To live in the UK permanently in 2026, you generally need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Most pathways require you to have lived and worked in the UK legally for a continuous period of five years (or three years for spouses of British citizens). Common routes include the Skilled Worker Visa, which requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor, and the Family Visa for those with British partners. Applicants must typically pass the "Life in the UK" test, which covers British history and customs, and meet specific English language proficiency requirements. Once you have held ILR for at least 12 months, you may then be eligible to apply for British citizenship through naturalization. The process is rigorous, requiring proof of financial stability and a clean criminal record, with application fees for ILR currently around £2,885 per person as of early 2026.