EU Citizens’ Right to Live in the UK After Brexit 

EU Citizens’ Right to Live in the UK After Brexit 

If you’re an EU citizen living in the UK, what are your rights? 

If you are an EU and EEA EFTA citizen, or an eligible family member who was living in the UK before 31 December 2020, you may have the right to continue living here after Brexit. 

Most people evidence these rights through the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). If your application is successful, you will normally be granted either settled status or pre-settled status, allowing you to continue living, working, studying and accessing services in the UK. 

Even if you missed the original application deadline, you may still be able to make a late application in certain circumstances. 

The Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) exists to protect the rights of EU, EEA EFTA citizens and their family members in the UK. We monitor public authorities to ensure citizens’ rights under the Withdrawal and Separation Agreements are respected. 

Who can continue living in the UK after Brexit? 

You may be protected if you: 

  • Are an EU citizen who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020. 
  • Are a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020. 
  • Are an eligible family member of someone protected by the Agreements. 
  • Continue to meet the residence requirements that apply to your circumstances. 

Your rights are protected by international agreements negotiated following the UK’s departure from the European Union. 

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) 

The EU Settlement Scheme was created to allow eligible EU, EEA EFTA citizens and their family members to continue living in the UK after Brexit. 

Most eligible people were required to apply by 30 June 2021. However, late applications may still be accepted where there are reasonable grounds for missing the deadline. 

If you have not yet applied but believe you may be eligible, you should seek advice and make an application as soon as possible. 

 

What status could I receive?

Waiting for a decision on your EUSS application? 

If you have submitted an application and are waiting for the Home Office to make a decision, you may receive a Certificate of Application (CoA). 

A valid CoA can help demonstrate that you have rights while your application is being considered.

You may be able to continue working, renting accommodation and accessing services while awaiting a decision, depending on your circumstances. 

Family members 

Certain family members may also be protected under the Agreements. 

This can include: 

  • Spouses and civil partners
  • Children and dependent grandchildren
  • Dependent parents and grandparents
  • Certain durable partners and extended family members, where specific eligibility requirements are met

Family members who join an eligible EU citizen after 31 December 2020 may still be able to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme if they meet the relevant conditions. 

If a child is born to, or adopted by, someone with EUSS status, an application should usually be made within three months of birth or adoption. 

Joining family members 

If you are moving to the UK to join a qualifying family member who already holds EUSS status, special rules may apply. 

Find out more about: 

Proving your immigration status 

If you have settled status or pre-settled status, your immigration status is usually held digitally as an eVisa. 

You can prove your status online using the Home Office’s View and Prove service. 

You may need to share proof of your status with: 

  • Employers
  • Landlords
  • Universities
  • Government departments
  • Other public bodies

 

Living in Gibraltar 

The EU Settlement Scheme only operates in the UK. 

If you are an EU and EEA EFTA citizen or eligible family member living in Gibraltar, different arrangements apply. Gibraltar does not operate an equivalent application scheme, meaning citizens continue to evidence their rights in a different way. 

Find out more about citizens’ rights in Gibraltar. 

 

Need help understanding your rights? 

The rules around residence rights, settled status, pre-settled status and family applications can be complex. 

The IMA provides information about the rights protected under the Withdrawal and Separation Agreements and monitors public authorities to ensure those rights are respected. 

Explore our guidance on: