Brexit, residence rights for UK nationals in the EU, and EU nationals in the UK

The EU and the UK agreed to protect the residence rights of EU nationals and their family members living in the UK and those of UK nationals and their family members living in an EU country. 

The agreement covers those citizens living in the UK or in an EU country before 31 December 2020 and staying there afterwards.

This protection is not automatic in all EU countries or in the UK.

• EU nationals and their families, including those with permanent residence documents, have to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to stay in the UK.
• UK nationals and their families, including those with permanent residence documents may have to apply for a new residence status and a new residence document. This depends on the country where they live.