If you’re applying for settlement in the UK, one of the key requirements is proving continuous residence. This is essential to demonstrate that you’ve been living in the UK for the required period (usually 5 years or 10 years, depending on the immigration category).
Below, we answer some of the most common questions about proving continuous residence for your UK settlement application.
How long do I need to have lived in the UK to apply for settlement?
- For most applicants, you must have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years. This includes those on work visas, family visas, and long-term student visas.
- However, in some circumstances, an applicant can rely on 3 years of continuous residence, depending on their visa immigration route, e.g. the Global Talent visa route.
- In some cases, the qualifying period may be 10 years, such as for those applying for settlement through long residence or family visas where financial requirement is not met, or other specific visa categories.
What are the key requirements for proving continuous residence?
To prove continuous residence, you must show:
- No more than 180 days of absence in any 12-month period during the qualifying period (3, 5 or 10 years, as may be applicable to you).
- Evidence that you have been physically present in the UK for most of the qualifying period.
What types of evidence can I provide to prove my continuous residence?
You will need to provide a combination of documents to show you have been living in the UK continuously. Here are few examples of acceptable evidence:
- Passport stamps or visas showing entry to and exit from the UK.
- Letters from employers or payslips confirming your employment in the UK.
- Council tax bills or utility bills showing your name and address in the UK.
- Bank statements or credit card statements showing transactions and your activity in the UK.
- Tenancy agreements or letters from landlords confirming where you have lived during the qualifying period.
- Letters from HMRC, such as your P60, P45, self-assessment tax returns which confirms your work period and income tax contributions.
What if I have been absent from the UK during the qualifying period?
Absences from the UK may be allowed, but there are strict rules about how many days you can be absent without it affecting your continuous residence.
- Up to 180 days: You can be absent from the UK for up to 180 days in any 12-month period.
- Exceptions for excess absence based on exceptional circumstances: If you have been outside the UK for more than 180 days due to reasons such as serious illness, bereavement, or other compassionate grounds, you may still be able to demonstrate continuous residence subject to meeting the requirements. You will need to provide documentation to support your reasoning.
How can I calculate my continuous residence?
To calculate your continuous residence, you will need to:
- Add up your time spent outside the UK, ensuring that you have no significant gaps in your residence.
- Ensure you don’t exceed the 180-day limit for absences in any 12-month period.
What if I have lived in the UK for more than 5 years but not continuously?
If you have not met the continuous residence requirement because of gaps in your stay, you may have to wait longer to apply until you meet the residence requirements. However, in some circumstances, your previous time spent in the UK may count towards your residence. The 10-year long residence route, for example, allows you to count certain lawful time spent in the UK for 10 years, subject to meeting the requirements.
Can my partner or family members’ documents support my continuous residence?
Yes, in some cases, you can rely on documents that are jointly in your partner’s name or other family member’s name, such as tenancy agreements, shared utility bills, or bank statements, to show that you were living together in the UK during the qualifying period. However, you will still need to demonstrate that you were lawfully residing in the UK during the required time.
How do I submit evidence of continuous residence in my application?
When you submit your online application for settlement, you will need to provide supporting documents to prove your continuous residence. Ensure you:
- Keep a complete and organised record of all the documents.
- Provide clear photocopies or scans of your documents. Do not submit the originals unless requested.
- Use a cover letter or summary sheet to clearly outline your evidence.
- Upload them to the online portal before you attend your biometrics appointment.
What if I don’t have enough evidence of continuous residence?
If you don’t have sufficient evidence of continuous residence, you may struggle to meet the requirements for your settlement application. If this is the case:
- Seek professional advice from an immigration expert to ensure you’re submitting the correct type of evidence and any alternative evidence you can rely on.
- Consider submitting a cover letter explaining your situation and any circumstances that led to you not having sufficient evidence of your residence in the UK.
Updated: 10 March 2025
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