Entrepreneurs
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 entrepreneur category (Tier 1 Entrepreneur) the points-based system to work in business in the United Kingdom.
On this page
Full details of these requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraph 245N 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 in an eligible immigration category 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 as an entrepreneur
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 are engaged in business activity at the time of your application to live permanently in the United Kingdom.
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 an entrepreneur and previously as a business person or innovator
You may have originally had permission to stay under the business person or innovator category, and then extended your permission under the entrepreneur category, in order to complete a continuous period of at least five years in the United Kingdom.
As well as the general requirements you must also show that you are engaged in business activity at the time of the application to live permanently in the United Kingdom.
How your dependants can apply for settlement
Partners of entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for settlement at the same time as the migrant, provided they have lived with their partners in the United Kingdom for a minimum of two years before applying for settlement.
Children of entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for settlement at the same time as the entrepreneur migrant, 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