Non-EU/EFTA/EEA citizens wishing to apply for permanent residence in the UK must do so through Tier1, a points-based system. Points are calculated through a self-assessment system.
There are four Tier1 categories:
- General
- Investor
- Entrepreneur
- Post-study Work
The General, Entrepreneur and Post-study work categories all require the main applicant to work in the UK and to speak English at the entry clearance application stage. In contrast, the Investor category does not require the main applicant to work (but he/she is permitted to do so if desired) and English skills are not required until the end of year five upon the application for Indefinite leave to Remain (i.e. before the grant of a permanent residence permit).
Under the Investor category, applicants must show that they have either GBP 1 million in cash or GBP 1 million in financing at their disposal at the initial application stage, i.e. the applicant cannot have a mixture of cash and financing, or a mixture of cash and property. Proof of funds is generally required by showing that the GBP 1 million cash or investments has been owned by the applicant for the three months preceding the application.
UK Citizenship
The United Kingdom offers the opportunity to become a citizen after five years of legal residence. However, relatively strict requirements on physical presence apply, making the UK less attractive in this regard than some other EU countries, notably Belgium.
