Apply if you're joining a family member from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come to the UK if all of the following are true: you’re the eligible family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein your family relationship began by 31 December 2020 your family member was living in the UK by 31 December 2020 your family member will be in the UK when you apply, or will travel there with you up to 6 months later You might still be eligible if you were living with your family member in the UK by 31 December 2020 but they have died, left the UK or the relationship has broken down. This is known as having ‘retained the right of residence’ . Children who were born or adopted after 31 December 2020 may also be eligible, if they’re the child of either: someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020 the spouse or civil partner of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020, and where the family relationship began before that date If your family member is an eligible person of Northern Ireland, there are different rules for applying for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit. Eligible family members You can apply if you’re one of the following family members: spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner child or grandchild under 21 dependent child or grandchild over 21 dependent parent or grandparent This includes family members who were adopted under an adoption order that’s recognised in UK law. You can also apply if you’re one of the following family members of the spouse or civil partner: their child or grandchild aged under 21 their dependent child or grandchild over 21 their dependent parent or grandparent Spouses and civil partners of Swiss citizens If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with an eligible Swiss citizen, the rules are different. You’ll still be eligible if: you got married or formed your civil partnership between 31 December 2020 and 1 January 2026 you’re still married or in a civil partnership when you apply Who you can join The person you’re joining must be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. This includes if they: are exempt from immigration control (for example, they’re a foreign diplomat posted in the UK) travel regularly to work in the UK but live outside of the UK (also known as a ‘frontier worker’) are a British citizen who has dual citizenship with an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and they settled in the UK before 16 July 2012 without using their free movement rights (also known as a ‘McCarthy’ case) are a British citizen who is also a citizen of an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and they were working, self-employed, studying or living self-sufficiently in the UK before becoming a British citizen (also known as a ‘Lounes’ case) Your family member must usually have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or have applied and they’re waiting for a decision. If your family member does not have settled or pre-settled status If your family member did not need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, or could not apply because they’re a British citizen, you can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit. Your family member must meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme. If you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 You can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to return to the UK to join your family member, even if they have not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme. You must not have broken your ‘continuous residence’. This usually means you must have not left the UK for more than 6 months in any 12 month period, unless you have an important reason. For example, this could be because of childbirth, serious illness, study, vocational training, an overseas work posting or coronavirus (COVID-19). You will have to provide evidence to show that: your family member is a citizen of an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - by providing their valid passport or national identity card your family member was living in the UK by 31 December 2020, and that they still are you’re their family member, and have been since before 31 December 2020 Documents you must provide You must provide proof of your identity, which can be either: a valid passport a valid national identity card, if you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein You may be able to use other proof of your identity and nationality if you cannot provide either of these because of a ‘compelling practical or compassionate’ reason. For example, you cannot travel to get this document because of an illness. When you apply, you will need to explain why you cannot provide a passport or national identity card, and provide supporting evidence. You must provide your family member’s application number to the EU Settlement Scheme, unless they did not need to apply or could not apply because they’re a British citizen. This is a 16 digit number - for example, ‘1234-5678-1234-5678’ - in the email your family member got confirming their settled or pre-settled status. Where your family member did not need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, or could not apply because they’re a British citizen, you’ll need to provide evidence that shows they meet the eligibility criteria . You need evidence that shows they: were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 have not broken their continuous residence in the UK pass criminal record checks Evidence if you’re a spouse or civil partner You must show that you’re currently married to or in a civil partnership with the person you’re joining and that the relationship began by 31 December 2020. To do this, you must provide either: a marriage or civil partnership certificate a document issued under the EEA regulations showing you’re their spouse or civil partner - for example an EU Settlement Scheme family permit or residence card If you’re married to or in civil partnership with a Swiss citizen who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020, the rules are different. You may be eligible if you got married or entered into your partnership any time before 1 January 2026, and the relationship still exists when you apply. If you got married or formed your civil partnership after 31 December 2020, you’ll also need evidence that you were their unmarried partner before that date. Evidence if you’re an unmarried partner If you’re an unmarried partner, you’ll need to provide evidence that you were in your long-term relationship by 31 December 2020. This usually means showing that you had been living together for 2 years. Evidence could include: bank statements, utility bills, a tenancy or mortgage agreement, or other official correspondence that shows you and your partner at the same address documents showing joint finances, like a tax return documents showing joint business ventures or commitments, like business contracts or investments you’ve made together birth certificates or custody agreements showing that you shared responsibility for children while living together You’ll also need to provide evidence that: you’re still in the relationship when you apply if you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you were legally living here during that time Evidence if you’re a dependent child, grandchild, parent or grandparent You’ll have to provide evidence that you’re related to your family member, such as a birth certificate. Depending on your circumstances you may also need to provide evidence that shows your dependency. Examples of the evidence you can provide include: bank statements or money transfers that show you depend on them financially evidence that you depend on them for health care, for example a letter from a hospital consultant You need to provide evidence you’re dependent on them if: you’re over 21 and a dependent child or grandchild of your family member you’re their dependent parent or grandparent and your family member is under 18 (or was under 18 on 31 December 2020 and you were living in the UK by then) you’re their dependent parent or grandparent and your family member is over 18 and you were not living in the UK by 31 December 2020 If you’re a dependent parent or grandparent, you will not need to show dependency if your spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner has successfully applied for either: an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, as the dependent parent or grandparent of your family member the EU Settlement Scheme, as the dependent parent or grandparent of your family member Evidence if you’re joining a person who is exempt from immigration control You’ll need to provide evidence showing that they’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - for example, their valid passport or valid national identity card. You also need to provide evidence that either they: have settled or pre-settled status are exempt from immigration control - for example a letter from a UK or foreign ministry - and that they would have met the other eligibility criteria for the EU Settlement Scheme if they had applied by 30 June 2021 Evidence if you’re joining a frontier worker You’ll need to provide their frontier worker permit, or evidence that shows that they would be issued one if they applied . Evidence if you’re joining a person with dual citizenship You’ll need to provide evidence that shows: your family member is a British citizen - for example a copy of their passport they would have met the other eligibility criteria for the EU Settlement Scheme if they had applied by 30 June 2021 (even though they could not actually apply) If you’re applying on the grounds that your family member was settled in the UK before 16 July 2012 without using their free movement rights (also known as a ‘McCarthy’ case), you’ll have to show that on 16 July 2012 they had either: a right of permanent residence in the UK a document issued under EEA regulations, for example a residence card Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit You must apply online for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit. You must be outside the UK to apply. There’s no deadline for applications.

