Long-stay visas in the UK: what are your options?

1. Major changes to UK immigration in 2025

2. Essential documents for entering the UK

3. Different types of long-stay visa

4. What is the maximum length of stay for visa holders in the UK?

5. Processing times

6. Financial considerations

7. Moving to different regions in the UK

Major changes to UK immigration in 2025

The new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system

The new ETA system recently came into force on 2 April 2025 for all EU nationals wishing to travel to the UK. Applications can be made from 5 March 2025 via the UK Government's official website or the ETA mobile app.

The application must be completed online at least 72 hours before departure. The document will be automatically linked to the traveller's passport, simplifying border controls.

Changes to ETA fees

A significant increase in fees has also been announced by the UK Home Office for the ETA, with the price of a permit rising from £10 to £16 from April 2025.

The good news is that transit passengers will benefit from a total exemption from this fee, as the measure only applies to passengers staying in the international zone of UK airports.

Large families will have to budget accordingly, as each member of the family, including babies, need to have their own authorisation. For example, a family of four musy pay around £64 for a trip to the UK.

Note: people with settled status will remain exempt from these charges until December 2025.

2. Essential documents for entering the UK

Passports: new requirements for Europeans

A valid biometric passport is an important prerequisite for entering the UK. This document must remain valid for the duration of your planned stay in the UK.

Travellers should plan ahead with administrative processes, as it can take several weeks to receive a new passport. This can be longer during busy periods, such as the summer and the festive season.

There is no exemption for minors: every child, whatever their age, must have their own passport to cross the border into the UK. This rule even applies to organised school trips.

Travellers going to the UK solely for airport transit must also present a valid passport, even if they are staying in the international zone.

The EU identity card is no longer a valid document

Since 1 October 2021, the EU identity card has no longer been accepted for entry into the United Kingdom. The only exception that remains is the following: European residents with settled status, who may continue continue to use it until 31st December 2025.

Additional documents

The documents required vary according to the nature of a person's stay in the United Kingdom:

• For students, information including a certificate of enrolment at a British establishment and bank statements proving financial capacity is essential

• Workers need to present their contract of employment or promise of employment, as well as a certificate of sponsorship issued by their future British employer

• A full medical file is required for those undergoing treatment, including translated prescriptions and certificates from medical practitioners. Retired people wishing to settle in the UK must provide proof of pension and private health cover

• Entrepreneurs are required to submit a detailed business plan and documents proving their financial resources

3. Different types of long-stay visa

Below are some examples of different types of long-stay visas available for foreign nationals looking to move to the UK.

The skilled-worker visa

The UK has a points system for immigration in place, which requires a minimum score of 70 points to obtain a skilled-worker visa.

An annual salary of £38,700 is the basic requirement for this permit in 2025. Proficiency in English, as proven by an International English Language Test System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 4.0, is also mandatory.

This visa paves the way for long-term residence in the UK. It is valid for 5 years, with the possibility of renewal. Occupations with skills shortages benefit from accelerated processing of applications.

The employer must hold a valid sponsorship licence and offer a position corresponding to the required level of qualification. The health, technology and finance sectors will continue to be particularly in demand in the UK market in 2025.

Visas for international students

The UK visa for international students allows individuals to complete a full course of study in the UK. It requires prior admission to an accredited British institution, which provides a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number that is essential for the application.

The maximum duration granted varies according to the level of study: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree and 3 years for a master’s degree. It’s also worth noting that students can work 20 hours a week during course periods and full-time during university holidays with this visa.

Additionally, students are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives access to the British NHS health system for the duration of your studies.

Read: How to study in the UK

The family reunification visa

The procedure for family reunification in the United Kingdom is relevant for spouses, partners and children under the age of 18 who are looking to join their family. A minimum income threshold of £38,700 per year must be met by the family member already living here.

Applicants must provide proof of their relationship, such as with marriage certificates, proof of having lived together or birth certificates for children. A basic command of English is also required for spouses.

The visa granted covers an initial period of 30 months. Holders gain full access to the UK labour market and NHS services after payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge. For example: a couple who have been married for 5 years can be reunited in approximately 8 to 12 weeks after submitting a complete application.

The innovator founder visa

This visa is a new route for entrepreneurs wishing to develop their business in the UK, and replaces the former Start-up and Tier 1 visas.

Applicants must present an innovative business plan validated by an approved UK body. No minimum investment is required, but the viability of the project remains a determining factor.

Permanent residency becomes available after just 3 years of successful entrepreneurial activity. This considerable flexibility allows founders to run their business while developing other professional activities in the UK.

An example: a French start-up specialising in artificial intelligence obtained this visa in just 4 weeks, thanks to its innovative nature and growth potential on the British market.

