Permanent residence in the UK – how are the rules changing?

If we want to live in the United Kingdom, it is worth knowing the forms of residence available to us. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that Brexit may change a lot in this area. Read on to find out how permanent residence currently works and what will change after Brexit.

Under the current rules, to obtain permanent residence you need to have lived in the UK for five years. You have to document this fact with the appropriate application and proof of identity. You also need to pay the cost of issuing the document (£65), attach passport photos, and provide proof of paying taxes and NIN contributions.

Holding permanent residence is not compulsory, but it brings many different benefits. There are, however, cases where a document confirming residence is necessary to prove that you have been living in the UK for an extended period of time:

• you have family within the European Economic Area or Switzerland, but you do not come from those regions,

• you want to apply for British citizenship,

• you want to sponsor your partner’s visa application under immigration law,

Bear in mind that after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, not only will it no longer be possible to obtain a new residence card, but old cards will also lose their validity. There are currently no specific plans for a programme to replace the permanent residence card. There is, however, a strong likelihood that the State will look after its residents and create new opportunities for immigrants and their families to stay in the kingdom permanently.