This comprehensive EUSS family permit guidance covers everything you need to know about joining your EU, EEA, or Swiss family member in the UK. The EU Settlement Scheme family permit remains available in 2026 with no application deadline for eligible family members, provided your relationship existed before 31 December 2020. The permit is free to apply for, valid for 6 months, and allows you to travel to the UK before applying for pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
EUSS Family Permit Guidance 2026
The EU Settlement Scheme family permit allows non-EU family members of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens to travel to the UK and subsequently apply for status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Unlike the old EEA Family Permit (which ceased to be valid on 30 June 2021), the EUSS family permit remains available with no fixed deadline for eligible applicants.
What is the EUSS Family Permit?
The EUSS family permit is a free travel document for non-EU family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who want to join them in the UK. It allows entry to the UK for up to 6 months, during which you must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme for longer-term status. The permit is still available in 2026 with no application deadline.
The EUSS family permit was introduced alongside the EU Settlement Scheme to ensure that non-EU family members of EEA and Swiss citizens could continue to join their family in the UK after Brexit. It replaced the EEA Family Permit for new applicants from 1 July 2021.
EEA Family Permit vs EUSS Family Permit
Many people still search for "EEA family permit" but this route closed on 30 June 2021. Here's how the two permits compare:
If you previously held an EEA Family Permit, you can still use it if it hasn't expired, but you must have used it to enter the UK before 1 July 2021. New applications must now go through the EUSS family permit route.
EUSS Family Permit Requirements
To qualify for an EUSS family permit, you must be a non-EU family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen (the "sponsor") who either lives in the UK with status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or will be travelling to the UK with you. Your family relationship must have existed before 31 December 2020.
The EUSS family permit requirements center on two main criteria: your relationship to an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, and when that relationship was formed. The official gov.uk guidance sets out the detailed eligibility criteria.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Family Relationship: You must be a spouse, civil partner, durable partner, child, or dependent relative of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Relationship Timing: Your relationship must have existed before 31 December 2020 (end of Brexit transition period)
- Sponsor Status: Your EU/EEA/Swiss family member must have EUSS status in the UK, or be eligible and travelling with you
- Applying From: You must apply from outside the UK
- Suitability: You must not be excluded on grounds of criminality, terrorism, or other public policy reasons
Swiss National Exception
There is a special rule for family members of Swiss nationals: if you married or formed a civil partnership with a Swiss national between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2025, you may still be eligible for an EUSS family permit. This extended deadline does not apply to family members of EU/EEA nationals—only Swiss nationals.
Who Can Apply for an EUSS Family Permit?
The EUSS family permit is available to close family members of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. Each category has specific requirements:
Spouses and Civil Partners
Spouses and civil partners of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can apply for an EUSS family permit if they were married or in a civil partnership before 31 December 2020. You'll need to provide your marriage or civil partnership certificate. Same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are recognised.
To qualify as a spouse or civil partner, your marriage or civil partnership must be legally recognised under UK law. Polygamous marriages are only recognised in respect of the first spouse. Religious marriages that are not legally registered may not be accepted.
Durable Partners (Unmarried Partners)
Unmarried partners in a durable relationship can also apply for an EUSS family permit. A "durable relationship" typically means you have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years, or have other evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship (such as children together).
- Cohabitation: Evidence of living together (joint tenancy, utility bills, bank statements)
- Duration: Typically 2+ years, though shorter periods accepted with strong evidence
- Genuine relationship: Photos, correspondence, travel together, children
- Timing: Relationship must have existed before 31 December 2020
Children Under 21
Children under 21 of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (or their spouse/civil partner) can apply for an EUSS family permit without needing to prove dependency. This includes biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren.
Dependent Children Over 21
Adult children aged 21 and over can apply, but they must prove they are dependent on their EU/EEA/Swiss parent. Since 1 July 2021, dependency is no longer presumed—you must provide explicit evidence that you rely on your parent financially or for essential needs.
Dependent Parents and Grandparents
Dependent parents and grandparents of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can apply for an EUSS family permit, but must prove genuine dependency on their child/grandchild. Evidence includes proof of financial support, medical dependency, or inability to meet essential living needs without your sponsor's assistance.
Since 1 July 2021, the Home Office requires explicit evidence of dependency for parents and grandparents. Simply being a parent is not sufficient—you must demonstrate that you genuinely rely on your EU/EEA/Swiss child or grandchild for financial support or essential needs.
EUSS Family Permit Eligibility Summary
EUSS Family Permit Processing Time
The EUSS family permit processing time is typically within 1 month from the date you provide your biometric information. However, processing can take longer if your application requires additional checks, or if you applied from certain countries with higher volumes. The Home Office advises not to book travel until you receive your decision.
Unlike standard UK visa processing times, the EUSS family permit is often processed relatively quickly because it is a free application handled under the EU Settlement Scheme infrastructure.
Factors Affecting Processing Time
- Country of application: Some countries have longer processing times due to volume or verification requirements
- Complexity: Durable partner applications or dependency cases may take longer
- Document verification: Additional checks on marriage certificates or identity documents
- Security checks: Background and suitability assessments
- Peak periods: Summer months may see increased processing times
If your application is taking longer than expected, see our guide on UK visa delays for advice on escalating your case. Note that priority or super priority services are not available for EUSS family permit applications.
How to Apply for EUSS Family Permit
The EUSS family permit application is made online through the gov.uk website. The process is free and involves completing an online form, providing biometric information, and submitting supporting documents.
