Gurkha and Hong Kong Military Unit Veteran Settlement Visa

United Kingdom•Europe

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Gurkha and Hong Kong Military Unit Veteran Settlement Visa

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 months

Estimated Cost

£2,064–£3,226 GBP

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

This route is designed to allow former Gurkhas or Hong Kong military unit veterans who were discharged before July 1, 1997, along with their qualifying family members, to settle permanently in the UK.

The Gurkha and Hong Kong Military Unit Veteran Settlement Visa grants Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain in the UK to former veterans of the Brigade of Gurkhas, the Hong Kong Military Service Corps, or the Royal Navy's Hong Kong Squadron, discharged before 1 July 1997 with at least 4 years of reckonable service.

Settlement is permanent from day one — the leave does not expire and there is no renewal. Partners, children under 18, and certain adult children may apply as dependants. Applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge and fee waivers are available in some cases.

This visa is ideal for qualifying Gurkha or Hong Kong military unit veterans discharged before July 1997 seeking immediate, permanent UK settlement for themselves and their families.

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Cost Breakdown

Application Fee (Outside UK)£2,064 GBP

Application Fee (Inside UK)£3,226 GBP

Total£2,064–£3,226 GBP

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Eligible Nationalities (2)

Hong Kong SAR China Nepal

Nepal

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Discharged before July 1, 1997, from the Brigade of Gurkhas, the Hong Kong Military Service Corps, or the Hong Kong Squadron of the Royal Navy.

Completed at least 4 years of reckonable service (or less if in receipt of an MoD disability pension or gallantry medal).

Must meet suitability requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document

Official military enlistment and discharge papers

Tuberculosis (TB) certificate (if applicable)

Relationship evidence for dependants

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Direct pathway to permanent settlement
No Immigration Health Surcharge
Full work rights

Worth Knowing

Strict military service history requirements
Long processing time
Failure to meet suitability requirements under Part Suitability

Application Process

Complete online application form

Pay application fee

Book and attend biometric appointment

Upload supporting documents

Await decision

Application Forms

Go to application portal

VAF AF Apply for a UK Visa as a Member of HM Armed Forces	Fill online
SET Apply for Settlement in the UK as a Former Member of HM Forces	Fill online

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Complete online application form; Pay application fee; Book and attend biometric appointment; Upload…

gov.uk

Dependent Visa

Partners, children under 18, and certain adult children are eligible.

gov.uk

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee (Outside UK): 2064 GBP; Application Fee (Inside UK): 3226 GBP

gov.uk

Fees

£2,064 (Outside UK) or £3,226 (Inside UK)

gov.uk

Forms

VAF AF (Outside UK); SET(AF) (Inside UK)

gov.uk

Forms · SET · description

Apply for Settlement in the UK as a Former Member of HM Forces

gov.uk

Forms · VAF AF · description

Apply for a UK Visa as a Member of HM Armed Forces

gov.uk

Included Nationalities

Nepalese; Chinese

gov.uk

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

This visa is ideal for qualifying Gurkha or Hong Kong military unit veterans discharged before July 1997 seeking immediate, permanent UK settlement for themselves and their families.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Discharged before July 1, 1997, from the Brigade of Gurkhas, the Hong Kong Military Service Corps, or the Hong Kong Squadron of the Royal Navy.

Completed at least 4 years of reckonable service (or less if in receipt of an MoD disability pension or gallantry medal).

Must meet suitability requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document

Official military enlistment and discharge papers

Tuberculosis (TB) certificate (if applicable)

Relationship evidence for dependants