Proposed changes: the UK government's "earned settlement" reforms may change the routes to settlement. At our last check, no changes to the long residence route were in force. Check GOV.UK before applying.
The absence rules
Long residence under Appendix Long Residence needs 10 years of continuous lawful residence. Which absence limits apply depends on when the absence happened:
| Part of your 10 years | Absence limits |
|---|---|
| Before 11 April 2024 | No single absence of more than 184 days, and no more than 548 days in total in that part of the period |
| From 11 April 2024 | No more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period |
If your whole 10-year period starts on or after 11 April 2024, only the rolling 180-day rule applies. If it straddles the date, both apply to their own parts. The 548-day allowance applies to the pre-April 2024 part, however long or short that part is.
How days are counted
Only whole days outside the UK count as absences. The days you leave and return are treated as days in the UK. This calculator shares its trip list with our 5-year ILR and citizenship calculators, so you only enter your travel once.
Other things that affect long residence (not checked here)
- Your residence must have been lawful throughout, with permission to be in the UK. Short gaps between visas may be disregarded in limited cases.
- Time in prison or on immigration bail generally doesn't count.
- Exceptions for absences over the limits can apply in compelling or compassionate circumstances, with evidence.