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EU Settlement Scheme (Settled and Pre-Settled) – 2025 Guide: How to Apply, Deadlines & Rights
Published 30.09.2025
Since the UK officially left the EU, the rights of European citizens living in the country have changed significantly. For many, the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) has become the key to securing life, work, and family stability in Britain.
Whether you’ve lived in the UK for decades or you’re newer to life here, this updated 2025 guide answers everything you need to know.
We’ll cover deadlines, how to switch from pre-settled to settled status, what documents you need, your rights to work, travel, claim benefits, bring family members, and even the steps toward British citizenship.
If you’re an EU citizen—or family member—this article will help you understand your rights, avoid losing your legal status, and plan your future in the UK with confidence.
Table of Contents
1. What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
The EU Settlement Scheme is an immigration process introduced by the UK government to protect the rights of citizens from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland who were living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020.
Under this scheme, eligible individuals can secure either:
Settled Status, granting permanent residence rights, or
Pre-Settled Status, offering temporary rights until they qualify for settled status.
This status enables people to continue living, working, studying, and accessing public services in the UK.
2. Why Does the EU Settlement Scheme Still Matter in 2025?
Although the initial deadlines have passed, the scheme remains crucial in 2025. Many European citizens and their families still hold pre-settled status and will need to upgrade to settled status once they complete five years of residence in the UK. Others may have missed earlier deadlines due to various personal circumstances and now need to submit late applications.
In addition, settled status often serves as the starting point for those wishing to apply for British citizenship. Employers, landlords, and public services also check immigration status, making it essential to ensure your EUSS status is up to date.
3. Who Still Needs to Apply?
You may still need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme if you:
Are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen who was living in the UK before 31 December 2020 and never applied for the scheme.
Have pre-settled status and are approaching the expiry date, requiring you to upgrade to settled status.
Are a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen who was living in the UK before the end of 2020 and who now wishes to join them.
Were born in the UK to EU parents but did not automatically become a British citizen.
It’s important to check your individual circumstances and ensure you have the correct status.
4. Deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme in 2025
The main application deadline was 30 June 2021. However, the UK government continues to accept late applications if you have reasonable grounds for missing the original deadline.
For those with pre-settled status, there’s no single new deadline, but your individual expiry date matters. Pre-settled status initially lasts five years, though from September 2023, the Home Office introduced automatic two-year extensions for those who have not yet upgraded. Despite these extensions, you must still apply for settled status once you reach five years of residence.
It’s important to check your digital status and any expiry dates shown in your Home Office account.
5. Settled vs Pre-Settled Status Explained
The main difference between the two types of status under the EU Settlement Scheme is based on the length of residence in the UK.
| Feature | Settled Status | Pre-Settled Status |
|---|---|---|
| Years of residence | 5+ years | Less than 5 years |
| Rights to stay | Permanent | Temporary |
| Time allowed abroad | Up to 5 years | Usually max 6 months in any 12-month period (with some exceptions) |
| Access to benefits | Full access | Some restrictions |
| Eligible for citizenship | Yes, after 12 months | No, until switched |
Settled status is equivalent to indefinite leave to remain, while pre-settled status is a temporary status that must be upgraded once you qualify.
6. Applying for the EU Settlement Scheme in 2025
Applying for the scheme remains a digital process. Here’s how it works in 2025:
Go to the official GOV.UK EU Settlement Scheme page.
Use the online application form.
Verify your identity using the “EU Exit: ID Document Check” app if you hold a biometric passport or ID card, or send your documents by post.
Provide proof of UK residence, especially if you’re applying for settled status or making a late application.
Submit your application.
There is no fee to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme.
7. What Documents Do You Need?
The documents you need depend on your individual circumstances. Common examples include:
A valid passport or national identity card.
National Insurance number, if you have one.
Payslips, bank statements, or utility bills showing residence in the UK.
NHS letters or GP appointment records.
Tenancy agreements or council tax bills.
Birth or marriage certificates for family members.
8. How Long Do Applications Take?
In most cases, decisions are made within a few days to several weeks. However, complex cases can take longer, especially if:
Documents are missing or unclear.
Additional checks are needed.
You’re applying late and must prove reasonable grounds for delay.
Always check your email regularly for updates from the Home Office.
9. How Do You Switch from Pre-Settled to Settled Status?
Once you have lived in the UK for five continuous years, you should apply for settled status. Here’s how:
Log into your existing EU Settlement Scheme account.
Start a new application to switch to settled status.
Provide evidence of your continuous residence.
Submit the application online.
There’s no cost for upgrading your status. Even though the Home Office introduced automatic extensions for pre-settled status, you still must apply for settled status when you become eligible.
