Retired Person of Independent Means

Introduction

Individuals over the age of 60 who have a guaranteed income of over £25,000 and who genuinely wish to settle in the UK and make it their home may be granted entry clearance to enter the UK as retired persons of independent means. Such individuals will not be allowed to work or run a business here. Prior entry clearance in this category is mandatory.

The Rules

The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a retired person of independent means are that he:

(i) is at least 60 years old; and

(ii) has under his control and disposable in the United Kingdom an income of his own of not less than £25,000 net per annum; and

(iii) is able and willing to maintain and accommodate himself and any dependants indefinitely in the United Kingdom from his own resources with no assistance from any other person and without taking employment or having recourse to public funds; and

(iv) can demonstrate a close connection with the United Kingdom, e.g. previous residence or ownership of a property in the UK; and

(v) intends to make the United Kingdom his main home; and

(vi) holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

Procedure

Entry to the UK in this category may be granted for up to 60 months. Once the applicant has spent a continuous five year period in the UK in this capacity, he may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK provided that he has continued to meet the retired person of independent means immigration requirements.

Please contact David Robinson or Evan Remedios on +44 (0)20 7038 3980 or at info@rlegal.com if you would like to discuss your immigration requirements.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this brief guide is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, it is written as a general guide only and it is strongly recommended that specific advice is sought before action is taken.