At Axis Solicitors, one of the most common questions we receive from clients is: “Can immigrants vote in UK?” The answer is not straightforward. Your ability to vote depends on several key factors, including your current immigration status, your country of nationality, and the type of election taking place. For instance, the rights available for local council elections are not the same as those for general parliamentary elections — and even copyright or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) does not automatically entitle someone to vote in all elections.
With changes to voting rights following Brexit, along with ongoing reforms affecting voter registration and ID laws, it is essential that migrants understand exactly where they stand. Misunderstanding your eligibility — especially by registering or voting when you are not entitled to — could have serious legal consequences, including a breach of immigration conditions.
This Blog provides a complete breakdown to the question How Can immigrants vote in UK as of 2025. We explain who can and cannot vote, the different rules that apply for EU nationals, Commonwealth citizens, and other migrants, and how naturalisation or ILR can change your rights. We also outline how to legally register, what proof is required under new rules, and how to avoid putting your immigration status at risk.
Who Can Vote in UK Elections?
Voting rights in the United Kingdom are governed by law and are determined based on nationality, UK Settlement status, and the type of election being held. While many immigrants contribute to UK society through work, taxes, and community participation, not all are entitled to vote. The UK makes a legal distinction between those who have citizenship, those with settled or temporary status, and those from certain countries with historic or reciprocal arrangements.
British Citizens
British citizens have full voting rights in all public elections held in the United Kingdom. This applies whether you are British by birth or naturalisation. As long as you are ordinarily resident in the UK and registered to vote, you may vote in:
- General Elections
- Local elections
- Devolved legislature elections
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
- National referenda
There are no additional residence or immigration conditions for British citizens, but you must be aged 18 or over to vote in a General Election and 16 or over for some devolved elections in Scotland and Wales.
Irish Citizens
Irish nationals enjoy a special legal status in the UK under the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangement, which predates both countries’ EU membership. This status gives Irish citizens the right to:
- Live and work in the UK without immigration controls
- Access public services and benefits
- Vote in all UK elections, including General Elections
This applies regardless of immigration status — Irish citizens do not need ILR benefits or British citizenship to vote. The only requirement is that they are legally resident and registered on the electoral roll at a UK address.
Qualifying Commonwealth Citizens
Some Commonwealth citizens are eligible in the category of Can immigrants vote in UK, but only if they meet two conditions:
- They must be nationals of a qualifying Commonwealth country, as defined by the UK Government.
- They must be lawfully resident in the UK, which generally means they have valid immigration status
If both criteria are met, they may vote in:
- General Elections
- Local council elections
- Devolved legislature elections
- Referenda
Qualifying Commonwealth countries include (but are not limited to) India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Jamaica, Bangladesh, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana. Some countries have lost their status or have changed classification, so it’s essential to confirm eligibility using the Electoral Commission’s official guidance.
A person whose visa has expired or who is in the UK unlawfully would not meet the lawful residence condition and cannot vote, even if they are from a qualifying country.
EU Citizens
Since the UK formally left the European Union, EU citizens no longer have an automatic right to vote in UK elections. Their rights now depend on:
- Their nationality
- Whether a reciprocal agreement exists between the UK and their home country
- The type of election
As of 2025:
- EU citizens cannot vote in General Elections
- Some EU nationals may vote in local and devolved elections, if their country has a voting rights agreement with the UK (For further assistance visit Parliamant.uk website)
Citizens of Other Countries
Citizens of countries outside the EU and Commonwealth do not have voting rights in the UK unless they:
- Naturalise as British citizens
- Qualify under a different recognised status
This includes nationals of:
- The United States
- Chia
- Brazil
- Russia
- Turkey
- Most Middle Eastern and Latin American countries
Even if these individuals:
- Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Have lived in the UK for many years
- Pay taxes and own property
- Are married to a British citizen
they are still not entitled to vote unless and until they acquire British citizenship.
The only lawful route to gaining voting rights in the UK for these groups is through the naturalisation process, which requires meeting eligibility criteria including language ability, life in the UK knowledge, residence period, and good character.
Which Elections Can Immigrants Vote In UK?
Can immigrants vote in UK? It is a common question that arises in the mind of immigrants. While British citizens can vote in all types of elections, other nationalities have varying rights depending on their country of origin, their immigration status, and whether the UK has signed a reciprocal voting agreement with their country.
Understanding which elections are open to immigrants is essential — not just to exercise your rights where eligible, but also to avoid mistakenly registering or voting in an election where you’re not legally allowed to participate.
1. UK General Elections
These elections determine the composition of the House of Commons, with each voter electing a Member of Parliament (MP) for their constituency. They typically occur every five years and are the most politically significant elections in the UK.
Who can vote:
- British citizens
- Irish citizens resident in the UK
- Qualifying Commonwealth citizens who have valid immigration status and live in the UK
Who cannot vote:
- EU citizens, even if they have Settled Status
- Non-Commonwealth foreign nationals, including ILR holders who are not British citizens
- Temporary visa holders
2. Local Government Elections
These include elections for local councils, mayors, and combined authority mayors. These bodies are responsible for local services such as housing, education, and waste collection.
Who can vote:
- British citizens
- Irish citizens
- Qualifying Commonwealth citizens with legal residence
- EU citizens, but only from countries with reciprocal voting agreements
- Citizens of some other countries, if specified in legislation or agreement
Local elections are more broadly accessible than General Elections, and many long-term residents — including some non-British nationals — are entitled to participate.
3. Devolved Legislature Elections
These include:
- Scottish Parliament elections
- Welsh Senedd elections
- Northern Ireland Assembly elections
These devolved parliaments are responsible for education, health, and other regional matters.
Who can vote:
- British citizens
- Irish citizens
- Qualifying Commonwealth citizens with valid leave to remain
- EU citizens resident in Scotland or Wales, depending on reciprocal agreements
- Citizens of other countries if resident in Scotland or Wales, depending on local rules
In Scotland and Wales, the franchise for devolved elections is broader. As of 2025, some foreign nationals who are lawfully resident may vote in these elections, provided they are on the electoral register.
4. Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Elections
PCCs are elected to oversee police forces in England and Wales. These elections use the same rules as General Elections.
Who can vote:
- British citizens
- Irish citizens
- Qualifying Commonwealth citizens with legal immigration status
Foreign nationals who are not in one of these categories cannot vote in PCC elections.
5. National Referenda
Referenda are rare in the UK but are legally binding or politically significant when they occur. The last major one was the EU Referendum in 2016.
Voting rights mirror those of a General Election:
- British citizens
- Irish citizens resident in the UK
- Qualifying Commonwealth citizens with leave to remain
EU citizens and most other foreign nationals were excluded from voting in the Brexit referendum, despite its direct impact on their rights in the UK.
Can Immigrants Vote in UK, After Registration?
Understanding whether you can vote is only one part of the equation. To actually cast a vote, you must first be registered on the UK electoral roll. This applies to all elections and all eligible voters. For immigrants, the right to register — and the consequences of doing so unlawfully — are governed by strict rules.
Who Can Register to Vote?
You can register to vote in the UK if you are eligible to vote in at least one type of election. This means you must:
- Be a British citizen
- Be an Irish citizen residing in the UK
- Be a qualifying Commonwealth citizen with legal immigration status in the UK
- Be a citizen of an EU country that has a reciprocal voting agreement with the UK
- In Scotland and Wales, be a legally resident foreign national, as local devolved laws may allow broader access to registration
To register, you must also:
- Be aged 16 or over in Scotland or Wales, or 18 or over for General Elections
- Be ordinarily resident at a UK address
- Provide a National Insurance number and proof of identity
Registration can be completed online at gov.uk/register-to-vote, or by post through your local Electoral Registration Office.
Can immigrants vote in UK, If You’re not Eligible?
If you are not eligible to vote, you must not register. Doing so is a serious matter. Under UK law, it is a criminal offence to knowingly provide false information on a voter registration form.
This includes:
- Registering under a false nationality
- Claiming eligibility when you are not legally entitled
- Voting in an election when you are not allowed to participate
Penalties for false registration or illegal voting include:
- Fines or criminal prosecution
- Impact on your immigration status
- Possible refusal of future immigration applications or British citizenship
- Grounds for the revocation of Indefinite Leave to Remain
The Electoral Registration Office checks details against government records, including immigration and nationality databases. Any discrepancy can result in investigation and potential referral to the Home Office.
Voter ID Requirements
Since 2023, the UK has introduced a mandatory voter ID requirement in England for certain elections, including General Elections and local authority votes.
This means that, even if you are correctly registered:
- You must present an accepted form of photo ID at the polling station
- Accepted ID includes a copyright, driving licence, Blue Badge, and some travel passes
If your ID does not match your registered name, or you do not have valid ID, you may be refused the right to vote on the day.
The voter ID rules may vary slightly across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — so it’s important to check the requirements in your region before an election.
Electoral Roll and Its Use Beyond Voting
The electoral register is not only used for voting. It may also be referenced when:
- Applying for credit or loans
- Renting a property
- Registering with a GP or local services
- Proving residency for immigration or naturalisation applications
Being correctly registered can support future immigration or citizenship applications, particularly in showing proof of continuous residence, address history, and community ties. At Axis Solicitors we make sure to guide in every aspect properly.
How British Citizenship Changes Your Voting Rights
For many immigrants, obtaining British citizenship is the final step in securing full and equal rights within the UK — including unrestricted voting rights. While Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) provides many settlement benefits, it does not automatically grant access to all types of elections, particularly General Elections. Citizenship does.