10. Can You Apply Late in 2025?
Yes, late applications are still accepted in 2025. You will need to explain and provide evidence of why you missed the original deadline. Acceptable reasons might include:
Serious illness.
Lack of physical or mental capacity.
Being a victim of domestic violence.
Other compelling circumstances.
The longer your delay, the more carefully the Home Office will examine your reasons. It’s advisable to apply as soon as possible if you missed the original deadline.
11. EU Settlement Scheme Rights in 2025
Work & Business
Both settled and pre-settled status holders can work in the UK, start a business, or be self-employed. Employers may check your immigration status digitally using the government’s “Right to Work” service.
NHS Access
Settled and pre-settled status holders can:
Register with a GP.
Use NHS services.
Receive emergency and routine care without additional charges.
Benefits and Public Funds
Settled status provides full access to public funds, including benefits and housing support.
Pre-settled status holders may face restrictions and sometimes need to prove their right to reside before claiming certain benefits.
This difference often motivates people to apply for settled status as soon as they qualify.
Renting and Buying Property
Landlords are required to check your right to rent in England. Your digital immigration status serves as proof. Mortgage providers also often ask for evidence of your status before granting loans.
Studying in the UK
Both settled and pre-settled status holders can:
Study at schools, colleges, and universities.
Qualify for home-fee rates if they meet residency requirements.
Apply for student loans, depending on individual circumstances.
12. Travel Rules for EU Citizens in 2025
Time Abroad with Settled or Pre-Settled Status
Settled status holders can spend up to five consecutive years outside the UK without losing their status.
Pre-settled status holders are limited to six months of absence in any 12-month period, unless there’s a single absence of up to 12 months for important reasons, such as childbirth, serious illness, or study abroad.
Exceeding these limits could break your continuous residence and affect your eligibility for settled status.
Re-entering the UK
When travelling, carry:
A valid passport or national ID card.
Evidence of your digital immigration status, such as a printed or digital share code from the Home Office website.
This ensures smooth re-entry into the UK and avoids unnecessary delays at border checks.
13. Bringing Family Members to the UK in 2025
You can still bring certain family members to the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme if:
Your relationship existed before 31 December 2020.
You can provide evidence of that relationship.
Eligible family members include:
Spouse or civil partner.
Durable partners in a proven long-term relationship.
Children and grandchildren under 21.
Dependent parents or grandparents.
Family members usually apply first for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to enter the UK, followed by an application for pre-settled or settled status once they arrive.
14. Can You Lose Your Status?
Yes. Your status may be lost if:
You spend too long outside the UK (over five years for settled status, or over six months per year for pre-settled status).
You commit serious criminal offences, leading to deportation decisions.
It’s crucial to understand the rules about time spent outside the UK to protect your rights.
15. EU Settlement Scheme and British Citizenship
Settled status is not the same as British citizenship. To become a British citizen, you generally must:
Hold settled status for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen).
Meet residency requirements.
Pass the Life in the UK test.
Meet English language requirements if applicable.
Be of good character.
Once you have British citizenship, you may hold dual nationality, depending on the rules of your country of origin.
16. Common Problems and How to Solve Them
“My application is taking a long time.”
Contact the EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre for updates.
Check whether the Home Office has requested more documents.
“I can’t prove five years of residence.”
Gather as many partial documents as possible for each year.
Provide explanations for gaps in residence.
Submit alternative evidence like GP letters, council tax bills, or bank statements.
“I missed the original deadline.”
Apply late as soon as possible.
Prepare a detailed explanation and evidence for why you missed the deadline.
“I lost my share code.”
Log back into your GOV.UK account to generate a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to apply again if I already have settled status?
No. Settled status is permanent. However, keep your contact details updated with the Home Office in case they need to reach you.
Can I work with pre-settled status?
Yes. Pre-settled status grants the right to work, but your employer may request a share code to confirm your status.
Can my partner join me if they’re not from the EU?
Only if your relationship existed before 31 December 2020 and you can prove it.
Does time with pre-settled status count towards citizenship?
Yes. Time spent in the UK under pre-settled status counts towards the five-year residency requirement for citizenship applications.
Can I travel freely in and out of the UK?
Yes. However, pre-settled status holders should avoid spending more than six months per year outside the UK.
Do I receive a physical card?
No. EU citizens receive digital status only. Non-EU family members may receive a biometric residence card.
Resources and Where to Get Help
EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre:
Inside UK: 0300 123 7379
Outside UK: +44 (0)203 080 0010
Immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)
The EU Settlement Scheme remains a crucial pathway for European citizens and their families to secure their future in the UK. Whether you still hold pre-settled status, are considering British citizenship, or need to bring family members to join you, staying informed is key.
Check your digital status regularly, note important dates, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if your situation is complex. Understanding your rights helps ensure you can continue building your life in the UK with confidence and security.
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