Start typing and hit "Enter" to search.
Permanent Residency for EEA Citizens

Permanent Residency for EEA Citizens

The aftermath of Brexit has made a lot of EU citizens to reevaluate their future in the UK. There have been a lot of speculations as to what the outcome of Brexit negotiations will be after the Prime Minister triggers Article 50 on 29 March 2017. The Home Secretary has also repeatedly pledged that the government will end freedom of movement. Therefore, there is a possibility that EU citizens may need to apply for visas to live and work in the UK post-Brexit. If that happens, there could be problems for those that have unskilled jobs because they would not qualify for a Tier 2 Visa. This has made EU citizens to consider British Permanent Residency (BPR) also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an option.

Why should I apply for British Permanent Residency?

In previous years, EEA citizens did not need to apply for BPR, but that could be changing in the near future. However, as a citizen of any of the European Union countries, you are

automatically regarded as eligible for permanent residence if you have lawfully lived and worked in the UK for 5 years as a qualified person. By a qualified person, it means someone who is a student with Comprehensive Sickness Insurance (CSI), self-employed, self-sufficient with CSI, working or looking for work.

With ILR, there are no restrictions to leaving or entering the UK but you should not stay away from the UK for more than 2 years. If that happens, you stand a risk of losing the BPR. Permanent residence also give employers confidence in employing EU citizens as they are unrestricted by immigration control. Furthermore, if you intend to naturalize as a British Citizen, you first need to have a BPR card.

What documents do I need for BPR?

You would need to provide certain supporting documents as proof that you have been living and working legally for a least 5 years. The application for a BPR can be demanding and the amount of supporting documents needed sometimes dissuades people from completing an application. Nevertheless, this might be the easy route for you to secure their future in the UK.

Some of the documents are:

  • Evidence that you have been living in the country such as Utility Bills and house contracts
  • Evidence that you have been working or looking for work, self-employed, studying, or self-sufficient such as pay slips, bank statements and tax returns.

Reiss Edwards have a team of London's leading immigration solicitors. If you need to consult on issues relating to Indefinite leave to remain or permanent residence or require assistance with the application, please call us on 02037442797 or send us an email on info@reissedwards.co.uk


Some of our Happy Client
  • Samsung Logo
  • TM LEWIN Logo
  • Automation Logic Logo
  • Jurassic Fibre Logo

Reiss Edwards Awards

Global Awards 2018
Lexis Nexis
Three Best Rated
Department for international awards
University of Cambridge Awards
Lexology Award Q1 2021

Mumu Belal

This was my first time using Reiss Edwards and I had a great experience with them, our solicitor was Zarish Aslam. Zarish was very attentive, organised, and a good communicator. Overall I am very happy with their service and wholeheartedly recommend their services.

Mohamed Mansour

"Reiss Edwards provides professional services. The team is a world-class team with great experience.

Ms Zarish is one of the best consultants at Reiss Edwards who has great knowledge and extensive experience.

Totally recommended!"

Simon Daniels

Absolutely amazing!! We were told our application wasn't possible with numerous other immigration attorneys. Thank you to Ben Inigo-Jones and Kader Gulbahce for all their support with our children's application for citizenship. You made the impossible, possible. We received their citizenship in under 3 months and couldn't be happier. Thank you from the Daniels Family

Simran Luthra

Amazing service from Baris, very informative and polite! 10/10

Reiss Edwards Reviews

Mumu Belal

This was my first time using Reiss Edwards and I had a great experience with the...

Read More

Mohamed Mansour

Reiss Edwards provides professional services. The team is a world-class team wit...

Read More

Simon Daniels

Absolutely amazing!! We were told our application wasn't possible with numerous ...

Read More

Simran Luthra

Amazing service from Baris, very informative and polite! 10/10

Read More