Once naturalised, you become legally recognised as a British national, with the same political rights as someone born in the UK. That includes the right to vote in every election, to stand as a candidate, and to engage fully in the UK’s democratic process.
Voting Rights Gained Through Naturalisation
After you are granted British citizenship, you can vote in:
- UK General Elections
- Local elections
- Devolved legislature elections
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
- National referenda
There are no longer any restrictions based on your country of origin, former immigration status, or length of residence. The only condition is that you are:
- Aged 18 or over
- Resident in the UK
- Registered to vote
This is particularly important for those from non-Commonwealth or non-EU countries who otherwise cannot vote at all unless they acquire British nationality.
The Link Between ILR and Citizenship
To apply for British citizenship, most immigrants must first have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme. ILR is generally held for at least 12 months before applying for naturalisation, unless you are married to a British citizen (in which case the 12-month wait is waived).
By obtaining ILR, you secure your place in the UK — but by becoming a citizen, you gain full political inclusion.
Why Many Choose to Naturalise
Beyond voting, British citizenship offers several other practical and legal advantages, including:
- A British copyright, easing international travel
- No risk of losing status due to long absences
- Automatic citizenship for UK-born children, depending on timing
- Access to public sector jobs restricted to UK nationals
- A sense of belonging and civic equality
However, for many long-term residents, the ability to vote and have a say in national decisions is a defining motivation for naturalising — particularly for those who were excluded from voting in major referenda or General Elections despite contributing to British society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can immigrants vote in UK General Elections?
Only British citizens, Irish citizens, and qualifying Commonwealth citizens with lawful residence in the UK can vote in General Elections. Most immigrants, including those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), cannot vote in parliamentary elections unless they are from a Commonwealth country and have legal residence. EU citizens and nationals of other countries are excluded unless they become British citizens.
If immigrants hold ILR. Can immigrants vote in UK elections?
Possibly. ILR itself does not give automatic voting rights — it depends on your nationality. If you are:
- From a qualifying Commonwealth country and lawfully resident in the UK: you can vote in General Elections, local elections, and devolved elections.
- From a non-Commonwealth country (e.g. USA, China, Brazil): you cannot vote in any election, even if you have ILR.
- An EU citizen with Settled Status: you may vote in local and devolved elections only, and only if the UK has a reciprocal agreement with your country.
Can immigrants vote in UK, if they are EU Citizens?
Not in General Elections. Since Brexit, EU citizens no longer have a universal right to vote in parliamentary elections. However, some EU nationals can vote in local and devolved elections, depending on whether a reciprocal voting rights agreement exists between the UK and their country. Eligibility also depends on legal residence and registration.
I’m on a visa — Skilled Worker, Student, or Family route. Can I vote?
No. If you are in the UK on a temporary visa, such as a:
You cannot vote in any UK elections, regardless of how long you’ve lived in the UK. Voting rights only apply to British citizens, Irish citizens, and qualifying Commonwealth or EU nationals with lawful residence and status.
What happens if I register to vote by mistake?
If you are not eligible to vote and still register, you may be committing an offence under the Representation of the People Act 1983. The Electoral Registration Office may remove your name from the register, but in some cases, the matter may be referred for investigation or even prosecution.
Providing false information on a registration form can carry serious consequences, including:
- A fine of up to £5,000 or imprisonment
- Negative impact on future visa, ILR, or citizenship applications
- The Home Office treating your case as involving dishonesty or deception
If you’re unsure about eligibility, seek legal advice before attempting to register.
Can immigrants vote in UK, after becoming a British citizen?
Yes. Once you are naturalised as a British citizen, you gain full voting rights in:
- UK General Elections
- Local elections
- Devolved legislature elections
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
- Referenda
You must register to vote using your new citizenship status and provide the required documents, such as your naturalisation certificate or UK copyright.
Does registering to vote help my immigration application?
If you are eligible to register, doing so can help demonstrate:
- Ordinary residence in the UK
- Community integration
- A clear address history for naturalisation and settlement applications
However, registering when you are not eligible can do the opposite — it may damage your credibility and lead to serious consequences. Always confirm your right to register before doing so.
How Axis Solicitors Can Help
At Axis Solicitors, we provide trusted legal advice to migrants, long-term residents, and citizenship applicants across England and Wales. Whether you are:
- Unsure about your right to vote based on your nationality or visa
- Planning to apply for British citizenship
- Looking to switch from a temporary copyright Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Concerned about an error in voter registration
- Seeking support following a voting-related immigration issue
We are here to help.
Our team of expert immigration solicitors will guide you with clarity and professionalism. We make complex rules simple, and ensure your rights are protected at every step. Contact us Today.