Admission Requirements for the UK Retirement Visa
To enter the UK under this immigration category, the following requirements must be met:
The applicant must be at least 60 years old; and
Have under his or her control (and disposable in the UK) an income of not less than £ 25, 000 per annum,
Be able to demonstrate a close connection with the UK,
Be able and willing to maintain and accommodate themselves (and any dependants) indefinitely without taking employment, and
Intend to make the UK their main home.
There are three points in particular which are of particular importance: the financial requirement; the close connection requirement; and the ability and willingness to maintain oneself indefinitely without working. These are discussed in more detail below.
The Close Connection Requirement
”Be able to demonstrate a close connection with the UK."
The close relative should ideally be present and settled in the UK. It is not particularly useful that they have the potential right to come here or that they are merely in the UK in a temporary capacity. Furthermore, the closeness of the relationship is relevant; i.e. an immediate relative is of more value than a more distant relative.
Other relevant considerations may include a strong sense of belonging and identity with the UK; voluntary election of an applicant to be in the UK whenever possible; ownership of property in the UK; community involvement during previous periods of residence; and close friendships with persons settled in this country.
Whether there is a close connection is a question of fact to be judged on the totality of evidence in any particular case. |
