European Economic Area (EEA) Law

EEA residence permit visas for the UK entitle EEA nationals and their dependants to the right of residence. A permit of this kind entitles the holder to work in Britain, accept offers of work, start a business, manage a company, or set up a local branch of a company.

If you wish to bring your spouse or common-law partner to join you in the UK, Knightsbridge Solicitors can help at every stage of the process. As specialists in immigration law, we can provide expert immigration advice and help you get the best result for your case.

Benefits of an EEA Visa

Unlike UK work permits, an EEA residence permit application is made by the individual, not a sponsoring company in the UK. As a result, no specific employment offer is required, although you may not be granted an EEA permit if you are coming to the UK just to look for work.

In addition, EEA permits do not require applicants to reach a threshold on a points-based system, unlike the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) visas.

So long as you are an EEA country citizen and can support yourself and any dependants whilst in Britain, this type of visa for immigration to the UK is a straightforward route to living and working in Britain.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for this type of UK visa service, you need to be a dependant of a European Union citizen.

Employment

Holders of EEA residence permits do not have to work while in the country, but they must be able to support themselves without using public funds (such as unemployment benefits).

EU Settlement Scheme update

As of the 1st of April 2019, the EU Settlement Scheme is officially open to approximately 3.5 million EU citizens living in the UK. This means that the rights you and your family currently have including access to benefits, healthcare, employment, and pensions are protected.

Applying to the scheme is completely free and as simple and straightforward as any government programme can claim to be. All you need do is complete a three-step application to prove your identity, confirm you live in the UK and declare any criminal convictions.

You can apply with a computer, tablet or smartphone, and the Home Office has set aside more than £9 million to assist vulnerable to apply for the settlement scheme at an Assisted Digital location.

The scheme has now been thoroughly vetted, and nearly four in five applicants did not need to provide any further evidence or submit their documents for further checks.

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You can rely on Knightsbridge Solicitors to support you with your immigration issues. Our experienced immigration team are ready to help you with your immigration issues.