Brexit: how EU nationals and their family members resident in the UK can stay there after 31 December 2020
If you are an EU national, you and your family have to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to stay in the UK.
What is your situation?
I lived legally in the UK for at least 5 years before 31 December 2020
If you are an EU national and have lived legally in the UK for at least 5 years by 31 December 2020, you qualify for permanent residence.
In principle, you and your family members will continue to have permanent residence after 31 December 2020. This includes non‑EU family members.
However, you must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme in the UK to be granted a new residence status. The UK will issue you with a residence document in digital form.
I lived in the UK legally for less than 5 years before 31 December 2020
If you are an EU national, you and your family members can in principle stay in the UK under the same conditions.
This includes non‑EU family members.
Find out more on residence rights
However, you must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme in the UK by 30 June 2021 to be granted a new residence status. The UK will issue you with a residence document in digital form.
I need help
If you think that your rights under EU law are not being respected and you need advice, contact our assistance service.
If you want to complain, you can report it to the UK Independent Monitoring Authority.
See also:
- Detailed information on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and citizen's rights
- Questions and Answers – the rights of EU citizens in the United Kingdom after the end of the transition period
- What you need to know as an EU citizen living in the UK
- What you need to know as a senior EU citizen living in the UK