Residence Cards (Non-EEA/Swiss family members)

EEA Residence Cards allow non-EEA family members of EEA/EU/EC nationals to live and work in the UK. Any citizen of an EU country taking up residence in the UK in accordance with EU treaty rights is entitled to bring their family with them to the UK. Family dependants include a spouse and children under 21, and any other family members who are part of the same household and remain dependent upon the EU citizen.

Each dependant of an EEA national will need to obtain an EEA Residence Card, also referred to as an EEA Family Permit. The family member can reside in the UK with the EEA national whom they depend upon once the EEA Residence Card is issued.

If you are a non-EEA family member of an EEA or Swiss national, it may be possible for you to join your family or partner in the UK by obtaining an EEA Residence Card. If you intend on coming to the UK for more than 6 months, it will be necessary to apply for an EEA family permit. If you are one of the following family members, you are entitled to apply for an EEA Residence Card:

1. If you are the spouse of an EEA national
2. If you are a descendant (child or grandchild) of an EEA national or his/her spouse who is 21 years of age or is their dependant (this includes stepchildren or adopted children)
3. If you are a dependant in the ascending line (i.e. parents or grandparents) of an EEA national or his/her spouse. If you are a Swiss national or an EEA national you are entitled to live and work in the UK.

This is referred to as a right of residence. You will have a right of residence if you fulfil the following:

1. If you are working within the United Kingdom; or
2. If you do not work in the United Kingdom but you are financially able to support yourself without relying on public funds.

In order to be allowed entry into the UK you will be required to present your passport or national identity card. When you are arriving at major airports, you are required to use the separate channel labelled 'EEA/EU' whenever it is available.