The UK’s 10-Year Settlement Rule: What You Need to Know
January 7, 2026
The UK government has formally proposed shifting the standard residency requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to ten years. Announced in late 2025, this "Earned Settlement" model represents a major shift for anyone planning a long-term move to Britain.
The New Baseline
Under the proposed rules, most visa holders—including those on Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas—will see their pathway to permanent residency doubled.
- Current Status: 5 years of continuous residency for ILR.
- Proposed Status: 10 years of continuous residency.
Strategic Adjustments
If you are moving to the UK in 2026, you must plan for a decade-long commitment before obtaining settlement rights or citizenship.
- Exceptions: The Global Talent and Innovator Founder routes are expected to retain their 3-year "accelerated" pathways.
- Dependents: Family members of British citizens are currently exempt from the 10-year shift.
- English Proficiency: As of January 8, 2026, the language requirement for new Skilled Worker applications has increased from Level B1 to Level B2.
The Consultation Window
The Home Office is accepting feedback on these changes until February 12, 2026. If you are already in the UK on a 5-year track, verify if your current status will be "grandfathered" into the old system or if you are now subject to the 10-year extension.
Ready to move beyond the "Overview"?
Continue on your journey with reports tailored to you based on the countries of your choice. Every full country report includes:
- Targeted Visas: We match your specific profile (Remote worker? Retiree? Student?) to the exact visa you need.
- The "Day 1" Directory: The specific names of banks, cell providers, and grocery stores you'll need to know to get situated immediately.
- Budget Breakdowns: City-specific costs for rent and utilities using local terms and language.
- Language Decoded: Essential housing and healthcare terms in the local language so you aren't lost in translation.
Get Your Full Report
At Bring Me Abroad, we synthesize official government data, local legal requirements, and real expat experiences to create our relocation guides. Our goal is to simplify the complex process of moving abroad for US citizens.
About Aaron
Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload."
After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly.
When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.
