The EEA FM Form was previously used by non-EEA family members of European Economic Area (EEA) nationals to apply for a residence card or registration certificate in the UK. It provided confirmation of the individual’s right to live in the UK under EU free movement rules.
Since the UK left the European Union, the immigration system has changed. Under the post-Brexit rules, the EEA FM Form is no longer accepted, and permanent residence cards issued under the old system are no longer valid. Instead, family members of EEA nationals must now apply through the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) or an alternative UK visa category.
What is the EEA FM Form?
The EEA FM Form was used by non-EEA family members of European Economic Area (EEA) nationals to apply for a residence card or registration certificate in the UK. It was part of the immigration system that operated under EU free movement rules, which allowed EEA nationals and their families to live and work in the UK without needing a visa.
Family members who applied using the EEA FM Form could obtain a residence card, which confirmed their right to live in the UK as the dependant of an EEA national. This was particularly important for those who were not EEA citizens themselves, as it provided proof of their legal status when accessing work, housing and services.
The form applied to direct family members of EEA nationals, including spouses, civil partners, dependent or grandchildren under 21 children, parents, and dependent parents or grandparents of EEA nationals who were exercising Treaty rights in the UK. In some cases, extended family members, such as unmarried partners or relatives who were financially dependent, could also apply, but additional evidence was required.
The EEA FM Form was widely used before Brexit, especially by non-EEA nationals who needed formal documentation to prove their right to stay in the UK. Although EEA nationals themselves were not required to obtain a residence card, many chose to apply to make it easier to demonstrate their status when dealing with employers or landlords.
Is the EEA FM Form still valid?
Applications using the EEA FM Form were only accepted before 31 December 2020. Any residence cards issued under this system ceased to be recognised after 30 June 2021, unless the holder had successfully applied for Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EUSS. Those who previously relied on a residence card to prove their right to live and work in the UK must now provide evidence of their status online- either through a digital EUSS record or an alternative visa.
Anyone still relying on an old residence card could face difficulties when applying for jobs, renting a home, or accessing healthcare and benefits.
For those who missed the EU Settlement Scheme deadline, late applications may still be possible in certain circumstances. The Home Office considers late applications on a case-by-case basis, but a strong reason for the delay must be provided. Those who have not yet secured a valid immigration status should act as soon as possible to avoid legal and practical difficulties.
Family members of EEA nationals who did not apply for Settled Status may need to explore other visa options. The Family Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or other immigration routes could provide an alternative path to living in the UK.
Do EEA FM residence documents still prove UK residency?
EEA FM residence documents no longer provide proof of residency in the UK. Residence cards issued before Brexit do not confirm a person’s right to remain in the UK. Individuals who have not yet secured a valid status should take immediate steps to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme or another visa category.
Needs assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. For advice on your circumstances, contact us.
EEA PR Form FAQs
Is the EEA PR Form still valid in the UK?
The EEA PR Form is no longer valid. Since Brexit, Permanent Residence (PR) documents issued under EU free movement rules are no longer recognised. Those who previously held PR were required to apply for Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to maintain their residency rights.
What replaced the EEA PR Form?
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) replaced the EEA PR Form. EEA nationals and their family members needed to apply for Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status, depending on how long they had lived in the UK.
Can I still use my EEA Permanent Residence document?
PR documents are no longer accepted as proof of UK residency. Employers, landlords, and public bodies now check immigration status using the Home Office online system.
Do I need to apply for Settled Status if I had Permanent Residence?
Those who held PR had to apply for Settled Status under the EUSS. If an application was not made before the deadline, it may still be possible to apply late if a valid reason is provided.
Can I apply for British citizenship with a PR document?
Settled Status is now required for British citizenship applications. Anyone who previously held PR must first switch to Settled Status before applying for naturalisation.
What happens if I missed the deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme?
Late applications may still be accepted, but applicants must provide a valid reason for missing the original deadline. Without an updated immigration status, individuals could face difficulties proving their right to live and work in the UK.
How can I prove my UK residency now?
Residency status must be confirmed through the Home Office online checking system. Those with Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status can generate a digital code to share with employers, landlords, or public services.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| EEA PR Form | A form previously used by EEA nationals and their family members to apply for Permanent Residence in the UK. |
| Permanent Residence (PR) | A status granted to EEA nationals who had lived in the UK for five continuous years under EU free movement rules. No longer valid after Brexit. |
| EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) | A scheme introduced after Brexit to allow EEA, Swiss, and EU nationals to apply for Settled or Pre-Settled Status. |
| Settled Status | A form of indefinite leave under the EUSS, allowing EEA nationals and their family members to stay in the UK permanently. |
| Pre-Settled Status | A temporary status under the EUSS for EEA nationals who had not yet completed five years of UK residence. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | A UK immigration status that allows a person to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions. |
| Home Office Online Checking System | A digital service used to verify immigration status for employment, renting property, and accessing public services. |
| British Citizenship | The legal status allowing a person to hold a British passport and enjoy full rights as a UK citizen. |
| Residency Requirement | The minimum time an applicant must have lived in the UK before qualifying for Settled Status, ILR, or citizenship. |
| Late EUSS Application | A request submitted after the EUSS deadline, accepted only if there is a reasonable explanation for the delay. |
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
