Family members of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can still join them in the UK and secure status through the EU Settlement Scheme. This 2026 guide explains who qualifies, the family permit, the key 31 December 2020 relationship date, and how joining family members get settled or pre-settled status.
Who can apply as a family member?
You may qualify if you’re the spouse, civil partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or other dependent relative of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who has settled or pre-settled status. The key rule: the relationship must have existed by 31 December 2020 and still continue.
- Partners — you married or formed a civil partnership by 31 December 2020, or had lived together for at least 2 years by then.
- Children — treated as dependent if they can’t meet their basic needs without your support (including children in full-time education, or who are ill or disabled). Children born or adopted later can usually be added.
- Other relatives — dependent parents, grandparents and, in exceptional cases, siblings and other relatives needing care.
The EU Settlement Scheme family permit
If you’re outside the UK, you apply online for a family permit — free entry clearance valid for 6 months. It lets you travel to the UK, work and study. After arriving, you must apply to the scheme itself (usually within 3 months) to stay longer.
What status will you get?
A joining family member is normally granted pre-settled status, which can be upgraded to settled status (a form of indefinite leave) after 5 years’ residence. If you missed an earlier deadline, see our guide to late EUSS applications.
Frequently asked questions
Who can join an EU citizen under the scheme?
Spouses, civil partners, children, dependent parents and grandparents, and other dependent relatives of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen with settled or pre-settled status.
When must the relationship have existed?
By 31 December 2020, and it must still continue — for partners, married or in a civil partnership, or living together for 2 years, by that date.
What is the EU Settlement Scheme family permit?
Free entry clearance valid for 6 months that lets a family member travel to the UK, work and study, then apply to the scheme; you apply from outside the UK.
What status will a joining family member get?
Usually pre-settled status, which can be upgraded to settled status after 5 years.
Do I need to apply for status after arriving?
Yes — usually within 3 months of arriving if you want to stay beyond the 6-month permit.
Can children born after 2020 be added?
Yes — children born to or adopted by a status holder can usually be added.
