United Kingdom•EuropeECAA Extension of Stay Visa
At a Glance
2–6 months
Free
Up to 3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK

Living in United Kingdom
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 increments | 3 years |
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Eligible Nationalities (1)
TürkiyeRequirements
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
Apply online
Attend biometric appointment
Upload supporting documents
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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Living in United Kingdom
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