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The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit allows eligible family members of EEA and Swiss nationals to join or accompany their loved ones in the UK. It provides a lawful route to enter the UK and begin residence in line with EU Settlement Scheme requirements.
Our experienced immigration solicitors provide clear, structured guidance on eligibility, evidence, and the application process, helping you understand your options and prepare your application correctly.
For advice on the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit, call us on 020 3384 4389
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Confused About the EU Settlement Scheme Rules? Let Us Guide You
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The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit allows eligible non-EEA family members to travel to the UK to join or accompany a close family member who is a qualifying EEA or Swiss citizen and who is covered by the EU Settlement Scheme.
The permit may also be available to non-EEA family members of:
- A person from Northern Ireland,
- A British citizen who previously held EEA nationality, or
- A British citizen who they lived in an EU country before 31 December 2020, provided the relevant conditions are met.
The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit is an entry permit. It allows travel to the UK to join a qualifying family member and does not, by itself, grant settled or pre-settled status.
EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit at a Glance
Visa Duration
The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit allows eligible family members to travel to and enter the UK for up to six months. The permit is a temporary entry document. After arrival, eligible applicants may apply under the EU Settlement Scheme to confirm their immigration status and continue living in the UK in line with the Scheme’s requirements.
Benefits of the EUSS Family Permit
The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit allows eligible family members to join or accompany their relative to the UK lawfully. It provides a route to enter the UK and make an application under the EU Settlement Scheme from within the country, where the relevant conditions are met.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit, you must be an eligible family member of a qualifying EEA or Swiss citizen, or another eligible person under the EU Settlement Scheme, and the relevant family relationship must have existed by 31 December 2020, subject to limited statutory exceptions, including certain children born or adopted after that date. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and supporting evidence.
Documents Checklist
The documents required depend on your circumstances. In most cases, you will need a valid passport or travel document, evidence of your family relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate, and evidence linking your family member to the EU Settlement Scheme, where applicable. Additional documents may be required depending on your relationship, dependency, or residence history.
Applicants for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is because the permit is issued under the EU Settlement Scheme framework and is not subject to the surcharge.
There is no application fee for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit. However, you may still incur other costs, such as:
- Biometric enrolment fees at a visa application centre,
- Document translation services, or
- Courier or postage charges.
No Immigration Health Surcharge is payable.
EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit applications are usually processed as quickly as possible. Processing times can vary depending on where you apply, the complexity of your case, and whether further information is required.
The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit allows you to enter the UK to join or accompany a qualifying family member. The permit itself does not grant permanent residence.
To continue living in the UK beyond the validity of the permit, you must make an application under the EU Settlement Scheme, where eligible, in accordance with the relevant rules and time limits.
Are you unsure how to bring your family to the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme?
Our experienced immigration solicitors can assess your circumstances, explain whether the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit applies to you, and guide you through the application process in line with Home Office requirements.
Benefits
Our solicitors have extensive experience advising on EU Settlement Scheme applications, including complex family circumstances. We provide clear, compliant guidance to help individuals and families understand the rules, prepare the correct evidence, and progress their applications with confidence.
97.37%
Success Rate
37,573
Applications Approved
93.7%
Immigration Appeal Win Rate
4.9/5
Average Rating
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
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Evidence-based case preparation
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Home Office compliance checks
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Success rate optimisation
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Risk mitigation strategies
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
Work With Trusted, SRA-Regulated UK Immigration Experts
Your immigration journey is too important to risk on unqualified or unregulated help. Every case we handle is prepared by SRA-regulated solicitors who apply structured legal reasoning, precise documentation checks and full compliance with Home Office and UKVI rules.
Our accreditations are your assurance that you are working with a reputable, experienced and highly trained legal team. We combine decades of immigration expertise with strict professional standards to give you clarity, confidence and complete peace of mind — no matter which visa or application route you are pursuing.
EUSS Family Permit Requirements
To qualify for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit, you must show that you are an eligible family member of a qualifying person under the EU Settlement Scheme and that the relevant conditions are met.
In most cases, this includes demonstrating that:
- You are a family member of a qualifying EEA or Swiss citizen, or another eligible person under the EU Settlement Scheme, who has been granted settled or pre-settled status, or has made a valid application that is awaiting a decision;
- You intend to travel to the UK to join or accompany that person; and
- The family relationship existed as of 31 December 2020, subject to limited statutory exceptions, including certain children born or adopted after that date.
Eligibility is assessed on the individual facts of each case and the supporting evidence provided.
Family Members of British Citizens
As of 8 August 2023, the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit is closed to new applicants under the Surinder Singh and Zambrano routes.
This means that:
- Family members of British citizens who previously relied on the Surinder Singh route, and
- Primary carers of British citizens under the Zambrano route,
must now apply under the standard UK family Immigration Rules, where eligible.
However, individuals who were granted status or made a valid application under these routes before 8 August 2023 continue to be protected under transitional arrangements and may still rely on their existing EU Settlement Scheme rights.
Who is Considered a Relevant EEA Citizen?
Under the EU Settlement Scheme, a qualifying person may include:
- EEA or Swiss nationals who have been granted settled or pre-settled status, or who have made a valid application that is awaiting a decision.
- Irish citizens who meet the criteria for settled or pre-settled status, noting that they are not required to apply to the Scheme.
- Eligible persons of Northern Ireland, as defined in the relevant legislation.
