FAQ
Find information answering your frequently asked questions about the EU Settlement Scheme, applying for and proving your status, travelling in and out of the UK, British citizenship and your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
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I don’t have a valid passport or national identity card, how can I apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?
If you have an expired passport or national identity card, first check the…I am a family member of someone with (pre-) settled status, and I have come to the UK on a visitor visa. Can I apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?
You cannot enter the UK as a visitor with an intention to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. In September 2021 there were however changes to the Immigration Rules in Appendix EU to allow those who…I am currently contracted by an English-registered company. Can I apply to live in the UK through the EUSS or do I need to apply through the points-based system?
If you arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020, you need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline for applying was 30 June 2021, however you may still be…What will happen to people who started working in the UK in 2021 and are not eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme? Do they need to leave the UK on 1 July 2021 even if they have a job and contract already?
There are 2 categories of EU citizens: - those who arrived before 31 December 2020 or qualifying joining family members who are eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, - and those who did…Will the UK or the EU impose double taxation on retirees living in Europe?
Taxation agreements are mainly outside of EU competencies, thus it depends on whether the UK has individual agreements with member states. You are advised to check with the relevant authorities in…Can I access welfare benefits if I have recently moved to the UK?
If you have recently moved to the UK, your entitlement to public funds will depend on the status you have. Generally, citizens with pre-settled status will be asked to prove that they can pass the ‘…When applying for citizenship, is the requirement for 450 days out of the UK within 5 years including the 90 days in the last year before application?
The general rule is no more than 450 days in the total 5-year qualifying period period, and no more than 90 days during the last 12 months. Thus, the 90 days are included in the 450 days. You can…Can I apply for Settled Status if I have lived in the UK for 5 years but not consecutively?
No, you cannot apply for settled status if you have not lived in the UK for 5 consecutive years of ‘continuous residence’. For example if you lived in the UK for 4 years between 2011 and 2015, and…What are the rules for UK nationals without residence in the EU to travel to the EU?
UK nationals can travel and stay in the EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as tourists. You may need a visa or permit to stay for longer, to work or study, or for travelling for business.…Can UK nationals move to a European country to start a business?
It is likely that you will be able to start a business abroad. It is important to check the country-specific regulations. You can start finding out more about this here:…I have recently changed my name. How does this affect my EUSS documents?
You should use your names as shown on your identity document when applying for pre-settled status. The application will ask if you have ever been known by any other names. If your details change…I am living in the EU with my partner who is a UK citizen. How can I move to the UK with my British partner?
Before 9 August 2023, it was possible to apply for an EUSS Family Permit if you had lived in an EU or EEA country or Switzerland with an eligible family member who’s a British citizen, and if your…Can I apply for pre-settled status from outside the UK, before my partner/family member that lives in the UK applies?
As a family member joining an EU citizen in the UK, you will need to apply for your pre-settled status based on your family member’s status. If the application to join was made before the 1st July…Can a spouse of an EU citizen that lives in the UK but has not yet applied still apply for pre-settled status?
EU citizens and their family members who arrived in the UK prior to 31 December 2020 were eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme and they had up until 30 June 2021 to submit an application. Family…What happens to people who have settled or pre-settled and then lose their jobs?
There is no requirement for people with pre or settled status to work in the UK to retain their status. Your rights in the UK are maintained regardless of your employment status and, if necessary and…Will EU citizens with pre-settled or settled status be able to use their European driving licence to drive in the UK?
Yes, currently, you can drive in the UK on your full, valid driving licence from an EU country. If you were younger than 67 when you became a resident, you can drive on your EU licence until you’re…Can someone lose their pre or settled status by, for example, breaking the law?
Settled and pre-settled status can be revoked in limited circumstances such as when it has been obtained by deception or the individual is convicted of a serious criminal offence. For more…Will my UK qualifications be recognised in EU countries? Will my EU degree be recognised in the UK?
Article 27-29 of the Withdrawal Agreement protects the recognition, before the end of the transition period, of professional qualifications. The recognition application process had to have started…When will I need to prove I have (pre-)settled status?
To access a range of rights and services, EU citizens need to prove they are lawfully resident in the UK following the EU Settlement Scheme deadline of 30 June 2021. This includes but is not limited…Is imprisonment abroad a reasonable excuse for breaking the continuous residence?
The rules are that a term of imprisonment breaks a continuous qualifying period irrespective of whether the sentence is served in the UK or abroad. So if someone serves a sentence they need to have…questions about your rights? Learn more