Claim asylum in the UK
refugee status or humanitarian protection
People who have left their country and cannot return because they fear persecution can claim asylum with the Home Office. A claim is made at the UK border or, once inside the UK, at an asylum registration appointment. If a claim succeeds, the Home Office grants refugee status or humanitarian protection. For claims made on or after 2 March 2026, permission to stay is for at least 30 months, renewable.
Life in United Kingdom
Money
3
Currency
British Pound
GBP
British Pound
Cost of living
92
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20% · social security 8%
Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.
Living
1
Happiness
#27 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in the UK, or arriving at the UK border, who fear persecution or serious harm in their own country and cannot get protection there.
Eligibility
Refugee definition
You must have left your country and be unable to live safely in any part of it because you fear persecution linked to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or another factor such as gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. You must have failed to get protection from your own authorities.
Humanitarian protection
If you do not meet the refugee definition but face a real risk of serious harm, the Home Office may grant humanitarian protection instead.
Stateless people
Stateless people are assessed against the country where they usually lived.
Sign in to read the full guide (free)
The full steps, your rights while you wait, and free legal help contacts are free for anyone with an e-Passage account. You can turn on sensitive mode for discreet emails.
- 6 more requirements
- 8 documents
- 3 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
Other routes to United Kingdom
- Visit & tourismStandard Visitor visa
- StudyStudent visa
- Work permitsGraduate visa
- Skilled migrationGlobal Talent visa
- FamilyFamily visa: partner or spouse
- CitizenshipBritish citizenship by naturalisation
