United Kingdom UK Ancestry Visa — Residency Program
🏠 OVERVIEW
Initial Duration
60 months
Max Duration
60 months
Five-year visa for Commonwealth citizens aged 17+ with a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man. Grants unrestricted work rights.
📋 ELIGIBILITY
Min Age
17+
Criminal Record Check
Required
Health Check
Not required
Health Insurance
Not required
💼 WORK RIGHTS
Employment
Allowed
Self-Employment
Allowed
Own Business
Allowed
Work Permit Included
Yes
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
Dependents Allowed
Yes
Spouse Included
Yes
Max Child Age
18
Parents Allowed
No
💰 TAX DETAILS
Tax Regime
Worldwide
Regime Name
Progressive income tax 20-45%
Foreign Income Taxed
Yes
Capital Gains Taxed
Yes
🏆 PATH FORWARD
Permanent Residency
Yes
Years to PR
5 years
Dual Citizenship
Allowed
Citizenship
Yes
Years to Citizenship
6 years
Language Required
B1
🌍 BENEFITS & MOBILITY
Bank Account
Can open
Property Purchase
Allowed
Public Healthcare
Access granted
Primary Residence
Required
📝 HOW TO APPLY
Method
online
Processing Time
21–56 days
Apply from Abroad
Yes
🌳 ANCESTRY REQUIREMENTS
Generational Limit
2 generations
Ancestor Must Have Been Citizen
No
📝 NOTES
Commonwealth citizens only. Grandparent born in UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Ireland pre-31 March 1922. Must apply from OUTSIDE the UK. Must intend to work. After 5y: ILR. After 6y: British citizenship. NHS via Immigration Health Surcharge.