EEA Family Permit

EUSS family permit and joining routes for non-EEA family members of EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status.

Reviewed by Border & Boundaries Immigration Team·Last updated 30 Aug 2026

Overview

Non-EEA family members of EU citizens may still be able to join or accompany their relative under EU Settlement Scheme family routes. Free movement has ended; the correct permit or EUSS application depends on your facts.

Overview & Eligibility

What is an EEA / EUSS family permit?

Family permits and EUSS joining applications may allow non-EEA relatives to enter or stay with an EU citizen who has (or is applying for) settled or pre-settled status. The old free-movement EEA family permit framework has largely been replaced by EUSS processes.

Who may qualify

Spouses, partners, children, and dependent relatives who meet relationship and dependency tests may qualify. Durable partners need particularly strong cohabitation evidence.

When another route is better

If the sponsor is British or settled outside the EUSS, a Spouse or Partner Visa under Appendix FM may be the correct route instead. We compare options at consultation.

Requirements & Evidence

Relationship evidence

Marriage or civil partnership certificates, or durable-partner cohabitation proof, must be clear and consistent. Translations may be required.

Sponsor’s EUSS status

Show the EU relative’s settled or pre-settled status (or concurrent application). Without a qualifying sponsor, family joining usually fails.

Dependency

Dependent relatives should evidence financial or care dependency. Generic statements are rarely enough.

Applying, Costs & Refusals

How to apply

Apply through the correct EUSS family route for your situation. We confirm whether a permit from abroad or an in-country application fits.

Costs & processing time

EUSS family applications are generally free of a Home Office fee. Processing times vary by case type and location.

Common reasons applications are refused

Insufficient relationship or durable-partner evidence
Sponsor without qualifying EUSS status
Dependency not evidenced for adult relatives
Applying under a free-movement route that no longer fits post-Brexit rules

Key Requirements

Relationship	Spouse, civil partner, durable partner, child, dependent parent, or other dependent relative of an EU citizen
EU sponsor	EU citizen must usually hold settled or pre-settled status, or be applying concurrently
Genuine relationship	Evidence required for partners — marriage certificate, cohabitation, communications
Dependency	Dependent relatives must show financial or care dependency on the EU citizen
Application fee	EUSS family permits are generally free of a Home Office application fee

Joining Family in the UK

Rules for family members joining EU citizens changed after Brexit. We assess whether you should apply for an EUSS family permit, join under the EU Settlement Scheme, or use a different immigration route.

Typical Supporting Documents

Passport of the non-EEA family member
EU citizen's passport or settled/pre-settled status confirmation
Evidence of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, cohabitation evidence)
Evidence of dependency (for dependent relatives)
Evidence of EU citizen's residence in the UK
Accommodation and maintenance evidence where relevant

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-EU spouses still join EU citizens in the UK?

Often yes, through EU Settlement Scheme family routes if the EU sponsor has settled or pre-settled status (or is applying). Some families need an Appendix FM partner visa instead. We confirm the correct path.

Is an EEA family permit still available after Brexit?

The classic free-movement permit framework has changed. Equivalent EUSS family joining processes may still apply. Labels in guidance can be confusing — get case-specific advice before you apply.

Is the application free?

EUSS family applications are generally free of a Home Office fee. You may still pay for translations, biometrics logistics, or legal fees. We explain costs at consultation.

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