EU Settlement Scheme
All Army Personnel are reminded that any dependents who are EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizens must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) if they wish to continue living in the UK. Please refer to the Government guidance if you are unsure whether a family member needs to apply.
EU, EEA, Swiss citizens currently on a posting within the EU with a British Citizen SP
If the family member has resided in the UK prior to 31 December 2020, then they should be eligible to make an application to the EUSS from outside of the UK. Their time overseas will count as residency in the UK for the purposes of the application. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2021. Please note that to apply from outside of the UK, family members will require a biometric passport.
If the family member has never previously resided in the UK, then they will not be able to apply directly to the EUSS from outside of the UK. They will, instead, be required to apply for a EUSS Family Permit to enter the UK, and then submit an EUSS application (which in this case cannot be made online. Family members will need to contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre and request a paper application form). They must return to the UK with the SP by 29 March 2022 in order to qualify under the EUSS.
EU, EEA, Swiss citizens currently on a posting outside the EU with a British Citizen SP
If the family member has resided in the UK prior to 31 December 2020, then they should be eligible to make an application to the EUSS from outside of the UK. Their time overseas will count as residency in the UK for the purposes of the application. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2021. Please note that to apply from outside of the UK, family members will require a biometric passport.
If the family member has never previously resided in the UK, they will be required to make an application to enter the UK under UK Immigration Rules Appendix Armed Forces.
Supporting Documentation
All applicants to the EUSS must provide evidence of being resident in the UK prior to 31 December 2020. Please refer to Government guidance for details of required supporting documentation.
In order to ensure time spent overseas on a posting is considered for UK residency purposes, family members will need to provide a letter from their SP’s unit on official stationery, signed by the Commanding Officer, confirming:
* The start date of the SP’s overseas posting.
* The end date of the SP’s overseas posting (if applicable).
* The period during which the family member accompanied the SP overseas.
