Last checked: 28/07/2020

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 will have to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to stay in the UK.

What is your situation?

I will have lived legally in the UK for at least 5 years by 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 will have lived in the UK legally for less than 5 years by 31 December 2020

If you are an EU national, you and your family members can in principle stay in the UK under current 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 to be granted a new residence status. The UK will issue you with a residence document in digital form.

I want to move to the UK on a long-term basis - possible under the current EU rules until 31 December 2020

You and your family members can move to the UK under the current EU rules until 31 December 2020.

This includes non‑EU family members.

Find out more on residence rights

In the UK, you must then apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

I want to go to the UK for a short stay - possible under the current EU rules until 31 December 2020

As an EU national, you can go to the UK for a period up to three months without any conditions or formalities up until 31 December 2020. Your non-EU family members may need an entry visa.

I need help

If you think that your rights under EU law are not being respected, contact our assistance services .