4. What is the maximum length of stay for visa holders in the UK?

Stays of 6 months to 2 years

A long-stay permit allows foreign nationals to stay in the UK for between 6 months and 2 years, a length of time that is particularly suitable for temporary work assignments or specialist training.

The British government grants these permits subject to a complete application including a minimum financial guarantee of £3,000 per month of living in the country.

Visa holders are free to travel to and from the UK while their permit is valid. This flexibility makes it easier to maintain professional and personal links with their home country.

Stays of 2 - 5 years

Long-term visas of 2 to 5 years are a preferred option for many professionals and families wishing to settle in the UK. The cost varies according to the duration chosen: £376 for 2 years and £670 for 5 years.

An example: a French executive working between Paris and London can optimise his travel with a 5-year visa, without having to renew his administrative formalities every year.

Options for permanent residence

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows foreign nationals to settle permanently in the United Kingdom. This authorisation can be applied for after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.

The points-based immigration system opens up several routes to permanent residence, including a professional career, entrepreneurship or family ties.

5. Processing times

Average processing times vary according to the type of visa applied for. For a skilled worker visa, the Home Office advises that processing takes between 3 and 8 weeks after receipt of the complete application.

Applications for student visas currently take 4 weeks, while family reunion applications take 6 to 12 weeks to process.

A priority service remains available for an additional fee of £500. This option guarantees a response within 5 working days. For urgent cases, a premium service at £800 provides a decision within 24 hours.

Busy periods, particularly between June and September, can extend these standard times by a further 2 to 3 weeks.

6. Financial considerations

Visa application costs

Long-stay visa prices differ according to the period of validity required. For a 2-year visa, expect to pay £480, an option which is particularly suitable for professionals on regular assignments.

A visa valid for 5 years costs £875, which can be a real saving for expatriates planning a long-term move to the UK.

A 10-year visa costs £1250. This is the maximum duration on offer for international entrepreneurs and executives with long-term plans in the UK.

In addition to these basic amounts, there is a standard processing fee of £250 for each application. A practical example: a family of four applying for 5-year visas will need to budget for a total of around £4,500.

The Immigration Health Surcharge

The Immigration Health Surcharge is a compulsory additional cost for accessing the UK's NHS healthcare system. The amount is £624 per year for adults and £470 for students and children in 2025.

This contribution applies from the time of application for a long-stay visa and must be paid in a single instalment for the entire duration of the planned stay. A 3-year visa therefore requires a one-off payment of £1872 for an adult.

Holders of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may apply for reimbursement of this surcharge in certain situations, for instance students completing a full course of study in the UK.

Additional costs to think about

Preparing official documents generates certified translation costs of around £60 per page. Don't forget the budget for legalisation of civil status documents, which will cost £30 per document in 2025.

Opening a UK bank account may require a temporary domiciliation certificate, available from specialist agencies for £75. Administrative procedures also require photos to local standards, which can cost around £15 for a pack of 4.

Travelling to the visa centre will also involve transport costs and sometimes accommodation. A night's hotel accommodation in London, for example, costs an average of £120, while a train journey from Paris can cost up to £200 in busy periods.

7. Moving to different regions in the UK

Living and working in London

Every year, the British capital attracts many foreign nationals with its dynamic business environment. Districts such as Canary Wharf and the City are full of opportunities in finance, technology and digital marketing.

To maximise your chances, start your job search before you arrive via professional networks and specialist recruitment agencies. Once you're here, coworking spaces are excellent places to network, especially in emerging areas such as Shoreditch and Hackney.

Part-time remote working is developing rapidly, offering greater flexibility between professional and personal life in this multi-faceted metropolis.

Opportunities in Scotland

Scotland's economy attracts international talent thanks to its centres of excellence in renewable energy and biotechnology. Edinburgh is a major hub for fintech, with over 150 innovative companies based in its business district.

Glasgow has a strong creative sector, creating a high demand for skilled engineers. Aberdeen, Europe's oil capital, is also transforming its economy towards offshore wind power and green hydrogen.

The quality of life, combined with rents that are 30% lower than in London, is attracting more and more expatriates looking for a better work-life balance.

Immigration rules for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's unique situation means that special attention must be paid to entry formalities. From 2 April 2025, travellers must present their electronic ETA, even when crossing the land border from the Republic of Ireland.

The border system applies separate rules. A work permit obtained for Belfast does not automatically give access to Dublin, despite the geographical proximity. However, permanent residents benefit from special arrangements under the Common Travel Area agreements.

This area offers targeted immigration programmes, particularly for cyber security professionals in Belfast and digital experts in the M1 corridor. Administrative facilities exist for companies creating jobs in priority economic development areas.