EU Settlement: Settled Status

EU Settlement Scheme settled status — indefinite UK residence for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and eligible family members.

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

Overview

Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme gives eligible people the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely. It is a form of settlement for those who can show the required continuous residence. After holding settled status, many people later consider British citizenship.

Overview & Eligibility

What is the EU Settlement Scheme?

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) protects residence rights of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and eligible family members who were living in the UK under free movement rules. Settled status is the indefinite grant under that scheme.

Who may qualify for settled status

Applicants who meet nationality and continuous residence rules — usually five years — may qualify. Family members joining a qualifying sponsor have additional relationship tests.

Settled status and ILR

Settled status is a form of settlement similar in effect to indefinite leave to remain, but it comes from the EUSS rather than Appendix FM or long residence. Evidence and labels differ. See our Settlement & ILR pages if you are on a non-EUSS route.

Requirements & Evidence

Proving continuous residence

Employment, benefits, tax, banking, and housing records across the five years help. Automated checks sometimes miss gaps — manual uploads may be needed.

Absences

Long absences can break continuity. Some exceptions exist (for example important reasons). We map your travel before you apply.

Family members

Non-EU family members need relationship and dependency evidence where required, plus the sponsor’s EUSS status.

Applying, Costs & Refusals

How to apply

Apply online through the EU Settlement Scheme. Identity is usually verified by app or document scanner. Late applications need a reasonable-grounds explanation.

Costs & processing time

EUSS applications are generally free of a Home Office fee. Processing times vary. Upgrades from pre-settled status should be timed before expiry.

Common reasons applications are refused

Insufficient evidence of continuous residence
Absences that break the qualifying period
Late application without accepted reasonable grounds
Weak relationship evidence for family members
Confusion between settled status and other ILR routes

Key Requirements

Nationality	EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, or eligible family member
Residence	Usually five years of continuous residence in the UK
Continuous residence	Generally no more than 6 months’ absence in any 12-month period (exceptions may apply)
Deadline	Main deadline was 30 June 2021; late applications may still be possible with reasonable grounds
Rights granted	Live and work in the UK indefinitely; access to NHS, benefits, and education subject to the Rules
Path to citizenship	Many holders may apply for British citizenship after meeting residence and character rules

Upgrading From Pre-Settled Status

If you hold pre-settled status and have completed five years of residence, you can usually apply to upgrade to settled status. We help you gather evidence and submit at the right time.

Typical Supporting Documents

Valid passport or national identity card
Evidence of five years’ residence (P60s, payslips, bank statements, utility bills)
National Insurance number
Evidence of absences from the UK during the qualifying period
Proof of relationship (for family member applications)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EU Settlement Scheme?

It is the Home Office scheme that grants settled or pre-settled status to eligible EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and family members who were living in the UK under free movement. It preserves residence rights after Brexit.

Can I still apply for the EU Settlement Scheme?

The main deadline has passed, but late applications may still be possible if you have reasonable grounds. Joining family members may also have ongoing routes. We assess whether you can still apply.

Is settled status the same as indefinite leave to remain?

Both are forms of settlement, but settled status comes from the EU Settlement Scheme and classic ILR comes from other Immigration Rules routes. Rights are similar in many ways; labels and evidence differ. See our Settlement & ILR pages for non-EUSS routes.

When can I apply for British citizenship after settled status?

Many people wait until they meet residence and good-character rules after settlement. Timing depends on your absences and status history. We confirm when citizenship may be realistic.

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