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EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme allows eligible EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and their family members secure their right to live, work, and access services in the UK, based on residence before 31 December 2020.
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Family members of EU/EEA Nationals
Options for family members of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens to live in the UK after Brexit, including settlement and family permit routes.
Key Developments to the EU Settlement Scheme
Learn about updates to the EU Settlement Scheme as of 2026 including automatic grants, automatic extensions and curtailment of status.
What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was implemented by the UK government following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit). The scheme aims to protect the rights of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who were living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period (31 December 2020). It allows them to continue living, working, and accessing public services in the UK. It also allows family members of eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme if they meet certain criteria.
Who is the EU Settlement Scheme for?
Under the EU Settlement Scheme, individuals may be eligible through different routes:
- EU/EEA Nationals who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020,
- Family members of EU and EEA nationals whose relationship existed and who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020; or,
- Joining family members of EU nationals whose relationship existed before 31 December 2020 but who had no residence in the UK before that date. This route is often used by family members living outside the UK.
Please note that family members may need to meet additional criteria. Read about eligibility for family members.
If you’d like to learn more about eligibility routes, please book a consultation with us.
What are the requirements for the EU Settlement Scheme?
The main requirements for the EU Settlement Scheme include:
- Being an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, or an eligible family member of such a citizen.
- Having been living in the UK before December 31, 2020 (the end of the Brexit transition period). This does not apply to joining family members; however the relationship must have existed before then.
- Providing proof of identity (e.g., passport, national ID card, or biometric residence card).
- Providing proof of continuous residence in the UK (e.g., utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements).
Applying for the EU Settlement Scheme
Eligible individuals can, in limited circumstances, apply for either settled or pre-settled status, depending on how long they have been living continuously in the UK.
To apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, eligible individuals must provide:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residence in the UK
- Proof of continuous residence for the required period (depending on the status they are applying for)
- Applications are generally made online, and there is no fee.
Please note that the deadline to apply for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June, 2021.
It may still be possible to make a late application, but you must show reasonable grounds for why it was submitted after the deadline. The Home Office will assess this first to decide whether the application is valid. If your reason is not accepted, the application will be rejected, even if you can show that you were eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme. The reasons you provide for the late application are therefore crucial.
If you have not yet applied, it is important to seek advice to ensure your application is considered properly.
We’re here to help you
For expert guidance on your current circumstances, information about your available options, and to keep up to date with the latest EU Settlement Scheme developments, Seraphus is your trusted ally.
We pride ourselves on offering personalised and reliable support to ensure a seamless experience for you and to help you make informed decisions to secure your future with confidence.
Contact us today using the contact form.
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EU Settlement Scheme FAQs
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How long is my EU Settlement Scheme status valid for?
The validity of your EU Settlement Schemes status depends on the immigration status granted:
Settled Status: This settlement status allows you to live, work, and access public services in the UK indefinitely. There is no expiration date.
Pre-Settled Status: This status is valid for five years from the date it is granted. After completing five years of continuous residence in the UK, and meeting the settled status requirements, you can transition to settled status.
It is important to note that the EU Settlement Scheme operates differently from most UK visas or grants of leave. Most individuals should receive an automatic extension of their pre settled status before it expires.
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What are the requirements for the EU Settlement Scheme?
The main requirements for the EU Settlement Scheme include:
• Being an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, or an eligible family member of such a citizen.
• Having been living in the UK before December 31, 2020 (the end of the Brexit transition period).
• Providing proof of identity (e.g., passport, national ID card, or biometric residence card).
• Providing proof of continuous residence in the UK (e.g., utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements). -
Can I still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?
The deadline for most applications to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021. However, in limited circumstances, it may be possible to make a late application.
If you believe you might be eligible for the scheme or have a valid reason for a late application, consult the official UK government website and seek legal advice.
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