"Live the UK for up to 5 years without losing your SS"

[TeleFeather]

I just wanted to make sure I understood that clause correctly:

If you get settled status, you can: live and work in the UK for as long as you like. Live outside the UK for up to 5 years in a row without losing your status - 4 years if you're Swiss.

This means I can leave the UK, stop being a tax resident here, for up to five years, come back, become a tax resident again and still have my right to stay and work indefinitely?

[alterhase58]

You are quoting from government guidance?
If so then it's as read. I think there is no specific guidance as to what you can or cannot do.
Of course you need to consider what you need for naturalisation if you are considering that option, especially absences (that five years is counted as absences).

[TeleFeather]

Yes, it's potentially part of the equation. But I guess the moment you stop being resident, it all goes back to zero for naturalisation?

[alterhase58]

Yes, it's potentially part of the equation. But I guess the moment you stop being resident, it all goes back to zero for naturalisation?

It works different from immigration applications.
The count is going back from the AN application date five years (or three if spouse of British citizen).
See the guidance for max. absences: https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... bookmark11
It may not be too long a wait. Remember you have EUSS still in the meantime.

[TeleFeather]

Thanks, I'm sorry but I'm not sure how you mean?

Is AN "application for naturalization", in this context?

[alterhase58]

"Form AN" = Adult Naturalisation

NB.
My statement

It may not be too long a wait.

It's likely to be a long wait (considering 5 years away from the UK = 1825). Maximum absences disregarded = 480 days for five years residency).