Investors
Settlement
This section explains how you should apply to live permanently in the United Kingdom (known as 'settlement' or 'indefinite leave to remain') if you are here under the investor category (Tier 1 Investor) of the points-based system to come to the United Kingdom.
On this page
Full details of these requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraph 245E of part 6A, which you can find on the right side of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.
How many years you must be in the United Kingdom before applying for settlement
You must complete a continuous period of five years in the United Kingdom before you can apply for settlement, and you must meet all the requirements of the immigration rules before you are eligible to apply.
You should apply using the SET(O) form, which you can download from the right side of this page.
If your full permission to stay was under the former investor category
Under the rules, to satisfy the five-year qualifying period for settlement under this category, as well as the general requirements, you must also show that you have maintained your investments throughout the five years, with the exception of the period before the investments were made.
The immigration rules are subject to change and you must meet the rules which are in place at the time that you apply for settlement.
If your permission to stay was as Tier 1 investor
Under the rules, to satisfy the five-year qualifying period for settlement under this category, as well as the general requirements you must also show that you have maintained your investments throughout the five years, with the exception of the first three months of this period.
How your dependants can apply for settlement
Partners of investors are eligible to apply for settlement at the same time as the investor, provided they have lived with their partners in the United Kingdom for a minimum of two years before applying for settlement.
Children of investors are eligible to apply for settlement at the same time as the investor, as long as the child meets the requirements of the immigration rules.
Application forms
Application for permanent residence in the United Kingdom in an employment or other category listed on the form
- Form SET(O) - version 05/2009PDF 911KB opens in a new window
- Guide SET(O) - version 05/2009PDF 139KB opens in a new window
- Photo guidance (new)PDF 325KB opens in a new window