EEA family permits

If you are a non-EEA family member of an EEA or Swiss national, you may be able to join your family or partner in the UK. If you are coming to the UK for a period of more than 6 months you will need to apply for an EEA family permit.

EEA family permits - eligibility

The EEA family permit is suitable for a non-EEA national who is:

  • The spouse of an EEA or Swiss national
  • A descendant (child or grandchild) of an EEA or Swiss national or his/her spouse who is 21 years of age or is their dependant (this includes stepchildren or adopted children)
  • A dependant in the ascending line (i.e. parents or grandparents) of an EEA or Swiss national or his/her spouse.

EEA family permit – rules and restrictions

  • All non-EU family members are entitled to work in the UK without restriction.
  • Non-EU family members rights to remain in the UK are dependent on the EU family member continuing to exercise their Treaty Rights in the UK. For example, they must be in employment, in business, or economically self sufficient.

EEA family permits and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain may be made by all family members, including the EU citizen, after five years residence in the UK, provided that the necessary permissions have been obtained in the meantime.

EEA family permit – duration

Non-EU family members must apply to the British High Commission for an EEA Family Permit. This permit is normally granted for six months.

Within the first year, and preferably within 6 months of arrival in the UK, the EU National should apply to the Home Office for an EC Residence Permit, and all non-EU family members should apply at the same time for five-year resident stamps to be placed on their passport.