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Ancestry visa requirements
To qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, a British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British national (overseas), or a citizen of Zimbabwe or Malta. You need a UK-born grandparent (born in the British Islands, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Ireland before March 31, 1922) and intend to work or seek employment in the UK. Applicants must be 17 or older (under 18 requires parental consent) and show sufficient funds to support themselves and dependants without public funds. The visa lasts five years and leads to settlement after continuous residence. For advice, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
Where & how to apply for UK Ancestry Visa
UK Ancestry visa applications must be made from your country of residence or nationality. If you are in the UK on another visa, you must leave and apply from abroad. Applications are submitted online, with fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge payable for you and any dependants. You must provide all birth certificates proving your connection to your UK-born grandparent and show your ability and intention to work in the UK. Dependants (spouse, unmarried partner, and children under 18) can apply with you and have the right to work in the UK. For guidance, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
How much money you need for the application
You need enough funds to support yourself and dependants without relying on public funds. There’s no fixed amount; each case is assessed individually. Staying with friends or family requires less money than renting your own place. A job offer or a profession on the shortage occupation list can support your application through projected earnings. Having savings to cover initial accommodation and living costs strengthens your case. Financial evidence must be dated within 31 days before applying. For advice, contact ZAR Immigration consultants
UK Ancestry Visa application fees
The UK Ancestry visa fees include a £637 application fee and a £624 annual Immigration Health Surcharge (£3,120 for five years). For visa extensions in the UK, the fee is £1,048 plus the £3,120 health surcharge. Extensions are only available for five years. Legal fees vary by case complexity, with ZAR Immigration’s typical fee around £1,800.
Eligibility for indefinite leave to remain
You can apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years on a UK ancestry visa. Absences over 180 days in any 12-month period break continuous residence, which may affect eligibility. Alternatively, you can extend the visa for another five years from within the UK, with no limit on extensions. Continuous employment is not required, but you must be working at the time of application or prove a genuine intention to work if temporarily unemployed. — ZAR Immigration consultants
Dependants of persons with UK ancestry
Dependants of UK ancestry visa holders, including partners and children under 18 at the initial application, have unique benefits. They can join the main applicant anytime and apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) simultaneously, with no probation period, minimum UK stay, or absence restrictions. A spouse of a British citizen who previously held an ancestry visa can apply for ILR without the usual five-year UK residence requirement. However, if the main applicant fails ILR due to absences, dependants cannot apply independently and usually extend the ancestry visa. If residence requirements remain unmet, dependants may apply for ILR under the long residence rule. — ZAR Immigration consultants
Ancestry Visa FAQs
Does ancestry visa allow me to workin the UK?
Yes, the UK ancestry visa allows you to work freely—whether as an employee, a freelancer, or by starting your own business and employing others. — ZAR Immigration consultants
Does ancestry visa allow me to study in the UK?
Yes, with a UK ancestry visa, you can study without needing university sponsorship (CAS). However, you’ll still be required to pay international tuition fees. — ZAR Immigration consultants
If I previously held ancestry visa to the UK, can I apply second time?
There’s no limit on how many times you can be granted a UK ancestry visa. If you previously held one but left the UK before becoming eligible for indefinite leave to remain, you can reapply. — ZAR Immigration consultants
What if my child turns 18 before we get indefinite leave to remain?
If your child entered the UK as your dependent, they can apply for indefinite leave to remain with you—even if they turn 18—provided they still live with you and haven’t formed their own family. — ZAR Immigration consultants
How immigration solicitors can help with your application for ancestry visa
Consultation to answer your questions and advise on the best immigration strategy
ZAR Immigration consultants solicitors can guide you through the ancestry visa process, helping confirm eligibility, advising on strategy—especially if you plan to bring family—and answering your questions in a Zoom consultation. Whether you plan to travel alone first or together with your family, we’re here to support you. Book a timeslot that fits your schedule and budget.
Full representation in ancestry visa applications
ZAR Immigration consultants offers full representation for ancestry visa applications, helping streamline the process and improve your chances of success. If you’re missing key documents, such as birth certificates, we can assist with searches in the national archives. We have a 100% success rate in ancestry visa cases, providing peace of mind throughout the process.
Document checking service
We also offer a document checking service if you’ve prepared your application yourself but want expert assurance before submission—available for entry clearance, extensions, and ILR applications