Settlement Visa
BN(O) Holder Visa 2026
For British National (Overseas) passport holders from Hong Kong and their family members. Path to settlement in 5 years.
Application fee
£180/year
NHS surcharge
N/A
Processing time
3–8 weeks
Who is eligible?
- Hold a British National (Overseas) passport
- Were ordinarily resident in Hong Kong
- Family members of BN(O) holders (including non-BN(O) spouses, children, and parents)
How to apply — step by step
- 1Apply online at gov.uk/british-national-overseas-bno-visa
- 2Pay the £180 per year fee (up to 5 years = £900)
- 3Provide BN(O) passport and evidence of Hong Kong residence
- 4Apply from outside the UK or from within on another visa
Key requirements at a glance
- BN(O) status holder or eligible family member
- Ordinarily resident in Hong Kong
Frequently asked questions
How long until BN(O) holders can get ILR?▾
After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on the BN(O) visa (or 2.5 years for BN(O) holders with a right of abode). You can then apply for citizenship after a further 12 months.
Can family members who are not BN(O) holders apply?▾
Yes. Close family members — including non-BN(O) spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children under 18, and parents/grandparents who are financially dependent — can apply under the BN(O) family route.
Next steps
Official application
Apply for the BN(O) Holder Visa on GOV.UK
All visa applications are processed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) via the official gov.uk website.
Apply on GOV.UK