EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME FAMILY PERMIT FOR NON-EEA FAMILY MEMBERS OF RELEVANT SWISS (OR EEA) CITIZENS IN THE UK

The EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit is designed for non-EEA citizens who wish to travel to the UK to join or accompany a close family member who is a relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizen.

This permit is also available to non-EEA citizens seeking to join or accompany a close family member who is an eligible person of Northern Ireland, a naturalised British citizen, or a British citizen who has lived in another EU country before 31 December 2020.

Requirements for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit as a Family Member of a relevant Swiss (or EEA) Citizen

To qualify for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit, you must demonstrate to UK Visas & Immigration that:

• Relationship: You are the non-EEA family member of a relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizen who holds Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status in the UK, or who has applied and is awaiting a decision.

• Accompaniment: You will be accompanying the relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizen to the UK or joining them in the UK within six months of your application date.

• Timing of Relationship: Your family relationship with the relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizen began before 31 December 2020.

Family Members of British Citizens (Surinder Singh and Zambrano Applications)

From 8 August 2023, the EUSS Family Permit has closed to new applications from family members of a qualifying British citizen returning to the UK after exercising free movement rights in the EEA or Switzerland (Surinder Singh route) and from primary carers of a British citizen (Zambrano route). Those considering these routes now need to meet the UK's family Immigration Rules applicable to others.

However, the Surinder Singh and Zambrano routes remain open to those already on them. Those granted an EUSS Family Permit based on an application made by 8 August 2023 can still come to the UK and apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Eligible Family Members of Relevant Swiss (or EEA) Citizens

The following family members of a relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizen may apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit:

• Spouse of a relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizen

• Civil partner of a relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizen

• Durable partner of a relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizen

• Child (or grandchild or great-grandchild) of a relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizen or their spouse or civil partner

• Dependent parent (or grandparent or great-grandparent) of the relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizen or their spouse or civil partner

You must demonstrate that your relationship existed before 31 December 2020.

Definition of a Relevant Swiss (or EEA) Citizen

Relevant Swiss (or EEA) citizens include:

• EEA or Swiss nationals granted ‘pre-settled’ or ‘settled’ status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or those awaiting the outcome of an application.

• Irish citizens meeting the criteria for ‘pre-settled’ or ‘settled’ status under the EU Settlement Scheme (though they do not need to apply).

• Eligible persons of Northern Ireland who meet the criteria for ‘pre-settled’ or ‘settled’ status under the EU Settlement Scheme, even if they cannot apply.

• British citizens with EEA or Swiss citizenship who lived in the UK as an EEA or Swiss citizen before obtaining British citizenship.

EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit vs. EEA Family Permit

The EEA Family Permit route is now closed to new applications. Those eligible should apply for EUSS Family Permits instead. Pending applications and appeals for EEA Family Permits submitted before 31 December 2020 will continue to be considered under the relevant regulations.

Applying for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit in Switzerland

Applications for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit must be made from outside the UK. Applications can be submitted from Switzerland.

Application Fee for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit in Switzerland

• Application Fee: There is no application fee for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit.

• Immigration Health Charge: Applicants are not required to pay the Immigration Health Charge.

Validity Period

Your EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit will be valid for four months.

Staying in the UK

To stay in the UK beyond your permit’s validity, you must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline for applying was 30 June 2021. However, joining family members arriving after 1 April 2021 can apply within three months of arrival (and before their family permit expires) or show reasonable grounds for missing this period.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK immigration lawyers assist family members of relevant Swiss (or EEA) nationals with relocating to and settling in the UK, including through the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit route.

We offer:

• Expert advice on requirements for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit.

• Independent assessments of your prospects of qualifying.

• Professional assistance with preparing immigration applications or appeals.

We are dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to individuals throughout Switzerland in a professional and friendly manner. Contact our EU Settlement Scheme Lawyers in Switzerland at +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.