EU Settlement Scheme
From 01 January 2021 the UK will leave the European Union and EU Citizens will no longer have the right to Freedom of Movement within the UK.
The EU Settlement Scheme provides a relatively straightforward way for EU Citizens who are already in the UK to secure their right to live and work in the UK under UK rules that will apply from 01 January 2021.
EU Citizens who wish to come to the UK should do so before 31 December 2020. From 01 January 2021 EU Citizens will be subject to the same visa restrictions as other non-UK Citizens.
Applications to the EU Settlement Scheme by those already in the UK should be submitted on or before 30 June 2021.
EU Settlement Scheme: Pre-Settled Status
This is equivalent to the previous Residence Card, provided to EU Citizens who are exercising Treaty Rights in the UK but have not done so for long enough to qualify for Permanent Residence.
EU Settlement Scheme: Settled Status
If you have worked as a PAYE employee in the UK for at least 5 full tax years then there is a good chance that the application system will immediately confirm that you have Settled Status. This is equivalent to Permanent Residence and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
If Settled Status is not automatically granted but you can evidence that you have lived in the UK exercising Treaty Rights for at least 5 years then you will be given the chance to upload supporting documents to the Home Office for them to assess.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I get a document or stamp in my passport?
No, your Pre-Settled or Settled Status is confirmed in the online portal and you are able to give access to anyone who needs to confirm your status in the UK.
What do you mean by ‘exercising Treaty Rights’?
The following are all examples of exercising Treaty Rights:
- Being of independent financial means;
- Working (employed or self-employed);
- Seeking work (registered as a job-seeker);
- Studying;
What about my non-EU family members?
Non-EU partners and children can also apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
How much does it cost to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?
The Home Office do not charge an application fee.
