1. Introduction

Navigating UK immigration rules post-Brexit can be daunting, especially for families seeking reunification. The EU Settlement Scheme family permit offers a practical and lawful pathway for eligible non-UK family members to enter the United Kingdom and join their loved ones. This guide explores every key detail in 2025.

2. What is the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit?

The EU Settlement Scheme family permit is a free, short-term visa allowing eligible family members of certain individuals to enter and live temporarily in the UK. It typically grants permission for a 6-month stay, during which the individual can work, study, and later apply for longer residence under the EU Settlement Scheme.

3. Who is eligible to apply in 2025?

Applicants must be outside the UK and have a qualifying relationship with one of the following:

• A citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020.
• An eligible person of Northern Ireland.
• A deceased or separated qualifying family member (retained right of residence).

4. Qualifying relationships

• Spouse or civil partner
• Long-term durable partners
• Children, grandchildren under 21
• Dependent parents or grandparents
• Dependent relatives with proof of long-standing dependency

5. Applying as a family member of a person from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland

To qualify, the EU citizen must have begun residing in the UK before 31 December 2020. This includes cases such as:

• Dual nationality with EU and UK citizenship (Lounes and McCarthy cases)
• Frontier workers (those living outside the UK but working within it)

6. Applying as a family member of a person from Northern Ireland

Applicants can qualify if their family member is a British, Irish, or dual national born in Northern Ireland, with at least one parent who was a British, Irish, or unrestricted citizen at birth.

7. Retained right of residence

You may still apply if your qualifying family member:

• Has died
• Left the UK permanently
• Ended the family relationship (e.g., divorce) This route is essential for individuals who shared residency in the UK before 31 December 2020.

8. Application process (2025 edition)

• Complete the online application form at the official UK Government website
• Submit supporting documents and book a biometric appointment
• Attend a local visa application center outside the UK for fingerprinting and identity verification

9. Required documentation

• Valid passport or travel document
• Proof of qualifying family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, photos, communication)
• Evidence of the EU citizen’s residence in the UK before 2021
• Proof of continued dependency if applicable

10. How long does tt take?

The average processing time is between 3–6 weeks. However, delays can occur during peak periods. No priority or fast-track services are available.

11. What you can and cannot do on this permit

Permitted:

• Live in the UK for up to 6 months
• Work in most sectors
• Enroll in educational courses
• Travel in and out of the UK

Restricted:

• Extend the visa
• Switch to another visa category within the UK
• Access public funds

12. After arrival: Next steps

From January 2025, the Home Office has begun automatically converting eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status, removing the need to reapply in some cases.
From 16 July 2025, applicants can also qualify for settled status after 30 months of residence within the last 60 months, making the route more flexible for those with long absences.

13. If you’re living abroad with a British Citizen

As of February 2024, family members of British citizens who lived together abroad in the EU or EEA are no longer eligible for the EU Family Permit. Alternative visa routes must be considered.

14. Ukrainian Nationals and the EU Family Route

With the closure of the Ukraine Family Scheme, eligible Ukrainian nationals can now apply under the EU Settlement Scheme family permit if they qualify through family links.

15. Common reasons for refusal

• Insufficient documentation
• Failure to prove genuine relationship
• Lack of proof of residence before 2021
• Previous immigration violations

16. Financial requirements

There is no explicit income threshold. However, dependency must be proven where applicable. Applicants must also demonstrate that they can travel to the UK without becoming a financial burden.

This is different from the standard UK family visa route, which since April 2024 requires a minimum household income of at least £29,000.

17. Fees and costs

The application is free of charge. However, applicants may incur expenses related to document translation, biometric appointments, and travel.

18. Children’s applications

Each child must submit a separate application. Parents or guardians must prove parental responsibility and attach birth certificates or guardianship documents.

19. Duration and renewals

The permit is valid for 6 months only and cannot be renewed. For long-term stay, transitioning to the EU Settlement Scheme is essential before the permit expires.

Upcoming UK immigration reforms

In May 2025, the UK Government announced proposals to extend the settlement period for most migrants from five to ten years, alongside changes to English language and qualification requirements. While these changes are not yet in force, applicants under the EU Settlement Scheme are currently unaffected. Additionally, the shift to a fully digital eVisa system is planned, replacing physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) by March 2025.

20. How BS Immigration can assist

BS Immigration provides:

• Comprehensive document review and eligibility screening
• Preparation and submission of complete applications
• Credibility coaching for interviews
• Support with EU Settlement Scheme applications after arrival
• Real-time updates based on the latest UK immigration laws

Conclusion

For families eager to reunite in the UK, the EU Family Permit remains a critical opportunity in 2025. Although immigration law has evolved post-Brexit, this route preserves the possibility of lawful entry and settlement for thousands. With BS Immigration by your side, the process becomes clear, compliant, and confidently managed.