EEA Permanent Residence

Before the United Kingdom left the European Union, nationals of countries who were within the European Economic Area and Switzerland had the right to work, live and study freely in the UK. EEA Permanent Residence was a form of ‘settled status’, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain for non-EEA migrants. This permanent residence card was an essential document for those intending to apply for British Citizenship in the future.

As of today, EU/EEA, Swiss citizens, and their family members can no longer apply for a UK permanent residence permit. Applicants who applied on or before December 31st, 2020 will still have their application be considered. However, if you are an EEA or Swiss citizen who would like to have a permanent right of residence, you will need to apply for another type of permission to stay as the permanent residence document is no longer valid.

An EEA citizen is a national of a country in the EU or the European Economic Area. This includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Being part of the EEA means that these countries are part of the European Single Market. This allows freedom of movement between member states.

Switzerland is neither an EU nor EEA member but is part of the single market. Swiss nationals have the same rights as other EEA citizens to enter and live in the UK.

Bulgarian and Romanians gained the right to visa-free travel in 2007 after joining the EU but were restricted in the kinds of jobs they could take. These restrictions have now been lifted and citizens of these countries have the same rights as all other member states.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national who would like to continue living in the UK as a permanent resident, you will need to file for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. EU settled status allows for EEA citizens to live and work in the UK on an indefinite basis where they retain full access to healthcare as well as any public funds such as state benefits and pensions (if eligible).

EEA citizens had until June 30th, 2021 to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. Those who failed to apply in time for settled status will no longer have the right to remain in the UK lawfully and therefore will need to apply for a UK visa in the new points-based immigration system.

If you or your family member are interested in obtaining permanent residence in the UK, we can help navigate you through the new UK immigration points-based system. The lawyers at IAS are all knowledgeable in current legislation and will be able to advise you no matter what your situation including assessing your eligibility for UK visas and Indefinite Leave to Remain. Call now on +1 844 290 6312 make an inquiry online to discuss your circumstances with a professional.