The United Kingdom’s EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit is a crucial pathway for relatives of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who wish to join their family members living in the UK. Introduced as part of the UK government’s post-Brexit immigration framework, this permit allows eligible family members to enter the country and later apply for residence under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). For many EU citizens who built their lives in the UK before Brexit, the family permit ensures that loved ones can continue to live together legally and without undue hardship. Understanding the requirements, eligibility rules, and application process for this permit is essential for families seeking reunion in the UK.
What Is the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit?
The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit is a visa issued to non-UK family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who have been granted pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). It allows them to travel to the UK and join their relative who is living there. Once in the UK, holders can live, work, and study freely for up to six months, after which they can apply for pre-settled or settled status if eligible.
The permit is free of charge and serves as an entry document, not a long-term visa. Once in the UK, the applicant must transition to an appropriate immigration status through the EU Settlement Scheme itself.
This permit was introduced to protect the rights of EU citizens and their families who were living in or had a close connection to the UK before 31 December 2020, in accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU.
Who Can Apply for the Family Permit?
Eligibility for the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit depends on the relationship between the applicant and the EU citizen, as well as the EU citizen’s status in the UK. Applicants must be either direct family members or extended family members, with documentation to prove the relationship existed before the end of the Brexit transition period.
Direct Family Members
You can apply for a family permit if you are one of the following relatives of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen living in the UK:
- Spouse or civil partner
- Unmarried partner (if in a durable relationship before 31 December 2020)
- Child or grandchild (under 21 years old or dependent)
- Dependent parent or grandparent
If the EU citizen is under the EU Settlement Scheme, they must already have pre-settled or settled status, or be eligible for it, to sponsor you.
Extended Family Members
Certain extended family members may also be eligible, though they must show proof of dependency or membership in the same household. This can include:
- Siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or other relatives who were dependent on the EU citizen before Brexit.
- Carers of EU citizens or their family members, known as “primary carers.”
However, rules for extended family members have become more restrictive after Brexit, and not all applications are accepted unless the relationship and dependency existed before 31 December 2020.
Joining Family Members
Even if the EU citizen was not living in the UK before Brexit, family members may still qualify under the joining family member route, provided the sponsor has obtained settled or pre-settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme and the family relationship existed before the transition period ended.
Requirements for the EU Citizen Sponsor
To sponsor a family member for a Family Permit, the EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen must:
- Have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or be eligible for it.
- Have started living in the UK before 31 December 2020.
- Continue to live in the UK at the time of application.
If the EU citizen has become a British citizen, they may still be able to sponsor their family member if they retained dual citizenship with an EU country and their rights fall under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Required Documents for Application
When applying for the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit, applicants must provide documentary evidence that confirms both their relationship to the EU citizen and the citizen’s residence status. The required documents typically include:
- A valid passport for the applicant.
- Proof of the EU citizen’s identity and status in the UK (e.g., passport, national ID card, or confirmation letter from the EU Settlement Scheme).
- Evidence of the family relationship, such as:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Birth certificate (for children or parents).
- Proof of dependency (bank statements, remittance receipts, etc.).
- Evidence of cohabitation (for durable partners).
- Proof that the EU citizen was living in the UK before 31 December 2020 (utility bills, tenancy agreements, payslips, etc.).
All documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator.
How to Apply for the Family Permit
The application process for the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit is completed online, through the UK government’s immigration portal. Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before applying, collect all required documents that demonstrate your identity, relationship, and the EU citizen’s UK residence. Ensure all translations are certified and accurate.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Visit the UK Government visa application portal and complete the online form. You will be asked to provide personal information, relationship details, and your sponsor’s EU Settlement Scheme status reference number.
Step 3: Book a Biometric Appointment
Depending on your location, you may need to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information — fingerprints and a photograph. Some applicants can verify their identity digitally using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, especially if they hold biometric passports.
Step 4: Submit Your Application and Wait for a Decision
Once you’ve submitted the form and attended your biometric appointment (if applicable), the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department will process your application. You’ll receive a decision by email, and if successful, your passport will be returned with a vignette (visa sticker) allowing entry to the UK.
Step 5: Enter the UK
Once your family permit is approved, you must travel to the UK within its six-month validity period. After entering, you can live, work, and study freely. Before the permit expires, you should apply for pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to remain in the country long term.
Processing Times and Fees
The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit is free to apply for. Applicants do not pay any visa fees or immigration health surcharges.
