Home >
What is Settled Status and Who is it For? A Complete Guide for European Citizens in the UK (2025)
Published 28.09.2025
For millions of European citizens, the United Kingdom has long been a place to live, work, study, and build a future. However, since Brexit, the immigration landscape has changed significantly. One crucial concept at the heart of these changes is “Settled Status.”
But what exactly is settled status? Who can get it, how does it work, and what rights does it bring? In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything European citizens and their families need to know about settled status in the UK as of 2025.
Table of Contents
1. What is Settled Status?
Settled status is a term many European citizens living in the UK have heard since the Brexit vote. But confusion remains about precisely what it means and what rights it confers. At its heart, settled status is about security—the right to remain in the UK indefinitely and continue life largely as before Brexit.
Settled status is an immigration status granted to European citizens and their family members who were living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period. It provides indefinite leave to remain (ILR) — essentially the right to live permanently in the UK without any immigration time limits.
Under the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), settled status ensures that European citizens who made the UK their home before 31 December 2020 can continue their lives in the country legally and securely.
Settled status holders have almost the same rights as British citizens, except for voting in UK general elections (unless they’re Irish citizens) and holding a British passport.
2. Who is Settled Status For?
One of the biggest questions European citizens have is whether they qualify for settled status. The answer depends on nationality, dates of residence, and family relationships. Understanding who this scheme is meant for is crucial to avoid future immigration issues.
Settled status is primarily for:
✅ EU citizens (e.g. nationals of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, etc.)
✅ EEA citizens (from Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein)
✅ Swiss citizens
✅ Family members of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens — including spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, dependent children, parents, or grandparents
✅ Certain non-EU family members already residing in the UK under EU law rights
This status protects their right to live, work, study, and access public services in the UK.
3. Countries Covered Under Settled Status Rules
Not all European countries fall under identical post-Brexit rules. While the EU Settlement Scheme is often discussed as if it only covers “EU citizens,” it’s broader. It applies to EEA countries and Switzerland too. Knowing which countries are included is critical for anyone planning to secure their status or bring over family members.
Settled status covers citizens from all EU member states and EEA countries, including:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland (though Irish citizens generally have additional rights due to the Common Travel Area)
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Plus EEA states:
Norway
Iceland
Liechtenstein
And:
Switzerland
It’s important to note that while Irish citizens do not need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme due to separate arrangements under the Common Travel Area (CTA), they may choose to do so, especially if they want to secure rights for non-Irish family members.
4. Key Differences Between Settled and Pre-Settled Status
When the EU Settlement Scheme launched, many European citizens discovered they weren’t immediately eligible for permanent status. Instead, they received pre-settled status, creating confusion about what the difference really means. Understanding the distinctions helps avoid gaps in legal residency.
Many European citizens have heard both terms: settled status and pre-settled status. Here’s how they differ:
| Pre-Settled Status | Settled Status |
|---|---|
| Granted if you’ve lived in the UK less than 5 continuous years by 31 Dec 2020 | Granted if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 continuous years or more |
| Valid for 5 years only | Permanent (no time limit) |
| Must upgrade to settled status before pre-settled status expires | No need to upgrade further |
| Limited eligibility for benefits in some cases | Full access to benefits, pensions, public services |
| Not automatically eligible for British citizenship | Eligible to apply for citizenship after 12 months |
As of 2025, significant legal developments mean those with pre-settled status should be proactive in upgrading to settled status to secure permanent residence rights.
5. Eligibility Criteria for Settled Status
Eligibility for settled status is not automatic. Even long-term residents must prove they meet the specific requirements of the scheme. Knowing the criteria can help avoid rejection or delays in the application process.
To qualify for settled status, you generally must:
Have started living in the UK by 31 December 2020
Have lived in the UK continuously for at least 5 years
Not have spent more than 6 months outside the UK in any 12-month period (with limited exceptions, e.g. military service, serious illness, study)
Meet suitability criteria (e.g. no serious criminal convictions)
Even short gaps in residence can affect eligibility, so it’s crucial to document your time in the UK.
Applying for settled status may sound intimidating, but the UK government designed the process to be largely digital and user-friendly. Nonetheless, errors, missing documents, or misunderstandings can cause delays. Knowing what to expect can smooth the path.
The application for settled status is entirely digital, via the UK government website. It involves:
✅ Proving your identity (usually with a valid passport, ID card, or biometric residence card)
✅ Uploading a photo
✅ Providing evidence of your UK residence
✅ Undergoing a criminal record check
Most applications are free and processed quickly — often within a few days to a few weeks. However, complex cases can take longer.
6. The Application Process
7. Documents You Need to Apply
Many European citizens assume the government already has all the data needed to prove their residence. While it’s true some checks happen automatically, many applicants still need to provide documentary evidence. Understanding what counts as proof helps avoid rejection.
While many applications are processed using government records (like HMRC data), you may still need documents, such as:
Payslips
P60s or P45s
Utility bills
Tenancy agreements
Bank statements showing UK transactions
Council tax bills
Letters from schools, universities, or healthcare providers
Keeping thorough records of your time in the UK is essential, especially for proving 5 years’ continuous residence.
8. Proving Residence in the UK
Proving continuous residence is one of the trickiest aspects for many applicants. Even small gaps can jeopardise eligibility, and acceptable evidence varies. Understanding how to prove residency makes all the difference between a successful application and a stressful delay.
