How to Meet the Financial Requirements for Your ILR Application (2025)

Meeting the Financial Requirements for Your ILR Application: Income Thresholds Explained

Financial stability is a key consideration in Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications, demonstrating that you can support yourself and any dependents without recourse to public funds. However, the specific financial requirements vary significantly depending on your immigration route, and understanding exactly what you need to prove—and how to prove it—can be challenging.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the financial requirements for ILR applications in 2025, including income thresholds for different routes, acceptable sources of income, required documentation, and exemptions.

Financial Requirements by Immigration Route

The financial requirements you need to meet depend on your current visa category and the route through which you’re applying for ILR:

Skilled Worker Route

If you’re applying for ILR after 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General):

• You must be earning at least the minimum salary threshold for your occupation
• As of 2025, this is typically at least £29,000 per year or the appropriate rate for your job according to the Skilled Worker salary requirements, whichever is higher
• Your employment must be genuine and sustainable
• You must have been paid the appropriate salary throughout your qualifying period

For more information on qualifying periods, see our guide on Understanding Continuous Residence for ILR: Calculating Your Qualifying Period.

Family Route

If you’re applying through the family route (spouse, partner, or child):

• You must meet the minimum income requirement of £18,600 per year
• An additional £3,800 is required for the first child dependent
• An additional £2,400 is required for each subsequent child dependent
• This can be met through employment, self-employment, pension, or certain other income sources
• Savings can be used to supplement income (see the savings formula below)

Investor, Innovator, and Global Talent Routes

These premium routes have specific financial requirements:

• Investor visa: Evidence that you’ve maintained your investment (minimum £2 million) throughout your qualifying period
• Innovator Founder: Evidence of business success and viability
• Global Talent: No specific financial threshold, but you must be economically active in your field of expertise

Long Residence Route

For the 10-year long residence route:

• No specific income threshold
• Must demonstrate you can maintain and accommodate yourself without recourse to public funds
• Evidence of consistent employment or other legitimate income sources throughout your residence period

Navigating complex financial requirements for your specific visa route? Our immigration experts can provide tailored advice for your situation. Schedule your consultation today.

Acceptable Sources of Income

The Home Office accepts various income sources, though their treatment differs by immigration route:

Employment Income

• Salaried employment (most straightforward to evidence)
• Variable income such as commission-based earnings
• Multiple jobs (all can be counted toward the threshold)
• Overseas employment income (in specific circumstances)

Self-Employment Income

• Profits from self-employment
• Income from a limited company where you’re a director
• Share of partnership profits
• Freelance or contractor income

Non-Employment Income

• Property rental income
• Dividends or other investment income
• Pension income
• Maintenance payments
• Stipends or student grants (in limited circumstances)

Savings

Savings can be used to meet financial requirements, particularly for family route applications:

• Savings must be held in cash in a regulated financial institution
• Funds must have been held for at least 6 months (unless from a specified source like property sale)
• Only savings above £16,000 can be counted
• The formula: Divide the amount above £16,000 by 2.5 to calculate the annual income equivalent

For example, if you have £40,000 in savings:

• Amount above £16,000 = £24,000
• £24,000 ÷ 2.5 = £9,600 annual income equivalent

Documentation Requirements

Providing comprehensive financial documentation is crucial for your ILR application. Requirements vary by income source:

Salaried Employment

• Payslips covering the required period (typically 6 months)
• Bank statements showing salary deposits
• Employer’s letter confirming employment details and salary
• P60s for each year of the qualifying period
• Employment contract

Self-Employment

• Self-assessment tax returns
• Statement of account (SA302) from HMRC
• Business bank statements
• Accountant’s letter confirming income
• Company accounts if you’re a director
• Evidence of ongoing business activity

Struggling with complex financial documentation? Our specialists can review your evidence and identify any gaps before submission. Book your document review session today.

