EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit

What Is the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit?

The EUSS Family Permit lets eligible family members of EU, EEA, Swiss, or Northern Irish citizens travel to and enter the UK to join their relatives.

It allows you to:

• Enter and stay in the UK for up to 6 months
• Work and study freely
• Leave and re-enter the UK during that period

Once you’re in the UK, you can apply for pre-settled or settled status to stay longer.

Who Can Apply for an EUSS Family Permit?

You must be outside the UK when applying. Eligibility depends on your relationship and your family member’s status.

Family of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens

You can apply if your family member started living in the UK by 31 December 2020. This includes:

• Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
• Dependent children or grandchildren
• Dependent parents or grandparents

Family of British citizens with EU links (Surinder Singh route)

If you lived together in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein before 1 January 2021, you may qualify under this route.

Family of an eligible person from Northern Ireland

You can apply if your family member was born in Northern Ireland and holds British, Irish or dual citizenship.

Retained right of residence

If your EU family member has died, left the UK, or your relationship has ended, you may still qualify under the retained rights category.

EUSS Family Permit vs Other UK Family Visas

If your relationship or sponsor fits under the EU Settlement Scheme, this is usually the simplest and fastest route to join your family in the UK.

How to Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit

Step 1: Complete the online form

Apply through the official UK government website from your home country.

Step 2: Gather your evidence

Typical documents include:

• Valid passport or national ID
• Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Proof your family member lives in the UK and holds pre-settled or settled status

Step 3: Attend biometrics appointment

You’ll give your fingerprints and photo at a local visa centre.

Step 4: Wait for a decision

Processing times vary, but most are decided within 8 to 12 weeks.

Your permit will normally be valid for 6 months.

Staying in the UK After the Family Permit

Once in the UK, you must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before your permit expires.

• Apply within 3 months of arriving, or before your permit ends
• If you miss the deadline, you can still apply if you have reasonable grounds (for example, illness or family issues)
• After 5 years of continuous residence, you may qualify for settled status, and later British citizenship

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or mismatched relationship documents
• Applying for the wrong route (EEA permit instead of EUSS)
• Forgetting to show proof your sponsor lived in the UK before 31 December 2020
• Not applying to the Settlement Scheme in time after arrival

At AB Immigration Advisors, we review every document before submission — saving you weeks of delays or potential refusal.

Why Choose AB Immigration Advisors? (£899 Fixed-Fee Support)

• Fixed fee £899 – all inclusive, no surprises
• Document-checked application prepared by qualified UK immigration advisors
• Support for appeal or refusal guidance if needed
• Fast response by phone, email or WhatsApp – 7 days a week

We’ve helped hundreds of families reunite safely and legally through the EU Settlement Scheme. Our focus is simple: clarity, care, and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit still open in 2025?

Yes. You can still apply if your family relationship existed before 31 December 2020 and your UK-based relative holds pre-settled or settled status.

How long does a decision take?

Most applications are processed within 2–3 months, though times vary depending on the country.

Can I bring my partner if we’re not married?

Yes, if you can show you were in a durable relationship before 31 December 2020 (for example, living together for at least two years).

What if my family member only has pre-settled status?

That’s fine — you can still apply. Your visa will link to their EUSS status.

Can I apply from outside the EU?

Yes, as long as your family member meets the EUSS criteria and you can prove your relationship.

Get Help With Your EUSS Family Permit

If you want to join your family in the UK, we can manage your entire EUSS Family Permit application for a fixed fee of £899.

Reunite with your family confidently — our experts will handle every step.