- Certain British citizens with EEA or Swiss nationality, where specific residence and status conditions are met.
Each category is subject to strict statutory requirements.
Retained Right of Residence
In limited circumstances, a person may retain rights under the EU Settlement Scheme where a family relationship has ended.
This may apply where, for example:
- The qualifying family member has died.
- The applicant or their child remains in education in the UK following the death or departure of the qualifying person.
- A marriage or civil partnership has ended in divorce or dissolution.
- The relationship ended as a result of domestic violence or abuse.
Retained rights are not automatic and depend on meeting specific legal conditions and evidential requirements.
Do You Know?
While many applications are successful, a significant number have other outcomes. As of March 31, 2025, there have been 777,000 refusals, 227,000 withdrawn or void applications, and 298,000 invalid applications within the EU Settlement Scheme.
Documents Required to Apply for EUSS Family Permit
The exact documents required will depend on the route you’re applying under and your individual circumstances. However, you may be asked to submit some or all of the following:
- A valid passport.
- A national identity card (for applicants from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein).
- Your family member’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) application reference number.
- Evidence that your family member was living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and has remained continuously resident.
- Proof that your family member meets the criminal record requirements.
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if relevant).
- Evidence of a durable (long-term) relationship with your partner by 31 December 2020 (if applicable).
- Birth certificates or other documents showing a family relationship (if relevant).
- Proof that you are financially or otherwise dependent on your family member (if applicable).
- A copy of your family member’s passport (if required).
- Evidence that your family member is an eligible person from Northern Ireland (if applicable).
- Supporting documents for retained right of residence claims (where applicable), such as:
- Death certificate.
- Proof of custody of children.
- Divorce or annulment documents.
- Evidence of a relationship breakdown due to domestic abuse.
Pro Tip:
If a document is missing or incomplete (e.g., no marriage certificate yet), add a cover letter explaining the situation clearly. Providing context can save your application from being refused.
Fees and Processing Time
If you are applying for an EUSS Family Permit, the Home Office processing time should be up to one month. However, this may be faster in certain situations, such as during a quiet period or if your Euss Family Permit application is not complex.
There is no application fee for an EUSS Family Permit. Everyone applying for a family visa under the EU Settlement Scheme is exempt from paying the Immigration Health Charge.
Do You Know?
Once you arrive in the UK with an EUSS Family Permit, you generally have three months to apply for pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. It’s crucial not to miss this timeframe to maintain your legal status in the UK.
What is the Difference Between an EUSS Family Permit and EEA Family Permit?
Feature | EUSS Family Permit | EEA Family Permit |
Purpose | To allow non-EEA family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens (or qualifying British citizens) to enter the UK and apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. | Allowed non-EEA family members of EEA nationals to enter the UK under EU law (before Brexit). |
Legal Basis | Based on the UK’s domestic EU Settlement Scheme, introduced after Brexit. | Based on EU free movement law, before the end of the Brexit transition period. |
Availability | Still open (with restrictions), mainly for family members of EEA citizens who lived in the UK before 31 Dec 2020. | Closed to new applicants from 30 June 2021. |
Application Route | Supports routes like Surinder Singh, Zambrano, and others under the EU Settlement Scheme. | Supported free movement rights under EU law while the UK was part of the EU. |
Next Step After Entry | Applicants can switch to Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme. | It was not directly linked to the Settlement Scheme (which didn’t exist at the time). |
How Long Is an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit Valid?
If you’re arriving in the UK after 1 April 2021, your EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit will be valid for four months from the date of issue.
What to Do If You Want to Stay Longer?
To remain in the UK beyond the four months, you must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme for either Pre-Settled or Settled Status.
Although the main application deadline was 30 June 2021 (marking the end of the ‘Grace Period’), there are exceptions:
- Family members arriving after 1 April 2021 can apply within three months of arrival.
- The application must be submitted before the family permit expires.
If you miss this window, you may still apply if you can show reasonable grounds for the delay.
FAQs About EU Settlement Scheme
An EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit allows certain non-EEA family members to travel to the UK to join or accompany a qualifying person under the EU Settlement Scheme. It is an entry permit and does not grant long-term immigration status by itself.
Yes. An EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit allows you to enter the UK to join or accompany your qualifying family member. To stay longer, you must apply under the EU Settlement Scheme if you are eligible.
There is no application fee for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit, and applicants do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Other costs, such as biometrics or document translation, may still apply.
A sponsor under the EU Settlement Scheme is usually a qualifying EEA or Swiss citizen, an Irish citizen, or an eligible person of Northern Ireland who meets the Scheme’s requirements. Sponsorship depends on specific legal criteria.
An EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit is generally valid for up to six months from the date of issue. It is intended to allow entry to the UK so an eligible application under the EU Settlement Scheme can be made.
No. An EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit does not lead to settled or pre-settled status automatically. A separate application under the EU Settlement Scheme is required if the applicant is eligible.
Documents usually include a valid passport, evidence of the family relationship, and evidence linking the sponsor to the EU Settlement Scheme. Additional documents may be required depending on individual circumstances.
An EEA Family Permit was issued under EU free movement law before Brexit and is closed to new applications. An EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit is issued under UK law and supports applications under the EU Settlement Scheme.
If an application is refused, the decision letter explains the reasons. In some cases, it may be possible to reapply or challenge the decision, depending on the circumstances and evidence.
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