EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)
For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by the end of 2020.
The EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) is a UK settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (Free (no application fee)) and processing time (~1-4 weeks (longer for complex cases)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) is for
For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by the end of 2020.
Settled status is permanent residence; leads to British citizenship after 12 months.
EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) - eligibility criteria
- EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, or eligible family member
- Resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 (with exceptions)
- 5 years' continuous residence for settled status
- Less than 5 years gives pre-settled status
- No serious criminality or deportation grounds
EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) (United Kingdom) is Free (no application fee), with an indicative processing time of ~1-4 weeks (longer for complex cases). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Settlement |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online from inside or outside the UK |
| Length of stay | Pre-settled (5 years) or settled status (indefinite) |
| Work rights | Work freely with no restrictions |
| Study rights | Study freely |
| Government fee | Free (no application fee) |
| Processing time | ~1-4 weeks (longer for complex cases) |
| Route to PR | Settled status is permanent residence; leads to British citizenship after 12 months. |
Pathway & next steps
Settled status is permanent residence; leads to British citizenship after 12 months.
Many applicants also compare ILR · Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement), Citizenship · Naturalisation as a British citizen. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) pitfalls we fix
EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) - frequently asked questions
How much does the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) cost?
The EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) government fee is Free (no application fee). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-4 weeks (longer for complex cases). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) lead to permanent residence?
Settled status is permanent residence; leads to British citizenship after 12 months.
Can I work on the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)?
Work rights: Work freely with no restrictions.
Who can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)?
For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by the end of 2020.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority