EU Settlement Scheme Settled Status

Overview

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) allows eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their eligible family members to continue living in the UK after Brexit. The scheme provides two main statuses: settled status and pre-settled status.

Settled status allows eligible individuals to live, work and study in the UK indefinitely, subject to the relevant immigration rules. It is generally granted to people who have completed the required period of continuous residence.

Criteria for Eligibility

Residence Requirement:

• You will usually need to have completed 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man to qualify for settled status.
• For most applicants, continuous residence means not being absent from the UK for more than 6 months in any 12-month period during the relevant qualifying period.

Exceptions to Continuous Residence:

Certain absences may not break continuous residence. These can include:

• A single period of absence of up to 12 months for an important reason, such as pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness, study, vocational training or an overseas posting.
• Certain periods of compulsory military service.
• Certain periods spent outside the UK as a Crown servant or as the family member of a Crown servant.
• Other specific circumstances provided for under the EU Settlement Scheme rules.

There are also specific circumstances in which a person may qualify for settled status with less than 5 years of continuous residence, such as certain cases involving permanent incapacity or retirement.

Application Process:

Online Application:

• Apply online through the UK government’s EU Settlement Scheme service.

Supporting Documents:

• Proof of identity, such as a valid passport or national identity card.
• Evidence of residence in the UK where required, such as employment, tax, bank or other relevant records.
• Your National Insurance number, if you have one, may be used to help the Home Office automatically check your residence.

Biometric Information:

• You may need to provide a photograph and, depending on your circumstances and the identity document you use, other biometric information.

Application Fee:

• Applying for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme is free.

Rights and Benefits of Settled Status:

Right to Stay Indefinitely:

• You can live, work and study in the UK indefinitely, subject to the conditions of your status.
• You can generally spend up to 5 consecutive years outside the UK without losing settled status. For Swiss citizens and their family members, the period is generally up to 4 consecutive years.

Access to Public Services:

• Settled status can provide access to healthcare, education, benefits and other public services where the relevant eligibility requirements are met.

Family Reunification:

• Eligible family members may be able to join an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, subject to the relevant requirements and relationship rules. Not all family members automatically qualify, and the rules depend on the circumstances of the applicant and the family relationship.

Path to Citizenship:

• Settled status can provide a route towards British citizenship.
• In most cases, a person must have held settled status for at least 12 months before applying for British citizenship. However, this 12-month requirement does not generally apply to a person who is married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, provided they meet the other naturalisation requirements.

Latest Updates from the Home Office:

Deadline for Applications:

• The main deadline for most EUSS applications was 30 June 2021.
• However, the scheme remains open to certain late applicants who have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline, as well as eligible joining family members and people whose circumstances allow them to apply after the main deadline.

Pre-Settled Status to Settled Status:

• People with pre-settled status can generally apply to switch to settled status once they meet the required 5-year continuous residence rules.
• The Home Office has also introduced measures to make the conversion from pre-settled to settled status more streamlined, including automatic checks and, in appropriate cases, automatic conversion.

Digital Status:

• EUSS status is now recorded digitally as an eVisa. Successful applicants receive a digital record confirming their immigration status rather than relying on a physical status document.

Key Points to Remember:

Apply as Soon as Possible:

• Although the main deadline has passed, eligible people who have reasonable grounds for a late application should apply as soon as possible.

Keep Documents Ready:

• Keep evidence of your UK residence and identity available in case the Home Office requires additional evidence.

Check Your Status:

• If you hold pre-settled status, monitor your status and consider applying for settled status as soon as you meet the relevant requirements.

Stay Informed:

• EU Settlement Scheme rules and guidance can change, so applicants should check the latest information on the official UK government website.

Seek Assistance:

• If you have a complicated absence history, are making a late application, or are unsure whether you qualify for settled status, professional immigration advice may help you understand the applicable requirements.

Written on: 28 August 2026