Many EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members hold pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Pre-settled status protects your right to live and work in the UK, but settled status gives you long-term security and can be an important step towards British citizenship.
Continuous residence matters
To qualify for settled status you generally need a continuous period of residence in the UK. Long or frequent absences can break that period, so it is worth reviewing your travel history carefully before you apply or rely on an automatic conversion.
- Keep a record of your travel dates in and out of the UK
- Hold on to evidence of residence such as tax, employment or council tax records
- Check whether any absence was for an important reason that may be treated differently
Family members
Close family members may also be able to apply or move to settled status. Where a family member is applying from overseas, the rules on joining family members and family permits can be complex, and early advice helps avoid problems.
Next steps
If you are unsure about your residence history or your current status, we can review your position and explain your options. Learn more about our EU Settlement Scheme service.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules and fees change regularly — please contact us for advice on your own circumstances.
