United Kingdom offers 13 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | €4,100/mo | €1,499 | 15-56d | 6.5/10 | Yes |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | €36,152/mo | €1,499 | 15-56d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Global Talent Visa | — | — | 15-56d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Scale-Up Visa | €45,160/mo | €1,499 | 15-56d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa | — | €1,499 | 15-56d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Innovator Founder Visa | — | €1,499 | 15-56d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | — | €2,985 | 15-21d | 4.0/10 | No |
| Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) | €33,495/mo | €1,499 | 60-180d | 6.5/10 | Yes |
| Ancestry Visa | — | €1,652 | 15-56d | 4.5/10 | Yes |
| British National (Overseas) Visa | — | — | 15-84d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Graduate Visa | — | €1,499 | 28-56d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (GBM) | €48,164/mo | — | 15-56d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| UK Expansion Worker Visa (GBM) | €48,164/mo | — | 15-56d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does United Kingdom offer?
United Kingdom offers 13 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for United Kingdom?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in United Kingdom?
The path to permanent residency in United Kingdom typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to United Kingdom?
Most long-term visa categories in United Kingdom allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to United Kingdom?
Not all pathways require a job offer. United Kingdom may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: United Kingdom Guide · Cost of Living · Salaries · United Kingdom for Software Engineers · United Kingdom for Nurses · United Kingdom for Teachers · All Countries