Brexit

New rules came into effect on 1 January 2021 which have impacts for trade, travel and business between the UK and EU.

As the fourth most ethnically diverse borough in the country, we will continue to welcome new residents from the EU and around the world as valued members of our community and commit to providing services to all residents. To remain in the UK you need to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021.

EU citizens living in the UK

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. This means that you will need to apply even if you:

• Were born in the UK but are not a British citizen
• Have a UK 'permanent residence document'
• Are a family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who does not need to apply, including if they are from Ireland
• Are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen with a British citizen family member

You will need to verify your identity with an email address, phone number and current, valid biometric EU, EEA or Swiss passport or a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for family members of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen. Applications can be made by post, using the Android app or at an identity scanning point.

Successful applicants

Successful applicants will be issued with either settled or pre-settled status.

• Settled status is granted to EU citizens who have been UK residents for at least five years.
• Pre-settled status is granted to EU citizens who have been UK residents for less than five years and applicants will need to apply for settled status after having resided in the UK for 5 years. 

Unsuccessful applicants

• You may be able to apply for an administrative review of the decision.
• You can apply again at any time until 30 June 2021.

Apply

There is no cost to apply for the scheme and help to apply is available from the government.

Apply for the EU Settlement Scheme

Application Support

Citizens Advice Redbridge can help you apply for EU Settled Status. Ring 0208 514 9540 or email euss@citizensadviceredbridge.org.uk and one of their dedicated EU advisors can talk through the application process with you and see what support you need to apply. They can offer legal advice with your application, help you track down necessary documents, and get you online. It’s a free service and help is available in many European languages.

Other support is also available:

• Government's translated information materials
• Greater London Authority's animated videos  are available in multiple languages and explain topics that are relevant to European citizens and their families such as guidance on British citizenship, guidance on securing your child's rights and status in the UK, and guidance on receiving good immigration advice
• EU Londoner’s Hub EU settlement scheme information in different languages
• Government Funded Organisations
• If you are in the UK and do not have the appropriate access, skills or confidence to complete the application form, contact the Home Office's: Assisted Digital Service
• Official Settlement Resolution Centre
  • 0300 123 7379 (inside the UK)
  • +44 (0) 203 080 0010 (outside the UK)
• Greater London Authority's guidance for older Europeans

Claiming Benefit 

To continue claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax reduction we have more information on our Benefits for EU Citizens page.

For businesses

• Employers can access an employer's toolkit on GOV.UK information on how to support EU citizens and their families to apply to the EU settlement scheme.
• Businesses can access guidance on changes to their industry and specific rules on GOV.UK’s online toolkit.
• Businesses can visit the London Growth Hub for a number of events being run.

More information

• To find out more about the Settlement Scheme please visit GOV.UK
• For guidance on staying in the UK after Brexit please visit Citizen’s Advice
• Contact Citizens Advice Redbridge if you think you've been discriminated against since the referendum (e.g. unfairly refused work/housing)
• Sign up to email updates from the Home Office