It is crucial to understand that the information in this section relates to a proposal which is not yet law. The current five-year path to settlement remains in place as of September 2026. Readers must check the official GOV.UK website for the current Immigration Rules.

In November 2025, the Home Office published a consultation on an 'earned settlement' model. This proposal, if enacted, would change how migrants qualify for ILR. The proposed model suggests a new baseline qualifying period for settlement of ten years, a significant increase from the current five. The 'earned' element means migrants could reduce this period through contributions, such as consistently high earnings. Conversely, unemployment could extend the pathway.

The stated aim is to reward economic contribution. The proposal suggested some routes, like Global Talent, might retain accelerated pathways. For many, the path to permanent residency could become longer and more conditional on their economic activity. The government has not announced a timeline for introducing these changes. Any decisions about moving to the UK must be based on the rules currently in force.

For the wider context, read our full what is a golden visa? every active programme compared (2026).

English language changes from 26 March 2027

A confirmed change to the Immigration Rules relates to the English language requirement for settlement. From 26 March 2027, the minimum standard for an indefinite leave to remain (ILR) application will increase from level B1 to level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This represents a material step up in fluency from an 'intermediate' to an 'upper intermediate' proficiency. A person at B2 level can understand complex text and interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity. This change will apply to settlement applications made on or after this date. Individuals who hold a degree taught or researched in English may be exempt, but others will need to pass a secure English language test at the higher B2 level.

Tax: what arriving families should know

Planning a move to the UK requires consideration of the country’s tax system. Your liability will depend on your residency and domicile status. Professional tax advice is essential before arriving.

A significant development is the overhaul of the tax rules for non-domiciled individuals, often called 'non-doms'. Previously, the non-dom regime allowed UK residents to limit UK tax on foreign income and gains. The government is abolishing this regime and replacing it with a new system based on tax residency. This will alter how new residents are taxed on their worldwide assets.

The new system is expected to offer favourable tax treatment on foreign income for a fixed period after arrival. After this, individuals will likely be taxed on their worldwide income like UK-domiciled individuals. The transition involves new regulations for income, capital gains and inheritance tax. For a detailed analysis, see our guide to UK non-dom tax changes and consult a qualified tax advisor.

Step-by-step: how to move to the UK

The general process for applying for a UK visa from outside the country follows a clear sequence, managed online via the official government portal.

1. Research and select the right visa route. Assess your qualifications, business idea or job prospects against the criteria for the Innovator Founder, Global Talent and Skilled Worker routes. Compare these with any eligibility you may have for a family visa.
2. Prepare your key documents and endorsements. This may involve securing a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer or obtaining a formal endorsement for your business idea or personal talent.
3. Complete the online application form. The form on the GOV.UK website must be filled out accurately with personal information, travel history and details specific to your chosen visa category.
4. Pay the required fees online. You must pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS grants access to the UK's National Health Service.
5. Book and attend a biometric appointment. After applying, you must attend an appointment at a visa application centre to have your fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken.
6. Upload supporting documents. You will be required to provide documents such as your passport, financial statements, qualifications and endorsement letter via a digital portal.
7. Await the decision. Processing times vary by route and country. Do not make irreversible travel plans until you have received your visa.
8. Receive your visa and travel to the UK. If successful, your passport will be returned with a temporary visa vignette. You must travel to the UK and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arrival.

Settlement rules are also under review, so see our guide to UK immigration and settlement changes in 2027 for what the proposals could mean for your plans.

Frequently asked questions

How can I move to the UK without a job offer?

The main routes without a job offer are the Global Talent visa for leaders in specific fields and the Innovator Founder visa for entrepreneurs with an endorsed business idea. A job offer is not required for certain family visas, though the UK sponsor must meet a financial requirement. You can also explore options on the UK's immigration hub for moving abroad.

What is indefinite leave to remain?

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is the UK's term for permanent residency. It grants an individual the right to live, work and study in the UK without time limits or visa requirements. ILR is the final step before an individual can apply for British citizenship and is a key stage for anyone considering their options under the UK dual citizenship rules.

Is UK permanent residency difficult to get?

Obtaining UK permanent residency (ILR) involves meeting strict criteria. Applicants must complete a qualifying period of continuous residence, usually five years, without excessive absences from the UK. They must also pass the Life in the UK Test and satisfy an English language requirement. While the process is rigorous and demands careful preparation, it is a clear path for those who meet all conditions of their visa.

Can I still get a UK investor visa?

No. The UK government closed the Tier 1 Investor visa in February 2022. There is no longer a visa route that allows individuals to gain residency purely through passive investment. High-net-worth individuals who wish to move to the UK must now qualify through other routes such as the Innovator Founder or Global Talent visas which require active economic or professional contribution.

How long does it take to get indefinite leave to remain?

For most main work and family routes, including the Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas, the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain is currently five years of continuous residence in the UK. Some routes, like the Innovator Founder visa, can offer a faster path to settlement. However, the government has proposed changes that could alter these timelines in the future.

When will the earned settlement rules be introduced?

There is no confirmed date. The 'earned settlement' model was a proposal in a Home Office consultation that closed in February 2026. As of September 2026, these proposals have not been implemented into the Immigration Rules. The existing rules with a five-year path to settlement for most routes still apply. You must check the official GOV.UK website for any updates on this proposal.

What is the new English language requirement for UK settlement?

From 26 March 2027 the English language requirement for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) will increase from level B1 to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is a higher level of proficiency, moving from an 'intermediate' to an 'upper intermediate' standard of English. This change is confirmed and is part of the current Immigration Rules.

Can I bring my family with me to the UK?

Yes, most long-term visa routes such as the Skilled Worker, Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas allow the main applicant to bring their dependent family members with them. This typically includes a spouse or partner and any children under the age of 18. Each family member must submit their own application and pay the relevant visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge.

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Sources

• GOV.UK, Home Office consultation "A Fairer Pathway to Settlement" (https://www.gov.uk)
• GOV.UK Immigration Rules (https://www.gov.uk)