Permanent residence for European citizens and their family members has been replaced by “settled status” under current UK law. In this article we explain the updates available up to 2025.
Who needs to apply for settled status?
If you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and you are living in the United Kingdom, you must have applied for settled status before the deadline of 30 June 2021. Although that date has passed, family members of European citizens may still apply if they meet certain requirements and can provide evidence of the family relationship.
Irish citizens or individuals who already hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) do not need to apply, but their non-UK and non-Irish family members must do so.
What does “settled status” mean?
Having settled status allows you to live, work, and access public services such as healthcare and education in the United Kingdom. You can also access public funds and apply for British citizenship if you meet the other requirements.
Requirements to apply for settled or pre-settled status:
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Be a European citizen or a direct family member of one.
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Have started living in the UK before 31 December 2020.
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Have lived in the UK continuously for at least 5 years to apply for settled status. If you have lived in the UK for less time, you may qualify for pre-settled status, which allows you to live and work for a further 5 years.
Applications for children and family members
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Parents must apply for status on behalf of their children under 18 if they are not British citizens.
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Children born after their parents obtain settled status will automatically be British citizens if they are born in the UK.
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Family members of European citizens residing outside the UK may join them if the relationship existed before 31 December 2020 and they are immediate family members (spouses, children, civil partners, etc.).
Required documents
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Valid passport or identity document.
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Proof of continuous residence in the UK (except for those who already have permanent residence).
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Proof of family relationship for non-UK family members (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
Application process and results
Applications must be completed online. If your application is successful, you will receive an electronic confirmation of your status. Physical documents will not be issued unless you do not have a biometric residence card.
Important note:
People who leave the United Kingdom for 5 years or more will lose their settled status.
For the most up-to-date information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status
