EEA Residence Permit Guideline
Under European Community law, right of residence gives EEA nationals the right to legally work and live in the UK.
Right of residence will be given to an EEA national and their dependent who applies for an EEA Residence Permit Visa for the UK
The EEA residence permit allows the holder to work freely in the UK. Work can be undertaken without the requirement of a Work Permit; however the applicant may need to register under the Workers Registration Scheme in some circumstances.
Duration of an EEA Residence Permit Visa
An EEA Residence Permit lasts for up to five years. With an EEA Residence Permit it is possible, after time, to apply for ILR to become a resident in Britain.
Benefits of an EEA Residence Permit Visa
With an EEA Residence Permit the individual will be able to undertake various types of employment without requiring a UK Work Permit.
Unlike a Work Permit application an EEA Residence Permit is made by the individual rather than a sponsor. Therefore the applicant does not need to have an offer of employment as a requirement. The application is not based on a points system as with the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
One requirement is than the applicant should be a national of an EEA member country and must be able to support themselves for the whole duration along with any dependents.
EEA Residence Permit Visa Eligibility
The following countries are members of the European Economic Area (EEA):
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Republic of Ireland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
In addition, new members since 1 May 2004 are:
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic *
- Estonia *
- Hungary *
- Latvia *
- Lithuania *
- Malta
- Poland *
- Slovakia *
- Slovenia *
* If you are a national of one of these countries you may need to register under the Worker Registration Scheme. Please see the relevant section of the site for further details.
In order to qualify for EEA Residence Permit Visa, you will need to be a national of one of the above countries as well as being able to demonstrate that you are in a position to support yourself and any dependents that you will be bringing to the UK. You may be able to live in the UK as a student or as a retired person, as long as you are able to fulfil the criteria.
If you are planning on immigrating to the UK for the purpose of setting up your own business you will be required to submit a detailed business plan which includes the nature of your business, your earnings and any relevant experience you already have.
Applicants must be able to prove that they have sufficient funds to support their self and any dependents they may be bringing with them to the UK. An EEA Residence permit Visa is unlikely to be granted if the person intends to stay in the UK for less than three months.
Employment
A person with an EEA Residence Permit does not have to work whilst living in the UK, however they will have to be able to support themselves and any dependents without any recourse to public funds.
Dependants
With an EEA Residence Permit the applicant may bring their dependents with them to the UK. They must, however be able to financially support them for their entire stay.
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