- Step 1: Complete online application at gov.uk/family-permit
- Step 2: Book biometrics appointment at visa application centre
- Step 3: Attend appointment with passport and supporting documents
- Step 4: Wait for decision (typically within 1 month)
- Step 5: Receive vignette in passport or digital permit
- Step 6: Travel to UK within 6 months of issue
Documents Required for EUSS Family Permit
You'll need to provide documents proving your identity, your relationship to your EU/EEA/Swiss sponsor, and your sponsor's status or eligibility. All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations.
- Your passport: Valid for duration of intended stay
- Sponsor's passport/ID: Proof of EU/EEA/Swiss nationality
- Sponsor's EUSS status: Share code or proof of application
- Relationship proof: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or cohabitation evidence
- Dependency evidence (if applicable): Bank transfers, medical letters
- Passport photo: Meeting UK visa photo requirements
- Certified translations: For any documents not in English
How Much Does an EUSS Family Permit Cost?
The EUSS family permit is completely FREE. There is no visa fee and no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This is a significant benefit compared to standard UK family visa fees, which start at £1,938 plus £1,035 per year IHS.
The free application is one of the major advantages of the EUSS family permit over standard UK family visas. However, you may need to pay for optional services at the visa application centre, such as priority document handling or SMS notifications. These are not required.
What Happens After Arrival in the UK?
The EUSS family permit is only the first step. Once you arrive in the UK, you must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme for longer-term status. This is crucial—the family permit itself does not give you the right to live and work in the UK long-term.
Timeline After Arriving in the UK
- Within 3 months: Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme from within the UK
- While waiting: Your rights are protected under Section 3C leave until a decision
- If approved: Receive pre-settled status (5 years) or settled status (indefinite)
- After 5 years: Can apply for settled status if initially granted pre-settled
- After settled status: Can apply for British citizenship after 12 months
Work and Study Rights
Once you arrive in the UK with an EUSS family permit and apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, you have the right to work and study while your application is pending. This continues under pre-settled and settled status with no restrictions on the type of work or study you can undertake.
Closed Routes: Surinder Singh and Zambrano
Two routes that previously allowed family members to join British citizens in the UK under EU law have now closed. If you were considering these routes, you should be aware of the current position:
Surinder Singh Route (CLOSED 8 August 2023)
The Surinder Singh route allowed non-EU family members of British citizens to join them in the UK if the British citizen had been exercising EU treaty rights in another EEA country. This route closed to new applicants on 8 August 2023. Family members who applied before this date may still use their permits.
Zambrano Route (CLOSED 8 August 2023)
The Zambrano route was for non-EU primary carers of British citizen children, where refusing the carer's residence would force the British child to leave the UK/EU. This route also closed on 8 August 2023. Those who applied before this date retain their rights.
EUSS Family Permit vs UK Family Visa
If you're joining a family member in the UK, you need to determine whether you qualify for the free EUSS family permit or must apply for a standard UK family visa. The key difference is whether your sponsor is an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen with EUSS status, or a British citizen (or person with settled status from another route).
- EUSS family permit remains available in 2026 with NO application deadline
- Your relationship must have existed before 31 December 2020 (Swiss exception: 31 Dec 2025)
- The permit is FREE with no IHS—significant savings compared to UK family visas
- Processing time is typically within 1 month
- You must apply to EUSS within 3 months of arriving in the UK
- Surinder Singh and Zambrano routes closed on 8 August 2023
For the latest official guidance on the EUSS family permit, visit the gov.uk family permit page or the EU Settlement Scheme guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EUSS family permit still available in 2026?
Yes, the EUSS family permit remains available in 2026 with no application deadline for eligible family members. However, your family relationship with an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen must have existed before 31 December 2020. For Swiss nationals specifically, marriages or civil partnerships formed up to 31 December 2025 may still qualify.
How much does an EUSS family permit cost?
The EUSS family permit is completely FREE. There is no application fee and no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to pay. This represents significant savings compared to standard UK family visas, which cost £1,938 plus £1,035 per year IHS. You may need to pay for optional services at visa application centres, but these are not required.
What is the EUSS family permit processing time?
The EUSS family permit is typically processed within 1 month from when you provide your biometric information. Processing can take longer for complex cases (such as durable partners or dependency applications) or during peak periods. Priority or super priority services are not available for this permit type.
Can I work in the UK on an EUSS family permit?
The EUSS family permit itself is primarily a travel document. Once you arrive in the UK and apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, you gain the right to work while your application is pending. After receiving pre-settled or settled status, you can work without any restrictions on the type of employment.
What is the difference between EEA family permit and EUSS family permit?
The EEA Family Permit closed on 30 June 2021 and is no longer available. The EUSS Family Permit replaced it for eligible applicants. The key difference is that the EUSS permit requires your relationship to have existed before 31 December 2020, whereas the old EEA permit had no such requirement. After arrival, EUSS permit holders apply to the EU Settlement Scheme rather than for an EEA residence card.
Can I apply for an EUSS family permit from inside the UK?
No, the EUSS family permit must be applied for from outside the UK. It is an entry clearance document that allows you to travel to the UK. If you are already in the UK (perhaps as a visitor), you may be able to apply directly to the EU Settlement Scheme from within the UK, depending on your circumstances. Check the gov.uk eligibility checker for your specific situation.
What documents do I need for an EUSS family permit application?
You need: your valid passport, your sponsor's passport or ID proving EU/EEA/Swiss nationality, proof of your sponsor's EUSS status (share code), evidence of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or cohabitation proof), dependency evidence if applicable, and a passport photo. Documents not in English need certified translations.
How long is the EUSS family permit valid?
The EUSS family permit is valid for 6 months and allows multiple entries to the UK during this period. Once you arrive in the UK, you must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme within 3 months. If approved for pre-settled status, you receive 5 years residence, after which you can apply for settled status (indefinite leave to remain).