Apply if you’re joining a person of Northern Ireland

You can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit if you are an eligible family member of a person of Northern Ireland. The person of Northern Ireland who is your family member must: be a British, Irish or dual British and Irish citizen have been born in Northern Ireland at the time of their birth, have had at least one parent who held British, Irish or dual citizenship (or had no restriction on how long they could stay in Northern Ireland) have been living in the UK since before 31 December 2020 have settled or pre-settled status - or show that they were eligible for it if they had applied (or been able to apply) by 30 June 2021 You may be eligible to apply as the family member of a ‘specified relevant person of Northern Ireland’ if you are not from an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Your family member must be a person of Northern Ireland who has British or dual British and Irish citizenship (and not sole Irish citizenship). Eligible family members You can join your family member who is an eligible person of Northern Ireland if you’re their: spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner child or grandchild under 21 dependent child or grandchild over 21 dependent parent or grandparent This includes family members who were adopted under an adoption order that’s recognised in UK law. You can also apply if you’re one of the following family members of the spouse or civil partner: their child or grandchild aged under 21 their dependent child or grandchild over 21 their dependent parent or grandparent If your family member is a ‘specified relevant person of Northern Ireland’ You can join your family member who is a ‘specified relevant person of Northern Ireland’ if you were not living in the UK by 31 December 2020, and you’re their: spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner child or grandchild aged under 21 dependent child or grandchild over 21 dependent parent or grandparent You can also apply if you’re one of the following family members of the spouse or civil partner: their child or grandchild aged under 21 their dependent child or grandchild over 21 their dependent parent or grandparent You must be able to show that due to ‘compelling practical or compassionate’ reasons, it was not possible for your family member to return to the UK by 31 December 2020 without you. For example, because of an illness or coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. You can also join your family member if you’re another type of dependent relative (other than a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, child, grandchild or dependent parent or grandparent). This includes if you’re: dependent on your family member or on their spouse or civil partner, you’re a member of their household or you need their personal care for serious health reasons subject to a non-legal guardianship order in favour of the family member the child or adopted child of your family member’s unmarried partner, and you are under the age of 18 You must also be able to provide evidence that your family member: is not in the UK has been in the UK for 3 months or less when you apply was working, looking for work, self-employed, studying or living self-sufficiently in the UK on 30 June 2021 Documents you’ll need to apply You’ll need evidence that shows: that your family member is an eligible person of Northern Ireland proof of your identity that you’re related to your family member, and - where appropriate - dependent on them Evidence that your family member is an eligible person of Northern Ireland You need to provide a birth certificate or passport showing that your family member was born in Northern Ireland. If you apply based on your family member having Irish citizenship (and you do not rely on them being a ‘specified relevant person of Northern Ireland’), you must provide their valid original passport or national identity card and not a copy. If you apply based on your family member having British citizenship, you must provide evidence that they are a British citizen - for example, their UK passport. You also need evidence of a parent’s citizenship (or evidence showing no restriction on their period of residence) at the time of your family member’s birth. This could be the parent’s: British or Irish passport British naturalisation certificate or registration certificate, and photo ID of the parent certificate of Irish citizenship, and photo ID of the parent biometric residence card or permit, or other Home Office document or stamp, showing no restriction on their period of residence, and photo ID of the parent If your family member applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, you must provide their application number. This is a 16 digit number - for example, ‘1234-5678-1234-5678’ - in the email your family member got confirming their settled or pre-settled status. Where your family