Family Members of EU Citizens
Until 31 December 2020 EU Citizens are able to bring their non-EU family members to the UK and those family members can then apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Applications to the EU Settlement Scheme should be submitted by 30 June 2021.
A ‘Family member’ is typically defined as a partner or child but can also be extended family members who are dependant on you.
Family members of an EU Citizen would apply for Pre-Settled or Settled Status in the same way that the EU Citizen does and the same basic eligibility criteria apply.
Children born in the UK
If the child of an EU Citizen is born in the UK to a EU Citizen who held Permanent Residence or Settled Status at the time of the child’s birth then that child is automatically a British Citizen and can apply directly for a passport.
If the child was born in the UK before the EU Citizen achieved Permanent Residence or Settled Status then the child can apply for Naturalisation as a British Citizen as soon as at least 1 parent has achieved Permanent Residence or Naturalisation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between Permanent Residence and Settled Status?
Permanent Residence was granted to EU Citizens who had completed 5 qualifying years under the EU rules in place prior to the introduction of the EU Settlement Scheme. Settled Status is the same status as Permanent Residence but granted under UK rules to those applying to the EU Settlement Scheme. Both of these are broadly equivalent to ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Can British Citizens use the EU Settlement Scheme for family members?
If the British Citizen had established a life in a EU country other than the UK then the British Citizen will be able to show that they exercised Treaty Rights in that country and bring their non-EU family member to the UK. They should enter before 01 January 2021 and the non-EU family member should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before 30 June 2021.
This type of application is complex and professional assistance is strongly recommended.
