EU settlement scheme family permit: eligibility & how to apply (2026 Guide)

Separated from your EU citizen family member? The EU settlement scheme family permit is your fastest, cheapest pathway to reunite. Since Brexit closed the old EEA route in 2021, the EUSS family permit is now the primary option, completely free, with instant work rights upon arrival. This guide covers eligibility, documents, processing timelines, and what happens if your application is refused. Whether you’re a spouse, dependent child, or parent, you’ll find clear answers tailored to your situation. For complex cases, consult a UK immigration solicitor specialising in EU Settlement Scheme matters.

Pursuing the wrong route wastes months and money. This guide explains the current rules and how to succeed in 2026.

Do you need a solicitor?

We will connect you with the right solicitor, near you.

Find a solicitor near me Request a call

What is a family permit? EU settlement scheme vs family visa vs settlement status

An EU settlement scheme family permit is an entry clearance allowing non-EEA family members to join their EU citizen sponsor. It’s valid for up to 6 months (per Home Office guidance, April 2025); a bridge to settlement status, not permanent residence.

Key comparison:

• Family permit: Entry clearance; up to 6 months validity; family permit free cost; EU citizen sponsors only.
• Family visa: Long-term residence; 2 years 9 months; £1,938+ fees; all nationalities.
• Settlement status: Permanent UK residence; applied for after arrival in UK.

The EUSS family permit vs UK partner visa difference lies in eligibility. Family permits apply exclusively to non-EEA relatives of EU citizens with UK residence before 31 December 2020. The family permit vs settlement status distinction: you cannot apply for settlement abroad—you must enter via family permit, then apply for settlement status.

Who is eligible for EUSS family permit? Family relationships & Dependency requirements

EUSS family permit eligibility requires your relationship existed before 31 December 2020. The Home Office recognises five categories:

1. Spouses & civil partners: Married/partnered before 31 Dec 2020; provide certified marriage/civil partnership certificate.
2. Dependent children (Under 21): Unmarried; financially dependent.
3. Dependent children (21+): Must prove genuine dependency via 12+ months bank statements, housing evidence, medical records.
4. Dependent parents: Prove reliance for accommodation, finance, essential care; require 12-24 months bank statements, medical documentation, affidavits.
5. Durable partners: 2+ years cohabitation before 31 Dec 2020; provide tenancy agreements, joint bank accounts, utility bills, witness statements.

Family relationships checklist:

• Family permit spouse requirements: Certified marriage certificate + Apostille (if non-EU).
• Family permit dependent child: Birth certificate + financial dependency evidence.
• Family permit dependent parent: 12-24 months bank statements + housing proof + medical records.
• Unmarried partner family permit UK: Joint tenancy, shared accounts, utility bills (all pre-31 Dec 2020).

Family permit documents required: Complete checklist & what you need to provide

What documents do you need for a family permit? Start with your valid, unexpired passport. Then attend a family permit biometric appointment at an official visa application centre to provide fingerprints and photographs.

Identity documents:

• Biometric appointment confirmation.
• Valid passport (unexpired at submission).
• Alternative ID only if passport unobtainable (with Home Office approval).

Relationship evidence:

• Children: Birth certificate (certified).
• Family permit spouse requirements: Certified marriage certificate + Apostille.
• Durable partners: Tenancy agreement (2+ years), joint bank accounts, utility bills, witness statements.

Dependency proof:

• Affidavits from third parties.
• Medical documentation (if applicable).
• Housing evidence (tenancy, mortgage, or property deed).
• Written statements (500+ words) explaining dependency.
• 12-24 months bank statements showing regular transfers.

For all applicants:

• Evidence relationship existed before 31 December 2020.
• Sponsor’s EUSS status proof (settled or pre-settled confirmation).
• Sponsor’s UK residence proof (council tax, tenancy agreement, utility bills—within 3 months).

How to apply for family permit UK: Step-by-step application & processing timeline 2026

Apply for family permit online exclusively via GOV.UK family permit application portal. Create a UKVI account, answer eligibility questions, upload documents (PDF, max 10MB), then book your family permit biometric appointment within 90 days.

Typical processing timeframes:

• Standard cases: Several weeks to a few months.
• Complex cases: Longer, depending on documentation completeness.

Processing times vary and may range from several weeks to several months, depending on case complexity. The Home Office does not publish official processing times for family permits.

Biometric appointments: Book at official visa application centres. Waiting times vary by location and season.

Can you work on family permit? Rights after arrival including work, study & travel freedom

Can you work on family permit UK? “You can work and study, and come and go as many times as you want before the permit expires.” (Home Office guidance) This is automatic upon UK entry; you do not require separate authorisation. Register for a National Insurance number with HMRC before starting employment.

You can continue working throughout your settlement application process once you arrive in the UK.

Study rights: You can enrol at universities, colleges, or schools without restriction. Child education (under 18) is free at state-funded schools.

Travel: You have freedom of movement within the UK. Your family permit allows you to travel in and out of the UK during its validity period.

Family permit refused? Appeal rights, timelines & what to do next

If your application is refused, you may have a right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).

Appeal timelines:

• Standard appeals (from outside UK): 28 days from the refusal letter.
• Appeals from inside UK: 14 days from the refusal letter.

Appeal fees:

• Without a hearing: £80
• With a hearing: £140

These are tribunal fees only. If you instruct a solicitor or barrister for representation, legal costs are additional (typically £1,500–£5,000+ depending on case complexity).

What to do if family permit refused: Contact a specialist immigration solicitor to review your refusal letter and advise whether an appeal is realistic.

FAQs

What is EU settlement scheme family permit? The EU settlement scheme family permit is an entry clearance valid for up to 6 months, allowing non-EEA family members to join their EU citizen sponsor in the UK and subsequently apply for settlement status.

Can you work with EU settlement scheme family permit? Yes, you can work and study during your family permit’s validity period without separate authorisation; register for National Insurance with HMRC.

How much does family permit cost? The family permit free cost means zero application fees and no Immigration Health Surcharge; only optional visa application centre service fees apply (if any).

How long does family permit processing take? Processing times vary depending on case complexity and document completeness; the Home Office does not publish official timescales for family permits.

What if my family permit application is refused? You may have a right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal within 14 days (if in UK) or 28 days (if outside UK). Appeal fees are £80 (without hearing) or £140 (with hearing). Contact a solicitor ASAP for advice.

Reuniting with your EU citizen family member is achievable. The EU Settlement Scheme family permit makes it accessible, affordable, and straightforward. Gather your documents, understand your eligibility, and take action.

This is general guidance based on GOV.UK information, not legal advice. Immigration outcomes vary by individual circumstance and Home Office discretion. Always consult a qualified immigration solicitor before applying.

Book your consultation!

Qredible’s network of specialist immigration solicitors have guided thousands through EU settlement scheme family permit applications. Get expert help avoiding costly rejections.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The EU settlement scheme family permit is a free entry clearance valid for up to 6 months, offering work and study rights; superior to costly family visas (£1,938+).
• Success requires proving your relationship predates 31 December 2020 and, for dependents, demonstrating genuine dependency through comprehensive financial evidence.
• If refused, you may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal within 14–28 days (fees: £80–£140); solicitor support can strengthen your case.