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United Kingdom residency

Do I need a visa?

Find out at our visa services website.

This section explains who may come to live in the United Kingdom, either temporarily or permanently, and how you can apply to do so.

Can I live in the United Kingdom?

See this section to find out if you have the right to live here or can apply for permission to do so.

Rights and responsibilities

This section explains what you can expect while you are living here, and what we expect from you.

Applying

If you are not currently in the United Kingdom, you may need to obtain a visa before you come here. See this section for more information.

Extend your visa

See this section if you already have permission to stay in the United Kingdom temporarily (we call this 'limited leave to remain') and wish to stay longer.

Turkish citizens

Special rules apply if you wish to extend your stay and are a citizen of Turkey. These pages explain how citizens of Turkey can apply to stay in the United Kingdom if they are or will be establishing in business, and the rights Turkish citizens have if they are already working here.

Transfer your visa to a new passport

You can transfer your visa to a new passport, although this is not necessary, provided you carry both passports when travelling.

Applying for settlement in the United Kingdom

If you wish 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 this section for more information.

Travel documents

If you are unable to use your national passport, you may be able to apply to us for travel documents. This section explains who is eligible and how to apply.

Appeals

If we refuse your application for residency, you may have a right to appeal. See this section for more information.

Cost of applying

This page provides details of the fee that you need to pay when applying to extend your temporary permission to stay in the United Kingdom or for permanent residence.

Waiting times

This page provides details of our service standards for further leave to remain and settlement applications. The page also shows what month we received the applications we are currently processing.

Contact us

If these pages do not answer all your questions, or you are currently in the United Kingdom and want to know where to send your application or how to make your application in person, you can contact us.

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