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If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, or a close family member, living in the UK by December 31, 2020, the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) offers a path to legal status that allows you to remain permanently. This guide dives deep into what Settled and Pre‑Settled Status is, how to apply or upgrade in 2025, your rights, the shift toward citizenship, and how LawSentis can support you from start to finish.
Pre‑Settled Status is a temporary immigration status for those who, by the end of 2020, had lived in the UK for less than five years. It’s valid for five years and acts as a bridge until you qualify for full settlement.
During this time, you can:
However, Pre‑Settled Status comes with limitations. Most importantly, you cannot access full public funds unless you meet additional criteria, and you must apply to upgrade once eligible.
Settled Status grants Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – no time limits, no renewals. Once you have settled status, you can:
If you’re married to a British citizen, you can apply for citizenship immediately after being granted settled status, which is a significant advantage.
We assist you through every stage of setting up your UK company, starting with registering your business with Companies House and ensuring all legal requirements are met. Our team advises on the most suitable tax registrations – such as VAT and Corporation Tax – depending on the nature and scale of your operations. We help you select the correct business activities by choosing the right Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, ensuring compliance and clarity for both the Home Office and HMRC.
Before Brexit, EU nationals had the automatic right to live and work in the UK. Post-Brexit, those rights were no longer guaranteed. The EU Settlement Scheme ensures that those who were already in the UK by 2020 could apply for legal status to stay indefinitely.
Although the formal deadline closed on June 30, 2021, the Home Office accepts late applications if you can demonstrate reasonable grounds-such as serious illness, family obligations, or lack of access to digital assistance.
The scheme has evolved to accommodate modern migration patterns and to make settlement easier for mobile individuals.
Previously, you needed five continuous years of residence, with no single absence exceeding six months. Now, if you have spent at least 30 months in the UK over the past five years, you’re eligible for Settled Status-even with longer breaks abroad.
This change recognizes people who travel frequently for work, education, or family reasons, and makes it much more accessible to meet the eligibility timeline.
Pre‑Settled holders are now being auto-upgraded to Settled Status once they meet the residence criteria. However, you still must verify your identity online and confirm current details.
Pre‑Settled Status holders no longer need to reapply near expiry-they receive automatic 5-year extensions until upgraded to Settled Status.
Residual groups still need to address their status as the scheme matures:
If you already have Pre‑Settled Status and now qualify (either via the original five-year continuity or via the 30-month rule), you should:
You can still make a late application if:
Spouses, children under 21, dependent relatives, or partners of settlement status holders may still come to the UK using an EUSS Family Permit, even in 2025
Upon entry, they must apply for Settled or Pre‑Settled Status within three months of arrival.
Here is a tailored walkthrough of each key stage:
You need to show at least 30 months or 5 years of UK presence:
Include items such as:
Use the ID Document Check app to scan your passport or national ID and take a selfie. This verifies your identity and biometrics digitally.
Online questions include:
Your application stands or falls on strong evidence. Here’s what works best:
Although the six-month single absence rule still applies to Pre‑Settled holders, Settled Status applicants (under the new rule) can have absences as long as total 30-month residency is met.
You must maintain these records if the Home Office requests them during application review.
After submission:
Once settled, you:
For Pre‑Settled individuals:
After Settled Status:
Once citizenship is granted, you become a dual national (if your country allows) and gain the full rights of a British citizen.
Fees (2025): £1,735 for adults, £1,214 for children under 18. If a child turns 18 during the process, a £130 ceremony fee applies
At LawSentis, we offer end-to-end support:
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.
Expert guidance on visas, settlement, citizenship, and asylum — just a message away.