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UKU — United Kingdom Uncovered

EU Settlement Scheme

EU Settlement Scheme family members

Family members of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may have rights under the EU Settlement Scheme, including those joining a family member in the UK.

The requirements turn on the relationship, when it began and the family member's own status.

Speak to an Adviser07894 853654

Who this is for

  • spouses, partners and children of EU citizens
  • family members applying to join someone in the UK
  • dependent relatives
  • families whose circumstances have changed since status was granted

Key considerations

  • a qualifying relationship with a relevant EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
  • the relationship existing at the relevant time, where required
  • the sponsor's status under the scheme
  • identity and, where required, dependency evidence

In detail

Joining family members

Family members of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens with status under the scheme can, in defined circumstances, still apply — either as a joining family member from abroad or as a family member already in the UK.

The relationship must generally have existed before the end of the transition period, or fall within the specific provisions for children born or adopted since.

The family permit

An EU Settlement Scheme family permit allows a qualifying family member to travel to the UK, after which they apply for status under the scheme itself.

Applications turn on documenting the relationship and the sponsor's status, and on the timing of the relationship relative to the scheme's cut-off provisions.

Dependency and durable partners

Dependent relatives and durable partners face additional evidential requirements. Dependency must be real and evidenced with financial and practical detail, and durable partnership generally requires evidence of a relationship akin to marriage before the relevant date.

These are the applications most often refused, and the ones where the evidence needs the most structure.

Evidence and information commonly required

  • marriage, civil partnership or birth certificates
  • evidence of the relationship over time
  • the sponsor's status documents
  • evidence of dependency where relevant

What is actually needed depends on your circumstances. We confirm the list with you before anything is prepared.

How the process works

  1. Step 1

    Understand the circumstances

    We start with your history, your relationships, your work and your time in the UK. The right route follows from the facts.

  2. Step 2

    Confirm the route

    We explain which route fits, what it requires and what the realistic alternatives are if it does not.

  3. Step 3

    Build the evidence

    We work out what the Home Office will expect, what you already have and what needs to be obtained.

  4. Step 4

    Prepare and submit

    We prepare the application, explain anything that needs explaining and advise on what happens after submission.

Issues that may need closer attention

  • relationships that began after the relevant dates
  • dependency asserted without supporting evidence
  • sponsors whose own status is pre-settled rather than settled
  • assuming the scheme is closed when another basis may apply

How UKU can help

  • assessing your circumstances against the route requirements
  • identifying issues early, before they become refusals
  • advising on the evidence you will need
  • preparing and checking the application
  • explaining what happens after the application is submitted
Discuss your situation

Common questions

Related services

Back to EU Settlement Scheme

This page is general information about UK immigration and is not advice on your individual circumstances. Requirements, guidance and procedures change. Please obtain advice before relying on anything published here.

Tell us what you need help with

We will tell you how UKU can assist, and what the realistic options are.

07894 853654Speak to an Adviser