Applying for ILR Under the Ankara Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Ankara Agreement — formally the European Community Association Agreement with Turkey — allows Turkish nationals who are self-employed in the UK to build towards Indefinite Leave to Remain through a structured leave progression. If your current leave under this route is expiring and you're ready to apply for ILR, here's what to expect.
Who Qualifies for ILR Under the Ankara Agreement?
To be eligible for ILR on this route you generally need to have completed the full leave progression as a Turkish businessperson — typically 4 years of continuous self-employment in the UK under successive periods of leave. The exact qualifying period depends on your individual leave history.
What Does the Application Involve?
Unlike some other ILR routes, the Ankara Agreement ILR application is business-based. You'll need to demonstrate that you have been continuously self-employed and that your business has been genuinely operating throughout your leave. Key documents typically include:
- Business accounts and bank statements showing genuine trading
- Evidence of tax compliance — self-assessment returns, UTR number, any outstanding liabilities resolved
- Proof of continuous self-employment throughout your leave periods
- Evidence of your personal finances and that you are not relying on public funds
- Travel history showing you have not exceeded absence limits
Do You Need a Professional to Help?
The Ankara Agreement route is more complex than standard employment-based routes. Business accounts, tax compliance, and genuine trading evidence all need to be presented coherently. While it is possible to apply without a solicitor, given the complexity most applicants benefit significantly from working with an experienced immigration adviser who understands business-based ILR applications.
When choosing an adviser, make sure they are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or are a regulated solicitor.
Key Takeaways
- ILR under the Ankara Agreement requires evidence of genuine continuous self-employment
- Business accounts, tax records, and bank statements are all central to the application
- Professional advice is strongly recommended given the complexity
- Apply before your current leave expires — do not let it lapse
If citizenship is your eventual goal, you'll also need to pass the Life in the UK test. BritPass offers full practice tests to help you prepare.