Guidelines to EU Settlement Scheme

This is the latest information on the EU Settlement Scheme for EU citizens living in the UK.

The EU Settlement Scheme is live
Following a period of extensive testing, the EU Settlement Scheme is fully open. Over 600,000 people have already applied under the Scheme to secure their rights and get the status they need to stay in the UK after Brexit for as long as they wish.

Our message to EU citizens remains the same. We want you to stay and to continue to call the UK your home.

It is a straightforward process
The service has been designed to make it as simple as possible for EU citizens and their family members to apply.
During the public test phase of the Scheme earlier this year, over 200,000 applications were received from citizens of all 27 EU countries:

  • 95% of applicants successfully used the mobile phone app to prove their identity remotely, most in under 10 minutes
  • 88% of applicants were able to have their UK residence automatically checked by providing their National Insurance number
  • 81% of respondents reported that it was “very easy” or “fairly easy” to complete the application form

If you would like to read more about how the test phase went, we have published a full report on GOV.UK.

Apply today
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family members can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme free of charge today. Applicants only need to prove their identity, demonstrate their UK residence, and declare any criminal convictions.
You can find full guidance and start your application at: www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

If you would like to use the Android app to verify your identity, you can download the app from the Google Playstore. For guidance and a video demonstrating how to use the app, click here. This service will be available on Apple devices by the end of this year.

Alternatively, you can visit an identity scanner location to help you complete this part of the application process or you can post your document to us for verification.

Support
If you have any questions about your application, you can contact our EU Settlement Resolution Centre for help. For anyone who needs additional support completing the online application, there is also an Assisted Digital service.

EU Settlement Resolution Centre
Telephone: 0300 123 7379 (from within the UK)
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
EU Settlement Scheme contact form
Find out about call charges