member chose not to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, or could not apply because they’re a British citizen, you’ll need to provide evidence that shows they meet the eligibility criteria . You need evidence that shows they: were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 have not broken their continuous residence in the UK pass criminal record checks Evidence of your identity This can be either: a valid passport a valid national identity card, if you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein You may be able to use other proof of your identity and nationality if you cannot provide either of these because of a ‘compelling practical or compassionate’ reason. For example, you cannot travel to get this document because of an illness. When you apply, you will need to explain why you cannot provide a passport or national identity card, and provide supporting evidence. Evidence if you’re their spouse or civil partner You must show that you’re currently married to or in a civil partnership with the person you’re joining when you apply. For example, a marriage or civil partnership certificate. You also need to show that your marriage or civil partnership was formed either: by 31 December 2020 after 31 December 2020, but before this you were their unmarried partner If it was formed after 31 December 2020, you’ll also need evidence that you were their unmarried partner before then. Evidence if you’re their unmarried partner If you’re an unmarried partner you’ll need to provide evidence that you were in your long-term relationship by 31 December 2020. This usually means showing that you had been living together for 2 years. Evidence could include: bank statements, utility bills, a tenancy or mortgage agreement, or other official correspondence that shows you and your partner at the same address documents showing joint finances, like a tax return documents showing joint business ventures or commitments, like business contracts or investments you’ve made together birth certificates or custody agreements showing that you shared responsibility for children while living together You’ll also need to provide evidence that: you’re still in the relationship when you apply if you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you were legally living here during that time Evidence if you’re their dependent child, grandchild, parent or grandparent You’ll have to provide evidence you’re related to your family member, such as a birth certificate. You’ll also have to show that you are dependent on them if: you’re over 21 and a dependent child or grandchild of your family member you’re their dependent parent or grandparent and your family member is under 18 (or was under 18 on 31 December 2020 and you were living in the UK by then) you’re their dependent parent or grandparent and your family member is over 18 and you were not living in the UK by 31 December 2020 Examples of the evidence you can provide include: bank statements or money transfers that show you depend on them financially evidence that shows you depend on them for health care, for example a letter from a hospital consultant If you’re a dependent parent or grandparent, you will not need to show dependency if your spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner has successfully applied for either: an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, as the dependent parent or grandparent of your family member the EU Settlement Scheme, as the dependent parent or grandparent of your family member Evidence if you’re another type of dependent relative You’ll need evidence that you’re related to your family member. For example, a birth certificate or a non-adoptive legal guardianship order. If you’re a dependent relative (who is not a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, child, grandchild or dependent parent or grandparent), you will need to show evidence that you’re one of the following: dependent on the ‘specified relevant person of Northern Ireland’ or on their spouse or civil partner a member of their household in need of their personal care because of a serious or permanent health condition If you’re the child (aged under 18) of the ‘specified relevant person of Northern Ireland’s’ unmarried partner, you will need to show evidence that your parent is the unmarried partner of the person of Northern Ireland. You need to show that the relationship, and dependency where required, existed by 31 December 2020, and still exists when you apply. Examples of the evidence you can provide include: bank statements or money transfers that show you depend on them financially evidence that shows you depend on them for health care, for example a letter from a hospital consultant Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit You must apply online for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit. You must be outside the UK to apply. There’s no deadline for applications.

