Out of Africa: Can I use the Ancestry Route to work, and then retire in the UK?
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Appendix UK Ancestry is a popular visa route for a number of African nationalities (including South Africans) looking to relocate to the UK, as Commonwealth citizenship is a pre-requisite for qualification under the route.
One requirement that may be missed however, is that an applicant must show they are able to work and intend to seek employment in the UK. This means that for those looking to retire in the UK, some forward planning is required. The route works best for those looking to pursue business interests in the UK, before settling down to life on the golf course once they have obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain!
We set out below in more detail some of the key considerations when looking at whether you might qualify for a UK Ancestry visa.
Who qualifies for a UK Ancestry Visa?
In the first instance, you must meet all of the following criteria (and be able to provide evidence of the same);
- Be a Commonwealth citizen.
- Be over the age of 17.
- You must have a grandparent who was born in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, on a ship or aircraft registered in the UK or which belonged to the UK government, or before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland.
A grandparent for these purposes means a biological grandparent or grandparent by reason of a UK recognised adoption.
It is worth noting, if you have a parent born in the UK or Channel Islands, you may be a British citizen already or be eligible for citizenship. If this is the case, you may be able to apply for either citizenship or a British passport, rather than a visa.
What is the financial requirement for a UK Ancestry Visa?
In order to meet the financial requirements, you would need to show that you are able to adequately maintain and support yourself and any dependants in the UK, as you would not have access to public funds (such as benefits) if you are issued a UK Ancestry visa.
Is there a work requirement to obtain a UK Ancestry Visa?
As stated above, a key element is that you would also need to prove you are able to work and intend to seek and take self-employment or employment in the UK. The scope of qualifying employment is broad in this instance and can be any work at any skill or salary level, including full time or part time work, work for your own UK company, or voluntary work. You do not need a job offer in the UK to apply for the visa, but you would need to evidence your ability and future intention to work. Caseworkers may also look at the age and health of any applicant to consider their employment prospects.
If an applicant states they intend to look for or have applied to undertake voluntary or part-time work in the UK, caseworkers are likely to look more closely at their financial position to determine whether they would be able to support themselves and any dependants with pre-existing funds or by way of a third-party sponsor.
This route may therefore suit individuals who would like to continue to work on a consultancy basis or plan to become substantially involved with a charitable trust or foundation, as well as those with significant assets which they intend to actively manage through a family office structure in the UK.
Who can I bring?
You can bring eligible dependents with you, such as your children or partner.
How long can I stay?
If successful, your visa will be valid for up to five years. Once you have been here for five years with a UK Ancestry visa, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if you are able to meet some additional requirements.
Appendix UK Ancestry is therefore an excellent option for those hoping to relocate to the UK with substantial funds to maintain themselves and any dependants. The route allows the flexibility to pursue a wide range of business interests, and to eventually wind down to retirement in the UK.
If you would like any further information regarding the UK Ancestry visa, get in touch with our Immigration team.
