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Hello I am legally working in the UK, thinking about marrying my girlfriend who's also living in the UK who is from Lithuania (EU). I don't intend on getting Lithuanian citizenship, but if we both live and work in the UK do I become a permanent resident of the United Kingdom after 5 years by virtue of living and working in the UK or not?

thanks

szavelin wrote:Hello I am legally working in the UK, thinking about marrying my girlfriend who's also living in the UK who is from Lithuania (EU). I don't intend on getting Lithuanian citizenship, but if we both live and work in the UK do I become a permanent resident of the United Kingdom after 5 years by virtue of living and working in the UK or not?

thanks

well getting married to your girlfriend does not entitle you to get permanent residency straightaway,

however(step 1),you need to obtain a residence card for which your girlfriend(to be wife)should exercise her treaty rights,inorder for your stay of 5years.

after that (step 2) if your wife continues to exercise her treaty right all throughout your stay of five years and she obtains a permanent residency(if i'm not wrong).and on top, your relationship still continues..you shouldn't have any problem obtaining PR.

hope that answers your question.

why does she need permanent residency? she's EU citizen already. I am a bit confused here.. what is the treaty you are referring to?

I believe you are a Tier-1 (G) visa holder. In that case, it would be probably be quicker (but more expensive) to stay on that route and apply to ILR than to switch to the EEA route.

Jambo wrote:I believe you are a Tier-1 (G) visa holder. In that case, it would be probably be quicker (but more expensive) to stay on that route and apply to ILR than to switch to the EEA route.

Hi I am Tier 2, I just thought if I am getting married anyway might as well do this if this makes sense or continue on TIer 2 and get my UK ILR.

With marriage might be easier with jobs though where I am not tied in.. ?

Answering your question - yes, you become Permanent Residence by virtue of (both of you) living and (your wife) working for 5 years. Your employment is irrelevant (if your wife works). For you the 5 years start when you are married.