Residency evidence can be as simple as one document for each year you’ve lived in the UK. For example:
A utility bill dated January 2018
A payslip dated July 2019
A council tax bill for 2020
Continuous residence generally allows absences of up to 6 months in any 12-month period, except for certain “important reasons.”
9. How Settled Status Protects Your Rights
Settled status isn’t just a bureaucratic label. It’s the legal foundation for many rights European citizens previously enjoyed under free movement laws. Understanding the protection it offers helps you plan your future with confidence.
Settled status ensures you can:
Live permanently in the UK without immigration time limits
Work in any job without needing a work visa
Study at UK institutions, often paying home fees rather than international fees
Access NHS healthcare
Receive public funds, benefits, and pensions if you meet eligibility criteria
Travel freely in and out of the UK
These rights mirror those EU citizens enjoyed under free movement before Brexit.
10. Travelling In and Out of the UK with Settled Status
Brexit introduced new border requirements, and many European citizens wonder how travel works if they hold settled status. Understanding the travel rules helps avoid unpleasant surprises when returning to the UK after a holiday or long stay abroad.
With settled status, you can leave and return to the UK without needing a visa. However:
Absences of more than 5 consecutive years can lead to losing settled status
It’s wise to carry proof of settled status, especially if re-entering the UK after long trips
Digital status records are accessible online, and you can generate a “share code” to prove your status to employers or landlords.
Family ties remain one of the most important factors for European citizens planning their lives post-Brexit. Settled status holders retain significant rights to bring loved ones to join them in the UK. Knowing the conditions for family reunion is vital to keep families together.
Settled status holders can bring close family members to the UK, provided:
The relationship existed before 31 December 2020 (exceptions apply for children born after this date)
Applications for family members are made under the EU Settlement Scheme family permit route
Family members can include:
Spouse or civil partner
Unmarried partner (if relationship existed before the end of 2020 and is durable)
Children, grandchildren under 21
Dependent parents, grandparents
Even in 2025, family reunion rights remain significant for those with settled status.
11. Bringing Family Members to the UK
12. Access to Public Services and Benefits
One of the most practical questions for European citizens with settled status is what support they’re entitled to receive. From healthcare to social security, understanding these entitlements ensures you can plan your finances and life with certainty.
People with settled status have broad rights to:
NHS healthcare
State pensions
Benefits such as Universal Credit
Housing assistance
Student loans (if studying)
Unlike other visa holders, settled status holders are not subject to the “no recourse to public funds” rule, ensuring social security protection.
Many European citizens see settled status as the first step toward becoming British. The journey from settled status to citizenship involves rules around residency, language, and good character. Understanding the timeline and requirements is key if your goal is a UK passport.
Settled status is a key stepping stone to British citizenship. To apply for naturalisation, you generally need:
12 months of settled status (unless married to a British citizen, in which case you can apply immediately after achieving settled status)
No serious criminal record
Good knowledge of English and UK life
Proof of residency in the UK for 5 years
Once naturalised, you can apply for a British passport and gain full political rights.
13. Pathway to British Citizenship
Although the official deadline for most EU Settlement Scheme applications passed in 2021, thousands of European citizens remain in limbo. The UK government allows late applications in certain circumstances. Knowing your options if you missed the deadline is crucial.
The original deadline for most applications to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021. However, the UK government accepts late applications if you have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline, such as:
Serious illness
Lack of capacity
Domestic violence
Being a child whose parent did not apply
If you missed the deadline, it’s crucial to seek legal advice or apply as soon as possible to protect your rights.
14. What if You Missed the Deadline?
15. Common Misunderstandings About Settled Status
Despite years of media coverage, misconceptions about settled status remain widespread. Myths can lead people to neglect vital paperwork or misunderstand their rights. Clarifying these misconceptions is essential for European citizens’ peace of mind.
Here are some common myths:
🚫 “I’m European, so I don’t need settled status.”
Wrong — without settled or pre-settled status (or another visa), you may have no legal right to stay.
🚫 “Irish citizens must apply.”
Not strictly true — Irish citizens have separate rights under the CTA but may apply to help family members.
🚫 “I can’t lose settled status.”
False — if you leave the UK for more than 5 years, you risk losing it.
🚫 “Settled status means I’m automatically British.”
Incorrect — it’s indefinite leave to remain, not citizenship.
Immigration processes can be daunting, and settled status is no exception. Fortunately, a network of organisations and resources exists to help European citizens secure their rights. Knowing where to seek guidance can make the difference between confusion and clarity.
Reliable resources include:
The official UK Government EU Settlement Scheme website
Local councils and Citizens Advice
Immigration lawyers specialising in EUSS applications
EU citizens’ support groups and charities
Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re unsure about your rights or need assistance applying.
16. Where to Get Help and Advice
Everything European Citizens Need to Know About Living and Working in the UK Post-Brexit: Visas, Work Permits, and the ETA Explained
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything EU citizens need to know about living and working in the UK in 2025, including visa routes, work permits, and the newly introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The Global Business Mobility Visa: A Complete Guide for EU Citizens Transferring to the UK
The Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visa has emerged as a key route for international businesses moving employees to their UK operations. For EU citizens working for multinational companies, this visa offers a legitimate and structured way to live and work in the UK temporarily.
EU Settlement Scheme (Settled and Pre-Settled) – 2025 Guide: How to Apply, Deadlines & Rights
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.