United Kingdom: Ancestry Visa 2026

For Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparent. No salary minimum. 5 years to ILR. Must show realistic job prospect.

Best For

Spouses, partners, and dependants of residents or citizens

Not Ideal For

Applicants without a qualifying family relationship to a resident or citizen

At a Glance

Visa Type
Family Reunion
Region
Europe
Visa Duration
5 years
Processing Time
1–2 months
Min Income (annual)
Min Investment
Application Fee
€745
Path to PR / Citizenship
PR · 6y to citizenship
Difficulty
4.5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education Required
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsor RequiredNo
Remote Income AllowedNo
Family Accompaniment AllowedYes
Language RequirementEnglish (B1)

Application Process

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you meet the age, education, and financial requirements above. Use our free eligibility quiz to score your fit against United Kingdom's Ancestry Visa.
  2. 2
    Gather documents
    Passport, recent photos, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and any sponsor or employer letter.
  3. 3
    Submit application
    File the application with the relevant United Kingdom immigration authority — usually online or at the consulate in your home country.
  4. 4
    Pay fees & attend appointment
    Pay the application fee (€745). Some applicants are required to attend a biometrics or interview appointment.
  5. 5
    Wait for decision
    Typical processing: 1–2 months. Decision is communicated by email or via the official portal.

Cost & Financial Requirements

Financial Requirements
ItemAmount
Minimum Annual Salary
Minimum Monthly Income
Minimum Investment
Application Fee€745

Family & Long-term Rights

Family & Rights
RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
RenewableYes
Path to PRYes
Path to CitizenshipYes
Years to Citizenship6
Dual Citizenship AllowedYes
Spouse Work RightsYes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ancestry Visa?

For Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparent. No salary minimum. 5 years to ILR. Must show realistic job prospect.

Who is the Ancestry Visa best for?

Spouses, partners, and dependants of residents or citizens

How long does the Ancestry Visa take to process?

Processing typically takes 1–2 months. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

What does the Ancestry Visa cost?

The application fee is €745. Total relocation cost depends on living costs, insurance, and document attestation.

Does the Ancestry Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway has a path to PR.

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Official source: https://www.gov.uk/immigration

Last verified: 2026-03-05

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United Kingdom country guide →