You do not need to apply for a residence card to prove you can live in the UK unless you are both:
- from outside the European Economic Area (external link) (EEA) or Switzerland
- an extended family member of someone from the EEA or Switzerland
If you already have a residence card it will not be valid after 31 December 2020.
There will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens currently living in the UK until 30 June 2021. You and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (external link) to continue living in the UK.
Who should currently apply
You do not need to apply for a residence card as a family member (external link) of an EEA or Swiss national, but it can:
- help you re-enter the country more quickly and easily if you travel abroad
- show employers you are allowed to work in the UK
- help prove you qualify for certain benefits and services
You must apply for a residence card if you are an extended family member (external link)
You must apply for a derivative right of residence card (external link) if you are the carer of an EEA citizen or UK national, the carer’s child, or the child of a former worker from the EEA and you are currently in education.
How long it lasts for
A residence card usually lasts up to five years.
However, your residence card will not be valid after 31 December 2020. You and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK.
Fees
It costs £65 for each person included in an application.
You must also pay to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. You will be told how to do this after you have applied.