As of 10 May 2023

The United Kingdom left the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020. The Withdrawal Agreement provided for a transition period until 31 December 2020, during which the existing rights of citizens of EU member states and UK citizens continued to apply. The deadline set by the British government for applications under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), which guarantees the right of permanent residence of EU citizens who were resident in the United Kingdom at the end of the transition period as well as other rights granted them in the Withdrawal Agreement, was 30 June 2021. We strongly encourage “late applicants” to submit their application even after the deadline has expired.

• To be granted settled status, EU citizens (and their family members) usually have to have lived legally in the United Kingdom for at least five years. The Withdrawal Agreement protects all the existing rights of these EU citizens and their family members.
• If, on 31 December 2020, you had not lived continuously in the United Kingdom for the full five years, you can apply for pre-settled status, which gives you fewer rights in some areas. Pre-settled status applies until you have lived continuously in the United Kingdom for five years. You can then apply for settled status.

In the case of EU citizens (and their family members) who, as of 31 December 2020, had not met the criteria to be granted the right to reside in the United Kingdom, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom forms the basis for access to the labour market, healthcare provision, education and benefits, and for family reunion rights. From 1 January 2021, anyone wishing to take up residence in the United Kingdom, e.g. to work, study or join their family, generally has to apply for a visa in advance. Set criteria have to be met for a visa to be granted.

The following information is being updated continuously. Please use our contact form for any queries you may have.