Family Member of an EU National – EU Settlement Scheme
Helping families of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens stay together in the UK
If you are a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you may be eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to live, work, and study in the UK.
The scheme allows family members to continue living lawfully in the UK after Brexit, provided their relationship with the EU citizen existed before 31 December 2020.
At Immigration Solicitors UK (ISUK), we help families understand their rights under the scheme, prepare strong applications, and resolve any issues with proof, dependency, or late submissions.
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Helping families of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens stay together in the UK
If you are a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you may be eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to live, work, and study in the UK.
The scheme allows family members to continue living lawfully in the UK after Brexit, provided their relationship with the EU citizen existed before 31 December 2020.
At Immigration Solicitors UK (ISUK), we help families understand their rights under the scheme, prepare strong applications, and resolve any issues with proof, dependency, or late submissions.
About Family Members of the EU National Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme for Family Members protects the rights of non-EU relatives of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who were living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period.
Family members who qualify can apply for either:
- Settled Status – if they (or their EU family member) have lived continuously in the UK for five years or more
- Pre-Settled Status – if they have lived in the UK for less than five years
Once approved, you can:
- Live, work, and study in the UK without restriction
- Access NHS healthcare and certain public services
- Travel freely in and out of the UK
Key features:
- No application fee
- No financial or income requirements
- Both close and extended family relationships may qualify
You may qualify if your relationship existed before 31 December 2020 and still exists when you apply.
Eligible family members include:
- Spouses and civil partners
- Unmarried (durable) partners – must have lived together for at least two years or show evidence of a lasting relationship
- Children and grandchildren under 21
- Dependent children or grandchildren over 21
- Dependent parents and grandparents
Extended family members
Some extended family members can also qualify if their dependency or household membership existed and was recognised before 31 December 2020.
These may include:
- Dependent brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews or nieces
- Other relatives who lived in the same household or were financially or medically dependent
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To be eligible under the EU Settlement Scheme, you must show that:
- You are a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen.
- The EU citizen was living in the UK before 31 December 2020.
- The EU citizen has Settled or Pre-Settled Status (or is eligible for it).
- Your relationship continues to exist.
- You are either in the UK or applying from abroad to join your family member.
If applying from outside the UK, you must first obtain an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit before travelling.
1. Check your eligibility
Confirm your relationship and the EU citizen’s status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
2. Prepare your documents
Gather evidence of:
- Your relationship (marriage, birth, or partnership documents)
- The EU citizen’s residence in the UK before 31 December 2020
- Dependency or cohabitation, if applicable
3. Apply online
Applications are submitted through the official UK Government website.
4. Provide biometrics
If required, attend a UKVCAS appointment to give fingerprints and a photograph.
5. Wait for a decision
Most applications are processed within 6 months, though complex cases may take longer.
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Your application should include:
- Valid passport or national ID card
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (or durable partnership evidence)
- Proof of relationship – such as joint tenancy, joint bank statements, or communication records
- Proof of residence of the EU citizen in the UK before 31 December 2020
- Proof of dependency, if relevant (financial or medical evidence)
- Confirmation of the EU citizen’s status (settled or pre-settled)
- Certified translations of any non-English documents
Providing complete, consistent evidence is essential. Missing or unclear information can cause significant delays or refusals.
- Applying without proof that the relationship existed before 31 December 2020
- Failing to include evidence of the EU citizen’s residence in the UK before the Brexit deadline
- Submitting unofficial translations or expired ID documents
- Assuming children or parents are automatically covered without separate applications
- Forgetting to apply for a Family Permit before travelling to the UK
A solicitor can ensure your application is properly supported, reducing the risk of refusal.
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You may qualify as a family member of a relevant EEA citizen if:
- The EEA citizen was living in the UK before 31 December 2020, and
- The relationship existed before that date and continues
Eligible relatives include:
- Spouse or civil partner
- Durable partner
- Child or grandchild (under or over 21 if dependent)
- Parent or grandparent (dependent)
- Other dependent relatives
If the EEA citizen has since become a British citizen, you may still qualify provided they retained their pre-settled or settled status before naturalising.
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Processing times vary depending on where you apply:
- Outside the UK: around 12 weeks for Family Permits
- Inside the UK: around 4–8 weeks for Settlement Scheme applications
Applications may take longer if documents are missing or further evidence is requested.
There is no priority or fast-track option for this route.
If successful, you will receive:
- Pre-Settled Status if you have lived in the UK for less than five years
- Settled Status if you (or your EU family member) have lived in the UK for five continuous years
You will have the right to:
- Work and study in the UK
- Access NHS healthcare and certain benefits
- Travel freely in and out of the UK
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
How ISUK Can Help
At Immigration Solicitors UK, we provide full legal support for family members of EU citizens under the Settlement Scheme. Our services include:
- Checking eligibility and advising on the correct route
- Preparing and submitting your application
- Ensuring your documentation meets Home Office standards
- Managing complex or late applications
- Handling appeals and administrative reviews
We act with care, accuracy, and professionalism to help you reunite with your family and secure your lawful status in the UK.
Contact Immigration Solicitors UK
If you’re a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen and need help with the EU Settlement Scheme, contact Immigration Solicitors UK today for expert legal advice and full application support.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my relationship started after 31 December 2020?
No. The relationship must have existed and been durable before that date.
Do I have to pay a fee?
No, the EU Settlement Scheme is free to apply for.
Can I work or study in the UK once I have pre-settled or settled status?
Yes. You can live, work, and study in the UK without restriction.
Can my children be included in the application?
Yes, but each child must have their own separate application.
Can I still apply after the deadline?
Yes, if you have a valid reason for applying late, such as illness, domestic abuse, or lack of awareness of eligibility.