Apply if you have ‘retained the right of residence’

You may be able to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit if you previously had the right to live in the UK through an eligible family member, but your family member has died, left the UK, or the relationship has broken down. This is called having ‘retained the right of residence’. You may have ‘retained the right of residence’ if: your eligible family member died you’re their child, they died or left the UK, and you are in education in the UK you’ve had a child with them, they died or left the UK, and the child is in education in the UK they divorced you or a member of your family the relationship has broken down permanently because of domestic violence or abuse Eligible family members To give you the right to live in the UK, your family member needs to be a citizen of an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020. You must also have lived in the UK with your eligible family member before they died, left the UK, or the relationship broke down. If your family member has died You can apply if you lived continuously in the UK as their family member for at least one year immediately before their death. You can also apply if: you lived in the UK as their family member immediately before their death they were living in the UK as a worker or self-employed person at the time of their death they’d been living in the UK for at least 2 years immediately before their death If they died as the result of an accident at work or occupational disease, they do not have to have been living in the UK for at least 2 years immediately before their death. If you’re in education in the UK You can apply if you’re in education in the UK and your eligible family member is your: parent who has left the UK or died parent’s spouse or civil partner who has left the UK or died You must also be able to show that you were in education in the UK immediately before your eligible family member died or left the UK. You must still be in education in the UK. If you qualify through any of these circumstances, your parent may also be eligible if they have custody of you. If you or a member of your family was previously married or in a civil partnership You can apply if you no longer have an eligible family member after the marriage or civil partnership ended with a divorce, annulment or dissolution. You must have lived in the UK when the marriage or civil partnership ended. One of the following must also apply: the marriage or civil partnership lasted for at least 3 years and the couple had both been living in the UK for at least one year during that time you have custody of your previous family member’s child you have been given right of access in the UK to your previous family member’s child and the child is under 18 you or another family member have experienced particularly difficult circumstances - for example, as the victim of domestic violence or abuse in the marriage or civil partnership You can also apply if a family member had an eligible marriage or civil partnership and you lived in the UK when it ended. You must be their: child or grandchild under 21 dependent child or grandchild over 21 dependent parent or grandparent If you are a victim of domestic violence or abuse You can apply if your relationship with an eligible family member has broken down permanently because of domestic violence or abuse that happened while you were in the UK. You can apply if you are or were their: spouse or civil partner unmarried partner child or grandchild under 21 dependent child or grandchild over 21 dependent parent or grandparent Documents you must provide You must provide proof of your identity, which can be either: a valid passport a valid national identity card, if you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein You may be able to use other proof of your identity and nationality if you cannot provide either of these because of a ‘compelling practical or compassionate’ reason. For example, you cannot travel to get this document because of an illness. When you apply, you will need to explain why you cannot provide a passport or national identity card, and provide supporting evidence. You must also provide: your family member’s valid passport, or valid national identity card if they’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein evidence of your relationship to them, for example a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or birth certificate evidence that you have been continuously resident in the UK Evidence if your family member has died You’ll also have to provide: their death certificate - you’ll need to provide evidence of the cause of death if they died as a result of an accident at work or from an occupational disease evidence of your, and your family member’s, residence in the UK evidence of their employment or self-employment, where you’re dependent on this Evidence if you or a child you have custody of is in education in the UK Where appropriate, you will have to provide evidence that: your family member died or left the UK you were in education in the UK at the time your family member died or left the UK, and you’re still in education in the UK you have custody of a child who was in education in the UK at the time their family member died or left the UK, and the child is still in education in the UK Evidence if you or a member of your family was previously married or in a civil partnership Where appropriate, you will have to provide evidence that: the marriage or civil partnership ended in divorce, annulment or dissolution the marriage or civil partnership lasted for at least 3 years, and you’d been living together in the UK for at least a year during that time you have custody of or the right of access to the child of your previous family member you or another family member have experienced particularly difficult circumstances - for example, as the victim of domestic violence or abuse in the marriage or civil partnership Evidence if you are a victim of domestic violence or abuse You will have to provide evidence that: the family relationship has broken down permanently as a result of domestic violence or abuse you were living in the UK when that family relationship broke down Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit You must apply online for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit. You must be outside the UK to apply.

