UK retirement visa.

Closed to new applicants. See what changed and other ways to live in the UK. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.

The official name in English

Status: Closed to new applicants
What changed: The UK no longer takes new applications in this category.
People who hold it: Guidance withdrawn on 9 November 2022 said people who already held this permission could extend it, up to 5 years in total, or apply to settle.

The official guidance on this category was withdrawn on 9 November 2022 and has not been replaced.

Checked 11 Oct 2026

Other ways

Other ways to live in the UK.

Our other tools cover these permits for the UK.

Still open

39 countries in our list, with the income each one asks for.

Check every retirement visa against your passport, income and age.

FAQ

Is the UK retirement visa still open?

No. The UK no longer takes new applications in this category.

What happens to people who already have it?

Guidance withdrawn on 9 November 2022 said people who already held this permission could extend it, up to 5 years in total, or apply to settle.

What are the other ways to live in the UK?

Our other tools cover the working holiday visa and student visa for the UK. Each page shows the rules and the official link.

Which retirement visas in Europe are still open?

In our list: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.

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