EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals: Application to the EU Settlement Scheme (approaching deadlines & practical steps needed)

19 November 2020

From 1st January 2021, the freedom of movement of people between the UK and the EU will come to an end, and new UK immigration laws will come into effect.

If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen and living in the UK as at the 31st December 2020, you and your family must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 in order to continue living in the UK.

Settled Status – Eligibility
You will need to have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for at least six months in any twelve month period for five years in a row. You will need to provide proof of this when you apply.

Pre-Settled Status – Eligibility
If you have not lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for five years in a row but are living in the UK as at 31 December 2020 you are still eligible for pre-settled status. Practical steps are needed to demonstrate you are “here” by 31 December 2020 first. That normally involves acquiring and address and having a proof to demonstrate that. Based on our experience ideally that would be a UK bank account linked to the UK address and being on the Council Tax record.

The Application Process
In order to apply for either Settled or Pre-Settled, you will need proof of your identity and your residence in the UK (unless you have a valid permanent residence document, or valid indefinite leave to remain in or enter the UK). A UK National Insurance Number may enable an automated check of your residence based on tax and certain benefit records. If this check is successful, you will not need to provide any documents as proof of residence. Instead you will need to provide documents if there is insufficient data to confirm your residency for the five years in a row or that you are living here as at 31 December 2020.

The application can be made online and there are no government fees. Photographs and scans of your documents (including your Passport) can be submitted online using the dedicated HMRC online portal and the dedicated Mobile APP (the dedicated Mobile APP is necessary for photograph & passport submission).

See below useful links to the Online Application and Documents required:
https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status
https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/what-youll-need-to-apply

Should you need any assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact your usual Verfides
advisor or email/call the Tax Team: tax_team@verfides.com; or call us on +44 20 7930 7111. We would be able to support you remotely or in person throughout the online application and submission process.

This document has been prepared as a general guide and is based on the latest legislation and guidelines. Whilst every care has been taken in its preparation, Verfides cannot accept any responsibility for any person relying on this publication.