If you’re an EU nationwide working in UK, you might need to safe a extra everlasting standing in Britain.
Whereas Brexit negotiations are ongoing, and UK immigration an space of appreciable uncertainty and rivalry, many EU nationals are taking motion beneath the present system to safeguard their rights to work, dwell and stay in Britain.
Given the importance of achieving recognised standing within the UK, it is very important guarantee functions are submitted consistent with UKVI pointers, that each one candidates (and the place related dependants) fulfill the necessities, that any kinds are accomplished accurately and any supporting proof is legitimate and complete.
Errors or issues with functions might end in a rejected functions, and lack of the complete software charge.


What’s Everlasting Residence?
Since November 2015, all EEA residents making use of for UK citizenship should first apply to change into a Everlasting Resident of the UK.
As a European citizen, you mechanically purchase Everlasting Residence after finishing 5 lawful years within the UK beneath the European Rules.
Everlasting residence functions will be complicated. If profitable, you’ll basically be free from immigration restrictions and might enter and depart Britain as you want. The one limitation to everlasting residence standing is that you will need to not be out of the UK for a interval of greater than 2 years. At this level you’ll lose your everlasting residence.
EU nationwide working in UK: Can I apply for British Citizenship?
If you’re an EU citizen and have been dwelling within the UK for six or extra years you can be eligible to make an software to be naturalised and purchase British Citizenship.
The appliance for British citizenship requires:
- It’s essential to have been within the UK for six or extra years
- Throughout your time within the UK, you will need to have been working, self-employed, or a pupil ie ‘exercising Treaty Rights
- It’s essential to meet the residence necessities, which embody an evaluation of your absences from the UK and the place you plan to dwell after making the appliance
- You have to to move the Life within the UK Take a look at
- You additionally must move an authorized English Language Take a look at
- It’s essential to meet the ‘good character’ requirement, for instance no latest or severe prison convictions, you will need to not be bankrupt, or related to these thought-about to have ‘unhealthy character’
EU nationwide working in UK: How does Brexit have an effect on my standing within the UK?
Because the UK voted to go away the EU, there was no change to the rights or standing of EEA employees in Britain.
This place might nevertheless change as a part of a brand new immigration coverage following the UK’s formal exit from Europe. At current, it’s not clear how the Authorities will method EU migrants.
One potential situation is that as an EU employee within the UK, you might be required to use for a visa beneath a brand new set of Immigration Guidelines.
EU nationwide working in UK: Do I want Everlasting Residence for my job?
At the moment a doc certifying Everlasting Residence isn’t obligatory by regulation. This place might nevertheless change following Brexit.
Everlasting residence does nevertheless give employers peace of thoughts when using European nationals that you’re formally free from immigration management.
How lengthy do functions take?
At the moment UKVI advises that almost all functions take 4 – 6 mths to be processed.
What are the charges?
Residence Workplace charges are topic to frequent change and you must test earlier than sending in your software.
Additionally observe, for those who make a mistake and fail to submit a related doc, your software can be mechanically refused and you’ll lose the charges.
What occurs if I do nothing?
Underneath the present UK immigration guidelines, you aren’t obliged to use for everlasting residence or to naturalise to stay within the UK. You’re entitled to train your Treaty Rights by dwelling and dealing within the UK.
Previous to the EU referendum, there had been no actual want for EU residents to make an software for everlasting residence. The principles might nevertheless change as Britain leaves the EU. It’s for people to resolve, primarily based on their circumstances and eligibility, whether or not they want to safeguard their standing within the UK.
Different factors to notice
- Since November 2015, it’s essential to apply for everlasting residence earlier than naturalisation, regardless of how lengthy in extra of 5 years you could have lived right here.
- Don’t submit an software for everlasting residence earlier than the beginning of your fifth qualifying 12 months. On the date of software, it’s essential to show at the least 5 years residence within the UK. Should you apply early, your software can be refused and you’ll not be refunded the appliance charge.
- Everlasting residence isn’t the identical as twin nationality. Many individuals maintain everlasting residence and resolve to not proceed with naturalisation.
- Should you do select to proceed with naturalisation, and you’ve got lived within the UK for greater than 6 years, as soon as your everlasting residence software is authorized you’ll be able to apply instantly to naturalise.
- As a part of any software, you will need to make full disclose of all prison convictions. The Residence Workplace will overview your whole residency within the UK and take into account the character and seriousness of any crimes.
We’re the UK’s main regulation agency for EU Nationals Everlasting Residency & British Citizenship functions
DavidsonMorris is a number one UK immigration regulation agency specialising in British citizenship and naturalisation functions.
Many web sites on the web providing immigration providers are unregulated administration corporations or intermediaries that promote in your particulars to 3rd events.
DavidsonMorris is absolutely regulated by the Regulation Society of England and Wales and is a registered member of the Immigration Regulation Practitioners’ Affiliation.
For a quick & skilled service – contact DavidsonMorris
You may contact us in case you are searching for authorized assist in relation to an software for Everlasting Residency or British Citizenship. Our authorized staff will offer you an expert, pleasant, dependable service to keep away from any points or delays together with your software.

