Brexit: how UK nationals and their family members resident in an EU country can stay there after 31 December 2020

If you are a UK national, you and your family may need to apply for a new residence status in the EU country where you are living. ​The deadline to apply varies from country to country.

What documents do I need to have?

EU countries which require you and your family to apply for a new residence status will, when conferring your new residence status, issue you with a biometric residence card, similar to residence cards issued to other non-EU nationals residing in the EU.

This card shows you enjoy the rights defined in the Withdrawal Agreement and your right to enter your EU host country. You and your family members will be exempt from ETIAS and visa requirements when entering your EU host country.

In EU countries where it is not necessary to apply for a new residence status, you should make sure that you comply with EU rules before the end of the transition period as regards​:

• reporting presence
• registering your residence abroad
• registering your EU family
• registering your non-EU family

I already have a residence document

Even if you have a residence document under the current rules, you and your family members have the right to request the new biometric residence card showing that you enjoy the rights defined in the Withdrawal Agreement.

We strongly recommend that you do so.

Until you get the new biometric residence card, you can continue to use your current residence card, if you have one.

The card shows your right to enter your EU host country and exempts you and your family members from ETIAS and visa requirements when entering that country.

See also:

• Detailed information on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and citizen's rights

• Q&A for UK nationals' residence rights in the EU