GENERAL VISA GUIDANCE

EU Settlement Scheme: eligibility and evidence checklist

The EU Settlement Scheme provides UK immigration status to eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and qualifying family members. It is a status scheme rather than a visa.

Reviewed 11 August 2026 by the KR Services editorial team · Always check the official source before applying

BEFORE YOU START

Costs, funds and key figures

The EU Settlement Scheme is a status scheme, not a visa. Eligibility depends on residence, family relationship and timing rules. A previous refusal or late application can raise case-specific issues that should be taken to an IAA-regulated adviser.

Figures checked against the official source on 7 August 2026. Government charges and rules can change.

Application feeFree

There is no EUSS application fee and no immigration health surcharge.

Verify with GOV.UK ↗Living fundsNo set maintenance amount

The scheme focuses on identity, residence and—where relevant—the qualifying family relationship rather than a fixed savings threshold.

Verify with GOV.UK ↗Core evidenceIdentity + residence

Prepare a valid identity document and digital photo, continuous residence evidence where automated checks are insufficient, and relationship evidence for a family-based application.

Verify with GOV.UK ↗Outside the UKRoute-specific

Some applicants can apply from abroad with specified biometric documents; others may need the free EUSS family permit before travelling.

Verify with GOV.UK ↗

2026 COST ESTIMATE

EU Settlement Scheme calculator

Use the intended visa duration for the IHS estimate. Partial years are calculated by the official application.

Applying fromApplicants

Application fee£0 each × 1

£0

Indicative amount payableVerify the exact charge in the official application

£0

There is no application fee or IHS for an eligible EUSS application. The paid priority services shown for visa routes do not apply here.

General eligibility points

Use these as research prompts. Meeting them does not guarantee a successful application.

The applicant falls within an eligible EUSS category.
The relevant UK residence or qualifying family relationship meets the scheme’s dates and conditions.
A late applicant has a later deadline or reasonable grounds for applying late.
A joining family member meets the relationship and sponsor requirements.

Check eligibility information with GOV.UK ↗

Document checklist

The exact evidence depends on the route and circumstances.

Evidence of identity and nationality.
Evidence of continuous UK residence where automated checks are insufficient.
Evidence of the family relationship and sponsor’s EUSS status where relevant.
Evidence supporting a late application or later deadline where applicable.
Certified translations or biometric evidence where required.

Check document information with GOV.UK ↗

WHERE THE APPLICATION IS MADE

Outside and inside the UK are different pathways

Choose the column matching where the applicant will be when they apply. This is general orientation; always check the linked GOV.UK route page.

Outside the UK

EUSS application or family permit pathway

Some eligible people can apply to the EUSS from outside the UK using specified biometric identity documents. Other joining family members may need an EUSS family permit, which must be applied for outside the UK before travel.

Open official guidance ↗Inside the UK

Apply to the EUSS if the scheme rules allow

Eligible applicants in the UK may apply to the EUSS, including certain joining family members after arrival. Residence, relationship, deadline and late-application rules still apply.

Open official guidance ↗

A CALM ROUTE MAP

Four preparation steps

Identify the applicant’s EUSS category

Check the residence or family relationship dates

Collect identity and residence evidence

Explain any late application with supporting evidence

PRIMARY SOURCES

Check the current GOV.UK rules

Government requirements can change. Use these official pages as the authoritative source.

OPTIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE

Administrative document checklist — £20 per document

We check legibility, orientation, page order and file naming, and record whether the document type appears on the published GOV.UK checklist you selected. We do not decide whether the document satisfies an immigration requirement or recommend evidence.

Service price£20Per one-page document submitted for administrative checking

Important boundary: this is an administrative comparison, not immigration advice. We do not decide whether a document proves a requirement, is sufficient for a particular case or is likely to be accepted. We do not recommend evidence, interpret refusals or guarantee an outcome. Do not send documents through the enquiry form; secure delivery instructions must be agreed first.

Request a document quality check →

COMMON QUESTIONS

EU Settlement Scheme FAQs

Can someone still apply after 30 June 2021?+

Some people can. A later deadline may apply, or an applicant may be able to show reasonable grounds for the delay.

Does being related to an EU citizen automatically qualify someone?+

No. The sponsor, relationship, residence and timing requirements must all fit an eligible category.

What if an earlier application was refused?+

A refusal can involve case-specific legal and evidential issues. Seek advice from an IAA-regulated adviser or authorised legal professional before deciding what to do next.