EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
Free settled or pre-settled status for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens — no fee, ever.
Sourced from GOV.UK · Updated April 2026The EUSS protects the rights of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK before 31 December 2020. The scheme is free of charge — application, biometrics, and conversion from pre-settled to settled status all cost £0 (gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families). Per gov.uk: "Your pre-settled status will be extended by 5 years just before it's due to expire" and may be automatically converted to settled status once you qualify. Late applications still accepted with "reasonable grounds" (illness, abuse, lack of information, dependency).
Who can apply
- EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, OR family member (spouse, partner, child, dependent parent / grandparent) of one
- Resident in the UK before 23:00 on 31 December 2020 (transition end)
- Continuing UK residence at time of application
- For SETTLED status: 5 years continuous UK residence (max 6 months absent per 12-month period, with single 12-month absence allowed for important reasons)
- For PRE-SETTLED status: less than 5 years residence by 31 December 2020
- Joining family members can still apply via EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
How to apply
- Download the UK Immigration: ID Check appiOS / Android. Replaces the older EU Exit app. NFC chip read on your passport/ID.
- Scan biometric chipApp reads passport/ID chip + selfie liveness check to confirm identity.
- Apply online via gov.ukFree application — takes 10-15 minutes for the average case.
- Provide residence evidenceHMRC and DWP records are auto-checked. Manual evidence requested only if there are gaps the automated check cannot fill.
- Decision + eVisaNo physical document — your status lives in your UKVI account. Share digital codes with landlords and employers via the View and Prove service.
- Convert pre-settled → settledOnce you have 5 years residence, apply (free) to upgrade. Or wait for automatic conversion (rolling out 2024-2026).
Documents you’ll need
- Valid passport OR national ID card (biometric chip required for app verification)
- Evidence of UK residence — HMRC and DWP records checked automatically; gaps require utility bills, P60s, tenancy agreements
- Marriage / civil partnership certificate (joining-family-member applications)
- Birth certificates for children under 21
- NI number — auto-retrieved during application
- Documents proving "reasonable grounds" for late application (medical letters, social worker statements, etc.)
Good to know
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes — late applications are still accepted with reasonable grounds. The original deadline was 30 June 2021 but the Home Office continues to consider late applications where there is a credible explanation.
Pre-settled status is granted to those with less than 5 years of UK residence and lasts 5 years. Settled status is granted after 5 years and is permanent — equivalent to ILR.
No, EUSS applications are completely free. There is no application fee, no IHS, and no biometrics fee.
Yes, family members of EUSS holders can apply for EU Settlement Scheme Family Permits (out of UK) or EUSS status (in UK). Non-EU partners married before 31 Dec 2020 have stronger rights.
Most straightforward applications are decided within 30 days. Complex cases or those with insufficient residence evidence take longer.
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