Registering EU family members in another EU country
Affected by Brexit?
Questions and Answers – the rights of EU and UK citizens, as outlined in the Withdrawal Agreement
On 1 January 2021, the rules for EU citizens living in or moving to the UK will change. The same applies to UK nationals living in or moving to an EU country.
I have permanent residence in the UK/EU or will acquire it during the transition period
In principle, you and your family members will continue to have permanent residence in your host country. This includes non‑EU family members. In the UK, you must however apply to the EU settlement scheme to be granted a new residence status. In the EU, check with your host country’s authorities as soon as possible if it is mandatory to apply for a new residence status.
I reside in the UK/EU but am not yet entitled to permanent residence
In principle, you and your family members will continue to keep your current residence in your host country. This includes non‑EU family members. In the UK, you must however apply to the EU settlement scheme to be granted a new residence status. In the EU, check with your host country’s authorities as soon as possible if it is mandatory to apply for a new residence status.
I want to move to the UK/EU
You and your family members may move to the UK or to an EU country under the current EU rules until 31 December 2020. This includes non‑EU family members. In the UK, you must then apply to the EU settlement scheme. In the EU, check with your host country’s authorities whether you have to register and if it is mandatory to apply for a new residence status.
I want to go to the UK/EU for a short stay
Current rules on reporting presence, registering your residence abroad, registering your EU family, registering your non-EU family continue to apply until at least 31 December 2020.
I need help
If you think that your rights under EU law are not being respected, contact our assistance services.
Detailed information on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and citizen’s rights
If you move to another EU country, your dependent EU family can move with you.
After 3 months in the new country, they may have to register their residence and be issued with a registration certificate.
If your EU family members are not dependent, they can register in their new EU country by virtue of their own rights.
Registration certificate supporting documents
Your family members will need the following documents to obtain their registration certificate from the town hall or local police station:
- valid national identity card or passport
- your registration certificate or other proof of your residence in that country
- proof of the family relationship with you (such as a marriage or birth certificate)
- for (grand)children, proof they are under 21 or dependent on you
- for (grand)parents, proof that they are dependent on you
- for other family members, proof that they are dependent on you or there are serious health grounds requiring you to take personal care of them
- for unmarried partners, proof of a long-term or durable relationship with you
No other documents may be requested.
The registration certificate will be issued immediately for your spouse, (grand)children and (grand)parents. For other relatives, the authorities should make their decision to issue a registration certificate or not as soon as possible.
Fees
The registration certificate should cost no more than nationals pay for identity cards or similar documents.
Validity
The validity period of the registration certification is unlimited (it does not have to be renewed), but any change of address may need to be reported to the local authorities.
Where and how to register by country
Find out where and how to register your EU family members in your host country:
If required by the host country, your family members can be fined but not expelled if they don't:
- register their residence
- carry their registration certificate and identity card/passport with them at all times
If you have problems getting a registration certificate for your family members, you can call on our assistance services.
See also how to have a residence card issued for your non-EU family members.