ECAA Extension of Stay Visa
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
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ECAA Extension of Stay Visa

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

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–6 months

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

Up to 3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

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Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,000
Quality of Life
174/200

Overview

This route allows Turkish businesspersons, workers, and their family members who already hold permission under the ECAA (Ankara Agreement) to extend their stay in the UK.

The ECAA Extension of Stay is a UK legacy route for Turkish nationals already in the UK under the Ankara Agreement. It allows continued residence and work — as a businessperson operating a viable business or as a worker with the same employer — for existing ECAA permission holders only.

Extensions are granted for up to 36 months (12 months for workers with under 4 years' UK employment). There is no application fee, decisions typically take up to 6 months, and the route is ILR-qualifying via Appendix ECAA Settlement. Dependants can extend separately.

This visa is ideal for Turkish businesspersons and workers already on an ECAA permission who want to continue living and working in the UK without paying a fee.

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Stay & Extensions

Extension increments3 years
Status typeTied to program duration

Eligible Nationalities (1)

TürkiyeTürkiye

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must hold valid ECAA permission.

Businesspersons must operate a viable business.

Workers must maintain employment with the same sponsor.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport and BRP

Business accounts/tax returns (for businesspersons)

Payslips/employment contract (for workers)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Fee-free
  • Pathway to ILR
  • No IHS

Worth Knowing

  • Closed to new applicants
  • Strict business/employment maintenance requirements
  • Business non-viability
  • Change of employment without authorization

Application Process

1

Apply online

2

Attend biometric appointment

3

Upload supporting documents

4

Await decision

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Turkish Businessperson Extension
Extend your stay as a Turkish Businessperson (ECAA)
Fill online
Turkish Worker Extension
Extend your stay as a Turkish Worker (ECAA)
Fill online

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