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What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
For people from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and their families who want to continue living in the UK.
Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026
It lets people from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and their families, continue living in the UK. The deadline for most people was 30 June 2021, but some can still apply. It's free.
- With pre-settled status, you're usually eligible for settled status after 5 years in a row in the UK.
- Pre-settled status is extended by 5 years before it expires, and may convert automatically.
- Without applying, you can't access benefits, work, study or rent in England.
Key facts
- Free to apply
- Main deadline was 30 June 2021
- Settled status after 5 years
Pre-settled status and settled status explained
The EU Settlement Scheme gives people one of two statuses.
| Pre-settled status | Settled status | |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets it | People who have not yet lived in the UK for 5 years in a row | People with 5 years' continuous residence |
| How long it lasts | Time-limited, but extended automatically | Permanent |
| Time you can spend abroad | Lost if you spend more than 5 years in a row outside the UK | Up to 5 years in a row (4 years for Swiss citizens) |
| Can lead to British citizenship | No | Yes, if you are eligible |
What both statuses let you do
With either status you can:
- work in the UK
- use the NHS for free, if you can at the moment
- study in the UK
- get benefits and pensions, if you are eligible for them
- travel in and out of the UK
Moving from pre-settled to settled status
There is no deadline to move from pre-settled to settled status. The Home Office may do it for you automatically. Before your pre-settled status ends, it is extended by 5 years and you get an email. After that, it may be turned into settled status, and you get an email letter to confirm.
You do not have to wait. You can apply for settled status yourself once you have 5 years' continuous residence. It is free.
To count as continuous, you must not have been outside the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for more than:
- 30 months (2 and a half years) in the last 5 years, or
- 6 months in any 12-month period within a 5-year period (some exceptions apply)
The Home Office can look at travel records and use your National Insurance number to check your tax and certain benefit records.
Children
A child born in the UK to a parent with settled status is automatically a British citizen. If the parent has pre-settled status, the child is only British if they qualify through their other parent.
Applying late or joining family
- Late applications: you can still apply after 30 June 2021 if you have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline.
- Joining family members: if you are joining an EU, EEA or Swiss family member who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020, your deadline is based on when you first arrived in the UK after that date. Your rights are protected automatically for 90 days from your arrival. After that, you need to show you have applied.
While your application is being decided, a certificate of application protects your rights.
Proving your status
You can view your status online and get a share code to prove it to an employer or landlord.
If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
The scheme is run by the Home Office and works the same across the UK. One difference: right to rent checks only apply in England. There is also a separate route for family members of eligible people from Northern Ireland.
Related guides
- How do I get a share code to prove my immigration status?
- What is an eVisa and how do I get access to mine?
- When can I get indefinite leave to remain?
- Can I become a British citizen?
- How do I prove my right to work?
Where this comes from
- Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme on GOV.UK
- What settled and pre-settled status means on GOV.UK
- Switching from pre-settled to settled status on GOV.UK
- Prove your right to rent in England on GOV.UK
Get it done
This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.
Check if you can applyCommon questions
Do Irish citizens need to apply?
No, you may be able to stay without applying if you're an Irish citizen.
Source: Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme
Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026
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