As a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you can enter the UK for an initial period of 3 months. After this, you must be exercising your Treaty rights to remain resident in the UK. You are said to be exercising Treaty rights if you are:
- Employed or self-employed; or
- Studying; or
- Economically self- sufficient (meaning that you have sufficient funds to support you without requiring public funds); or
- Jobseeker; or
- Retired; or
- Someone who has had to cease working in the UK owing to permanent incapacity.
To confirm your right to reside in the UK, we suggest that you apply for a Registration Certificate. It is particularly beneficial if you want to support an application for a Residence Card by any of your family members who are not EEA nationals.
All EEA nationals and Swiss nationals can apply for a Registration Certificate at any time. After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence.