Leaving the European Union

Advice for residents and workers who are EU residents

The UK has now left the EU single market and customs union.

EU residents who have been living in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 should make an application to the EU Settlement Scheme, no later than 30 June 2021. There is Government guidance available. This outlines how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Failing to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before 30 June will leave EU residents undocumented after that date and will affect rights to rent, to employment, to benefits and healthcare. It could lead to EU residents losing their right to stay in the UK.

The Government is advising that applications are taking longer than usual due to the impact of Covid and you should therefore submit an application as soon as possible.

Briefly:

  • If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen (the EEA includes the EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) – or a non-EU family member of an EU citizen, you can apply to remain in the UK through the EU Settlement Scheme.
  • The EU Settlement Scheme allows you and your family members to continue to live, work and study here in the UK. You will be continue to be eligible to services such as health and schools.
  • You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme providing you live in the UK on or before 31 December 2020
  • The EU Settlement Scheme process is free and you have until 30 June 2021 to apply.
  • If you have been resident in the UK for five years, you will be eligible for settled status
  • If you have been resident in the UK for less than five years, you will be eligible for pre-settled status. Once you have been resident in the UK for five years, you can then apply for settled status.

There is no salary threshold for EU residents who are resident in the UK.