Property Income

• Tenancy agreements
• Bank statements showing rental income
• Land Registry documents confirming ownership
• Mortgage statements if applicable
• Self-assessment tax returns declaring the income

Savings

• Bank statements covering at least 6 months
• Evidence of the source of funds if recently acquired
• Letter from the financial institution confirming the account details
• Evidence of ownership if joint accounts

Special Considerations for Different Routes

Skilled Worker Route

For Skilled Worker visa holders:

• Your salary must meet both the general threshold and the specific rate for your occupation
• Allowances and benefits are generally not counted toward the salary threshold
• If your salary has fluctuated during your qualifying period, you’ll need to explain any drops below the threshold
• Supplementary employment can be included if permitted by your visa conditions

Family Route

For those on family visas:

• The financial requirement must be met at the time of application
• If using the cash savings route, funds must be immediately accessible
• Third-party support is generally not accepted except in specific circumstances
• If your relationship has broken down due to domestic violence, different financial requirements may apply

Investor and Innovator Routes

For premium routes:

• Detailed evidence of investment activity throughout the qualifying period
• Business accounts and trading evidence
• Evidence that funds have remained invested as required
• Proof of job creation or business growth where applicable

Remember that financial requirements are just one aspect of your ILR application. You’ll also need to meet other criteria such as the English language requirements, pass the Life in the UK Test, and satisfy the good character requirement.

Exemptions and Alternative Requirements

Some applicants may be exempt from standard financial requirements or subject to different criteria:

Bereavement

If your partner was a British citizen or settled person and has died:

• You may be exempt from meeting the financial requirement
• You’ll need to provide evidence that you were previously meeting the requirements as a couple
• Death certificate and evidence of your relationship will be required

Disability

If you or a dependent has a disability:

• You may be able to count disability benefits toward your income
• Alternative evidence may be accepted if your disability affects your earning capacity
• Medical evidence will be required

Refugee Family Members

If you’re applying as a family member of a refugee:

• Different financial requirements apply
• You’ll need to show you can maintain and accommodate yourself without recourse to public funds
• No specific income threshold applies

For more information on exemptions, see our detailed guide on ILR Requirement Exemptions: Who Qualifies and How to Apply.

Think you might qualify for an exemption? Our immigration experts can assess your eligibility and help you build a strong case. Book your consultation now.

Common Issues and How to Address Them

Income Gaps or Fluctuations

If your income has fluctuated or you’ve experienced gaps in employment:

• Provide a cover letter explaining the circumstances
• Include evidence of alternative income sources during gaps
• Demonstrate that any reduction was temporary and has been resolved
• Show that you meet the requirements at the time of application

Documentation Challenges

If you’re struggling to obtain required documentation:

• Contact HMRC for replacement tax documents
• Request duplicate statements from your bank
• Ask your employer for a comprehensive employment letter
• Consider using a combination of different evidence types

Complex Financial Situations

For those with complex financial circumstances:

• Create a clear financial summary document
• Provide a detailed cover letter explaining your situation
• Consider seeking professional advice
• Organize documentation chronologically and thematically

Facing challenges with income gaps or documentation? Our specialists can help you address these issues effectively. Schedule your consultation today.

Financial Planning for ILR Applications

Timing Your Application

If you have flexibility in when to apply:

• Apply when your financial situation is strongest
• Ensure savings have been held for the required 6-month period
• Time your application after receiving annual bonuses if applicable
• Consider delaying if you anticipate a significant income increase

Building Your Financial Case

In the years leading up to your ILR application:

• Maintain consistent employment or income sources
• Keep detailed financial records
• Build up savings where possible
• Avoid unnecessary gaps in employment
• Ensure tax compliance and timely filing

This financial planning should be coordinated with your continuous residence planning and management of absences from the UK.

Need help with financial planning for your future ILR application? Our immigration experts can provide strategic advice tailored to your circumstances. Book your consultation now.

In conclusion

Meeting the financial requirements for your Indefinite Leave to Remain application requires careful planning, thorough documentation, and a clear understanding of the specific criteria for your immigration route. By understanding exactly what you need to demonstrate and how to evidence it effectively, you can significantly strengthen this aspect of your ILR application.

Remember that financial requirements are just one component of ILR eligibility, and they must be considered alongside other criteria such as continuous residence, English language proficiency, and the Life in the UK test. A holistic approach to your application, addressing all requirements comprehensively, will give you the best chance of success.

If your financial situation is complex or you’re unsure about meeting the requirements, consider seeking advice from a qualified immigration professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances.