EUSS Family Permit UK: Who Can Apply and How to Do It from Outside the UK

The EUSS Family Permit allows certain non-UK nationals to join their EU, EEA or Swiss family members in the UK if the sponsoring relative was living in the UK by 31 December 2020. It’s a vital route for family reunification and it’s free to apply.

If you’re looking to bring a family member to join you in the UK, or you’re abroad trying to join a qualifying relative here, this guide will walk you through who qualifies, how to apply, and what comes next once you’re here.

What Is the EUSS Family Permit?

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit lets non-UK family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens enter the UK for up to six months. It’s available to people applying from outside the UK and is most commonly used by spouses, civil partners, dependent children and parents of EU nationals who were resident in the UK by the Brexit cut-off date: 31 December 2020.

During the six-month validity period, permit holders can work, study, and leave and re-enter the UK freely. But before it expires, they’ll need to apply for pre-settled status to remain legally in the country long-term.

Who Can Apply for the EUSS Family Permit?

The scheme covers close family members of qualifying EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, including:

• Spouse or civil partner (relationship must have existed by 31 December 2020)
• Durable partner (evidence of living together in a relationship for 2+ years)
• Children or grandchildren under 21
• Dependent children or grandchildren over 21
• Dependent parents or grandparents
• Children born or adopted after 31 December 2020 (if parent qualifies)

Applicants can be from any country, not just the EU.

Route Closures You Should Know

As of 8 August 2023, applications are no longer accepted under the Surinder Singh or Zambrano routes. These previously allowed:

• Non-EEA family members of British citizens who exercised free movement rights abroad (Surinder Singh)
• Primary carers of British citizens (Zambrano)

If you were already granted a permit under one of these routes before this date, you can still enter the UK and apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Key Requirements to Qualify

For Family Members of EU, EEA or Swiss Nationals

To be eligible, you must:

• Be the family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020
• Be applying from outside the UK
• Prove the relationship existed before the cut-off date and still exists now
• Show your family member holds settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or qualifies for it

Who Counts as a Qualifying EU Citizen?

A qualifying person is someone who:

• Is a citizen of an EU, EEA country or Switzerland (this includes Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)
• Was resident in the UK by 31 December 2020
• Holds settled or pre-settled status granted by the Home Office

What Documents and Evidence Are Needed?

You’ll need to provide:

• Passport or national ID
• Biometrics (photo and fingerprints, submitted at a visa centre)
• Evidence of the relationship:
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Birth certificates (for children or parents)
• Evidence of cohabitation (for durable partners)
• Settled/pre-settled status number of your family member (or evidence they qualify)

The stronger your documents, the smoother the process. Weak or incomplete evidence is a common reason for refusals.

How to Apply for an EUSS Family Permit

EUSS Family Permit UK Application Process:

• Apply online through the UK government’s application portal
• Book an appointment at a visa application centre in your country
• Submit biometrics (photo and fingerprints)
• Upload supporting documents
• Await the decision (average times vary but may take several weeks)

You must apply from outside the UK applications submitted from within the UK will be refused.

Cost of Applying

• Free, there’s no application fee
• No Immigration Health Surcharge applies to EUSS family permits

This makes it a far more accessible option compared to standard family visas.

What Happens After You Arrive in the UK?

Once you arrive on your EUSS Family Permit, you’ll be allowed to:

• Work full-time
• Study
• Access NHS care
• Leave and re-enter the UK freely within the six-month period

Staying in the UK After the Permit Expires

Before your permit expires, you must apply for pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. This needs to be done within 3 months of arriving in the UK failing to apply in time could result in loss of lawful residence.

If you miss the deadline, you’ll need to show reasonable grounds for the delay (such as illness or technical issues). If approved, pre-settled status will allow you to stay in the UK for five years and later apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain): ILR

What If Your Application Is Refused?

Refusals are often due to:

• Missing documents
• Insufficient proof of relationship
• Issues with your family member’s settled status

You may have the right to an administrative review, or you can submit a new application with improved evidence.

In cases where you’re no longer eligible for a family permit, you might still be able to apply for other visa categories, such as a student visa or work visa through one of the services here: UK Visas & Immigration Services

Real Life Example: Bringing Family Together in Manchester

Magda, a Polish citizen living in Manchester since 2019, applied for pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Her husband, Marek, remained in Poland during this period. In 2024, Marek applied for an EUSS Family Permit using their marriage certificate and proof of Magda’s pre-settled status.

Once Marek arrived in Manchester, he was able to start working and living with Magda while applying for pre-settled status himself. Today, both are living lawfully in the UK with the goal of applying for ILR in the future.

Immigration Solicitors in Manchester Can Help

Applying for the EUSS Family Permit may seem straightforward, but missing one key document or misunderstanding the rules can delay your family’s reunification.

Our experienced immigration solicitors in Manchester are here to guide you through the entire process. Whether it’s helping gather evidence, reviewing your documents, or submitting a strong application, we make sure nothing gets missed.

Call 0161 464 4140 or Book an appointment today

FAQs about the EUSS Family Permit UK

Can I apply for the EUSS Family Permit from inside the UK? 

No, all applications must be made from outside the UK.

How long is the permit valid for? 

Usually for six months. It cannot be extended you must apply for pre-settled status before it expires.

Can I work in the UK on an EUSS Family Permit? 

Yes, you can work and study freely during the permit’s validity.

What happens if I miss the deadline to apply for pre-settled status? 

You must show a reasonable excuse. The Home Office may still accept a late application.

Is it the same as a visa? 

No. It’s technically not a visa but a family permit issued under the EU Settlement Scheme.