What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
If you are an EU citizen, then the Settlement Scheme allows you and your close family members to continue to live and work in the UK after Brexit. EEA and Swiss citizens will also be part of the scheme. Irish citizens will not need to apply.
Registration under the scheme will mean that you will remain eligible for:
- public services, such as healthcare and schools
- public funds and pensions
- British citizenship, if you want to apply and meet the requirements.
We are one of the Local Authorities providing identity document scanning for those applying to the EU Settlement Scheme. To find out more please visit our Nationalities webpage.
How to apply?
The application will be online and can be done on a mobile phone, tablet or computer. You will need proof of:
- your identity
- your residence in the UK, unless you have a valid permanent residence document, or valid indefinite leave to remain in or enter the UK
- your relationship to a family member from the EU living in the UK, if you’re from outside the EU
Further relevant information and guidance can be found on gov.uk. On 21 January, the Prime Minister announced that the government will waive the £65 application fee.
You will need to register under the scheme by 30 June 2021 (or by 31 December 2020 if there should be ‘no deal’). The scheme will open fully by 30 March 2019. You can sign up for email updates online.
The government has announced that it will make guidance on the settlement scheme available online in all EU languages by 29 March. A partnership pack is available for community leaders to promote the settlement scheme.
Telephone guidance is available from the EU Settlement Resolution Centre (0300 123 7379).
A policy paper identifies government’s intention that in the event of no deal:
- EU citizens and their families resident by 29 March 2019 will have broadly the same entitlements to healthcare, education, benefits and social housing including supported housing and homelessness assistance as they do today.
- Any EU citizens resident by 29 March 2019 can apply under the settlement scheme which will run until 31 December 2020.
- EU identity cards will initially remain valid for travel to the UK.