After you get an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

You will be able to use your EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come and go from the UK as many times as you want whilst it is valid. It also allows you to work or study in the UK. When you arrive in the UK You can use an automatic ePassport gate if you have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit and you’re from: Australia Canada the EEA Japan New Zealand Singapore South Korea Switzerland Otherwise, see a border control officer instead. They will check your permit. How long you can stay Your EU Settlement Scheme family permit will be valid for 6 months from the date of decision on your application. Staying in the UK after your EU Settlement Scheme family permit expires You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to stay in the UK after your EU Settlement Scheme family permit expires. You usually need to apply within 3 months of arriving in the UK. You might be able to apply later if you can show ‘reasonable grounds’ for not having applied before. You’ll need to provide supporting evidence for your reasonable grounds.

Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to join family in the UK

Overview

You may be able to get an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come to the UK if you’re either:

the family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland

You must be outside the UK to apply.

If you’re coming to the UK from Ukraine

You can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme family permit if you’re eligible.

The Ukraine Family Scheme visa closed on 19 February 2024.

If you’re in the UK and you already have a Ukraine Family Scheme visa, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if you’re eligible.

What EU Settlement Scheme family permits are for

An EU Settlement Scheme family permit makes it easier to travel with your family member to the UK or to join them there.

It lets you come to the UK for up to 6 months. You can work and study, and come and go as many times as you want before the permit expires.

Without one, you might not get a boarding pass or may be refused entry into the UK.

You can apply to stay longer in the UK if you’re eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme.

Applying to the EU Settlement Scheme

You can either:

apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit before you come to the UK, and then apply to the EU Settlement Scheme once you’re here
apply to the EU Settlement Scheme from outside the UK, if you’re eligible

You can only apply to the EU Settlement Scheme from outside the UK if you’re eligible and either:

you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have a valid passport or national identity card with a biometric chip
you’re from somewhere else and 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.

Who can apply

There are different ways you can be eligible for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit. How you apply depends on how you’re eligible.

If you’re the family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can apply for the permit if your family member started living in the UK by 31 December 2020. This includes family members who have British citizenship, if they also have:

their citizenship from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and if they lived in the UK using their free movement rights before becoming a British citizen (also known as a ‘Lounes’ case)
dual nationality with an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and they settled in the UK before 16 July 2012 without using their free movement rights (also known as a ‘McCarthy’ case)

You can also apply if your family member lives outside the UK but regularly works in the UK (also known as a ‘frontier worker’).

Find out about applying as a family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

You might still be eligible if you were living with your family member in the UK before 31 December 2020 but they have died, left the UK or the relationship has broken down. This is also known as having ‘retained the right of residence’.

If you’re the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland

You can apply if you have a family member who is an eligible person of Northern Ireland.

To be eligible, your family member must be an Irish, British or dual British and Irish citizen who was born in Northern Ireland.

When they were born, they must also have had a parent who held British, Irish or dual citizenship (or had no restriction on how long they could stay in Northern Ireland).

Find out about applying if you have a family member who is an eligible person of Northern Ireland.

Fees

It is free to apply for the permit.

After you’ve applied

If your application is successful, check how long your permit lasts and when you can apply to stay longer in the UK.

If you’re living outside the UK with a British citizen

You can no longer apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit if you’re a family member of a British citizen who you lived with in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to join family in the UK

Overview

If you’re coming to the UK from Ukraine

What EU Settlement Scheme family permits are for

Applying to the EU Settlement Scheme

Who can apply

If you’re the family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you’re the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland

Fees

After you’ve applied

If you’re living outside the UK with a British citizen

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Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to join family in the UK

Overview

If you’re coming to the UK from Ukraine

What EU Settlement Scheme family permits are for

Applying to the EU Settlement Scheme

Who can apply

If you’re the family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you’re the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland

Fees

After you’ve applied

If you’re living outside the UK with a British citizen

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