EU Settlement Scheme: applying from outside the UK (2024)

FAQs

EU Settlement Scheme: applying from outside the UK? ›

Applications under the EU Settlement Scheme can be filed from overseas, using the app to check your identity and to verify that you're entitled to apply from outside of the UK. If you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you must use your current valid biometric passport or national identity card with a biometric chip.

If you're from somewhere else, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme from outside the UK if you have a UK-issued biometric residence card (if it has not expired). Otherwise, you will need to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come to the UK.

You don't need to be in the UK to apply. If you're having problems applying to the scheme, talk to an adviser. Members of your family might also be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme – even if they're not from the EU, EEA or Switzerland.

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter detailing the reasons for the refusal. Applications are refused for a variety of reasons, with the most common being insufficient evidence of residence in the UK or lack of identity documents.

The status you get under the EU Settlement Scheme proves your rights in the UK only. Your documents will be returned to you automatically once the decision has been made - this usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks.

You can apply for status under the EU Settlement Scheme from outside the UK. You must use the EU Exit: ID Document Check app to verify that you're entitled to apply from outside the UK. If you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you must use your current valid passport or national identity card with a biometric chip.

If you get settled status, you can: live and work in the UK for as long as you like. live outside the UK for up to 5 years in a row without losing your status - 4 years if you're Swiss. bring your family to live in the UK.

annual bank statement or account summary, showing 6 months of payments received or spending in the UK in a 12-month period. a dated and signed employer letter confirming the duration of a period of UK based employment undertaken and evidence that the employer is genuine, for example, their Companies House number.

A person seeking to return to the UK as a returning resident must apply for and be granted an entry clearance as a returning resident before they arrive in the UK. They must have previously been granted settlement in the UK, which has lapsed by operation of law due to their absence from the UK.

If you're from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you need a valid passport or valid national identity card. You also need to provide a digital photo of your face. If you're not from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you need to provide one of the following: a valid passport.

What happens if you do not apply for EU Settlement Scheme? ›

If you have not yet applied to the EU Settlement Scheme

Your rights in the UK are not protected unless you have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and received a certificate of application. This means you cannot: access benefits and services (including free NHS healthcare) work or study in the UK.

The deadline for most people to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021. You can still apply if either: the deadline for you to apply is after 30 June 2021. you have 'reasonable grounds' for why you're applying now, and not by the deadline or in the time since the deadline passed.

Appeal the decision

According to the “Immigration (Citizens Right Appeals) (EU exit) Regulations 2020”, if the application was made on or after the exit day, you have the right to appeal if you are refused or are given pre-settled status even though you qualify for settled status.

Using the priority service

If you're eligible you can choose the 'priority service' when you apply. You'll need to pay £500 in addition to the application fee. Using the 'priority service' means you'll usually get a decision within 5 working days.

You might not be able to get settled status if you spent more than 6 months outside the UK within any 12-month period. There are some exceptions to this. You might still be able to get settled status if you were outside the UK for up to 12 months for: an 'important reason' - for example, pregnancy or study.

Only 40% of applications are currently successful. These applications may appear straightforward, but there are many pitfalls (as is clear from the refusal rate). We would strongly recommend that family members take legal advice before submitting an application to ensure the best chance of success.

To apply, you need to be an EU citizen or a non-EU family member of an EU citizen and you need to be living in the UK by 31 December 2020. If you have been living in the UK for more than five continuous years at the point when you apply then you will be eligible for settled status.

If you get British citizenship, you can leave the UK for as long as you want without losing your right to return.

You can prove you have right of abode if you have a UK passport describing you as a British citizen or British subject with right of abode. Otherwise you need to apply for a 'certificate of entitlement'.