Brexit and EU Settlement Scheme information for residents and businesses
The United Kingdom has left the European Union (EU), commonly known as Brexit, following the result of a referendum held in 2016.
EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme enables EU nationals to register to stay and work in the UK. The EU Settlement Scheme deadline was 30 June 2021. However, eligible citizens who missed the 30 June 2021 application deadline can still make a late application (where they have reasonable grounds to do so). The EU Settlement Scheme application process is online.
Information and support, included translated materials, is available from:
The Citizens Rights Project have produced factsheets explaining, in simple terms, a number of essential rights for EU migrants and how they can be accessed. So far, four of these factsheets have been translated into eight languages and contain resources for further support and guidance.
- Universal Credit
- Housing
- Pensions
- Social Security Rights
- Access to Benefits
- Maternity Rights
- Working rignts
With the exception of the factsheets on Maternity Rights, Pensions and the Right to Work, the factsheets have been translated into Bulgarian, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian and Spanish.
Help and support
Anyone needing help with the EU Settlement Scheme may be able to access support locally through Citizens Advice Bureau by emailing EUCitizens@peeblescab.casonline.org.uk or phoning 07500 973652.
Digital support for those that do not have the appropriate access, skills or confidence to complete the online form can only by accessed through a national referral process.
To access this support:
- phone: 03333 445675
- text the word “VISA” to 07537 416944
This service is available Monday to Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.
Key points about the EU Settlement Scheme
- people who have made a valid application to the EU Settlement Scheme have their rights in the UK protected until they receive an outcome to their application and any appeal
- applicants who have made a valid application will be issued with a certificate of application, which can be relied on to evidence their rights in the UK. Certificates of application are available to applicants by using the view and prove service. Those who submitted a paper application will have a certificate of application sent to them by post
- an application must be made for every eliglible child within a family. Parents must check if they need to apply on behalf of their children, including children born or adopted since 1 January 2021, even if the parents have already applied and been granted status themselves
- eligible close family members living overseas as of 31 December 2020 can apply to join an EU, EEA or Swiss family member who started living in the UK by this date, where the family relationship continues to exist. Joining family members should apply to the scheme from outside the UK (where they are eligibe to do so) or apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come to the UK to make their application to the EU Settlement Scheme. There is no deadline for them coming to join a family member with status under the scheme
- status holders should update their UK Visas and Immigration account with all valid travel documents they hold and intend to use for travel (such as passports or national identity cards). This will help avoid unnecessary delays at the UK border
- pre-settled status is valid for five years from the date it was granted. Individuals must apply to EU Settlement Scheme again before their pre-settled status expires to stay in the UK
Information for businesses
More information for businesses can be found at EU citizens staying in Scotland
General information
The UK Government has prepared a wide range of information online regarding Brexit for the public and businesses, including on visiting the EU after Brexit.
More information
More information on the 2016 EU Referendum and the result in the Scottish Borders is available in our Election Results section.