As announced yesterday by the UK Government, most immigrants will now need to reside in the UK for 10 years (up from the current 5) before becoming eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — the UK’s permanent residence status.
As it currently stands, a British passport can only be applied for after one full year in ILR status.
Therefore, the path to British citizenship is becoming much longer.
There is, however, a proposed “earned settlement” route which may shorten the 10-year path, awarding points for meaningful contributions to the UK’s economy and society. Full details are yet to be published, with consultations on both this system and the future citizenship framework expected later this year.
The timeline for when these changes will take effect is still unclear — but this marks a significant shift to be aware of.
Concise, yet useful overview by BBC, can be found here.
For those seeking greater flexibility and security in Europe, Malta continues to offer attractive alternatives through its Global Residence Programme (GRP) and Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). These programmes provide a stable residence framework, and access to the Schengen Area — without the uncertainties of shifting UK policy.
If you’re exploring long-term residence or relocation options in Europe, our team at Vertex Alliance is here to guide you through Malta’s residence solutions tailored to your needs.
Get in touch to learn more or arrange a consultation, contact us.
