Does Buying a House in the UK Give you Residency?

The UK is one of the most desirable places to live in the world with thousands making the journey to settle in the British Isles every year. Whether it’s the rich culture, widely spoken language, excellent job opportunities or a combination of all the above, many people from overseas wish to make the UK their permanent home.

There are a number of misconceptions out there with regard to permanent residency in the UK. One of the most common is that buying a house here will mean you automatically qualify for residency.

If you’re one of the people who believed this to be true, I regret to inform you that sadly that isn’t the case. Purchasing a residential property will not give you automatic access to permanent residence in the UK.

However, while your hopes of obtaining residency by buying a property might be dashed, if your mind is dead set on settling in the UK then there are a number of immigration routes that may make it possible.

Work visas

If you hope to settle in the UK, one of the easiest ways to do that is by obtaining a work visa. There are many different types of visas available to overseas workers, and the one you should apply for will depend on your own individual circumstances.

Previously known as Tier 2 category visas, following Brexit the government decided to simplify things by introducing the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa is part of the brand-new points-based system, and unless there’s a shortage in a particular industry, it means only those who are considered ‘skilled’ are able to apply for jobs.

This has made it more difficult for some to come to the UK – especially those from within the EU who previously had freedom of movement – but the government argues it’ll help attract more talent to these shores, as well as ensuring more British people have access to jobs.

As well as the Skilled Worker Visa, you may also qualify for a Temporary Work Visa, an Intra Company Transfer or the Youth Mobility Scheme, although you’ll need to check the requirements to see if you’re eligible.

Other types of visas

If you’re a student or you’re thinking of becoming one, the UK is home to some of the best educational institutions in the world making this a great choice when searching for somewhere to undertake your studies.

Those who wish to study here must first obtain a Student Visa. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be permitted to stay in the UK for a specified period of time. Once your studies are completed and your student visa expires, you’ll then need to either switch to a different type of visa, apply for residency (depending on how long you’ve been in the UK) or leave the country.

Alternatively, there are a number of other routes available for those who wish to gain employment and eventually settle in the UK.

For instance, the Global Talent Visa is an option for those who are gifted in their respective field, while the business-minded may find the Investor Visa or Innovator Visa to be viable options.

With so many different routes available, there are various ways of realising your dream of settling in the UK on a permanent basis. However, if you’re unsure about your eligibility or you’d just like to discuss your options moving forward, it never hurts to speak to a professional who can point you in the right direction.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

For those living in the UK on a work or student visa, it’s possible to obtain permanent residency via Indefinite Leave to Remain once you’ve been here for a specified period of time.

Those who hold Indefinite Leave to Remain are free to leave and enter the country without needing to comply with immigration restrictions, and they enjoy many of the same rights as British citizens.

In most cases, you must have lived continuously in the UK for 5 years before you’re eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Once you’ve reached that threshold, as long as you’ve been living here lawfully and you meet the other requirements, you should be able to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain and live in the UK permanently.

For those who wish to go a step further and obtain British citizenship, ILR is the penultimate step on the route, and as long as you meet the other requirements you can eventually naturalise as a full British citizen.

How can your immigration lawyers help?

Here are Newcastle immigration lawyers. We understand how confusing visas and immigration law in general can be. That’s why we offer a wide range of services designed to accommodate every situation. So, whether you require some information on your options for a work visa, or you need step-by-step guidance on an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain, we’re here to assist.

For urgent assistance with your query, speak to a member of our friendly team today on 0191 303 8965.

For global immigration services visit: Total.law.