Processing times vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of individual cases. Most applications are processed within three to six months, though delays may occur if additional documents or verification are required.
Applicants can track their application status through the UKVI online portal or contact the UK Visas and Immigration contact centre for updates.
What Happens After Arrival in the UK?
After entering the UK on a family permit, you are allowed to:
- Work or study without restrictions.
- Access healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS).
- Rent accommodation and open a bank account.
However, you cannot stay in the UK beyond the six-month validity of the family permit without applying for pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
To apply for pre-settled or settled status, visit the EU Settlement Scheme page and complete the online application before your family permit expires.
Common Reasons for Refusal
While many applications are successful, refusals do occur. Common reasons for refusal include:
- Insufficient evidence of a genuine family relationship.
- Lack of proof that the EU citizen lived in the UK before 31 December 2020.
- Missing documents or untranslated materials.
- Failure to meet the dependency requirement for parents, grandparents, or extended family members.
- Submitting inconsistent or inaccurate information on the application form.
Applicants should review the refusal letter carefully, as it will specify the reasons for denial and whether an administrative review or reapplication is possible.
Appealing a Refused Family Permit
If your application is refused, you may have the right to request an administrative review or appeal the decision depending on your circumstances.
- Administrative review: If you believe a mistake was made in the assessment of your application, you can request a review within 28 days of receiving the decision.
- Appeal: In certain cases, you may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), especially if you believe your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement were breached.
It’s advisable to seek legal assistance from an immigration solicitor or accredited advisor to improve your chances of success.
Difference Between EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit and EEA Family Permit
Before Brexit, family members of EU citizens could apply for an EEA Family Permit. However, this scheme closed on 30 June 2021, and it was replaced by the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit.
The main differences are:
- The EEA Family Permit was governed by EU law, while the EUSS Family Permit is under UK immigration law.
- The EEA Family Permit allowed free movement across the EU, whereas the EUSS Family Permit is specific to the UK.
- The EUSS Family Permit is linked directly to the EU Settlement Scheme, providing a route to permanent residency through pre-settled or settled status.
Rights of Family Permit Holders
Holders of the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit enjoy similar rights to EU citizens in the UK, including:
- Right to work: You can work full-time or part-time without sponsorship.
- Right to education: You can study at schools, colleges, or universities.
- Access to healthcare: You can register with the NHS and receive free or subsidized healthcare.
- No visa fees: There are no government charges for this permit.
However, these rights are only valid as long as the family permit remains active. You must apply for pre-settled or settled status to continue enjoying these rights after the initial six months.
How to Transition to Pre-Settled or Settled Status
Once you’re in the UK, you can apply for pre-settled status if you’ve lived in the UK for less than five years or settled status if you’ve lived there for more than five years.
Applying for Pre-Settled Status
To apply, you’ll need to provide:
- Your passport or national ID card.
- Proof of residence in the UK (rental agreements, bills, bank statements).
- Evidence of your relationship to the EU citizen sponsor.
Once approved, pre-settled status allows you to live and work in the UK for five years and eventually apply for settled status when eligible.
Applying for Settled Status
After living in the UK for five continuous years, you can apply for settled status. This grants you indefinite leave to remain, allowing you to stay in the UK permanently. You also gain access to full benefits, healthcare, and eventually British citizenship if you meet naturalization requirements.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Provide clear evidence: Ensure documents proving your relationship and your sponsor’s UK residence are detailed and consistent.
- Translate documents properly: All non-English documents must be officially translated.
- Apply early: Processing can take months, so plan ahead.
- Keep copies of everything: Maintain both digital and paper copies of all submissions.
- Check your sponsor’s status: Make sure your EU relative’s pre-settled or settled status is active and verifiable.
Final Thoughts
The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit serves as a bridge for EU citizens’ relatives to join their loved ones in the UK, preserving family unity in the post-Brexit era. Although the process requires meticulous documentation and adherence to eligibility rules, it provides a clear and accessible route for family reunion.
Applicants should familiarize themselves with the requirements and apply well in advance of travel plans to avoid delays. Once in the UK, transitioning to pre-settled or settled status ensures long-term security, work rights, and access to public services.
For up-to-date guidance, forms, and instructions, always refer to the UK Government’s official website, which offers detailed support for both applicants and sponsors navigating the process.
Zara Adeyemi