EUSS

When the UK left the European Union (EU) on 31 December 2020, freedom of movement between the UK and countries in the EU ended. The government introduced the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to enable EU citizens* who were already living in the UK to secure their status.

The deadline for most people to apply to the EUSS was 30 June 2021. However, some people can still apply. This guide explains who is eligible, and how to prove your rights. If you need help with your application, get in touch with our team.

Updated 04 December 2024

What is the EUSS?

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was designed for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who came to the UK before January 2021 and wish to continue living here, and for their eligible family members of any nationality who wish to join them in the UK.

Depending on the length of your stay in the UK, EUSS will grant you one of two statuses:

  • Settled status - if you can prove five years of continuous residence in the UK.
  • Pre-settled status - If your time in the UK was shorter than five years.

The official deadline for submitting applications was 30 June 2021. However, some people can still apply. Read on to learn who is still eligible, and how to apply.

What we mean by EU citizens

Throughout this guide we use the term "EU citizens", or "EU nationals", as shorthand for people who are nationals of an EU member state, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. 

These are people covered by the Withdrawal Agreement the UK signed upon leaving the EU. The agreement protects the rights of EU citizens who moved to the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020, and their eligible family members. It also protects the rights of UK nationals and their families who live in EU countries.