Indefinite leave to remain and British citizenship: residence, absences and tax residence
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is the UK's settled status: permission to live, work and study without time limit. Most work routes lead to it after five years' continuous residence, Global Talent and Innovator Founder after three. British citizenship by naturalisation normally follows at least 12 months after ILR, with its own residence and absence tests. Because the immigration and tax tests count days differently, an internationally mobile family must plan both at once.
Permanent status and nationality; proposals under consultationRequirements, process & FAQs