EEA Family Permit (Unmarried)

People who are able to demonstrate they have been living in a relationship akin to marriage with an EU citizen for the most recent two years may be eligible to apply for an EEA Family Permit on this basis. Dependent children can also be included on any such applications. If you are not yet in the UK, you should apply for entry clearance through the British authorities in your home country before travelling to the UK.

EEA Family Permit Requirements (for non-EU citizens in the UK)

The EU citizen must be exercising their Treaty rights in the UK (employment, self-employment, study, self-sufficient, etc)
The couple must be able to show documentary evidence of cohabitation in the most recent two years

If the EU partner does not hold a current Residence Permit a joint application would be made to the Home Office for a Residency Permit (for the EU spouse/partner) and an EEA Family Permit (for the non-EU partner).

Conditions of the Permit

An EEA Family Permit would allow unrestricted employment in the UK for the duration. It is necessary to spend 4 years and 11 months in the UK on this type of Permit before being eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain provided the relationship is ongoing.

EEA Family Permit Requirements (for non-EU citizens outside the UK)

The EU citizen intends to exercise their Treaty rights in the UK (employment, self-employment, study, self-sufficient, etc)
The couple must be able to show documentary evidence of cohabitation in the most recent two years
The couple must be travelling to the UK together or the EU citizen should already be in the UK

Conditions of the Permit

An EEA Family Permit would in this instance usually be issued for 6 months and allows unrestricted employment in the UK for the duration. In the course of those 6 months it is expected the EU citizen applies for a Residency Permit (if not already held) and their partner applies at the same time for an EEA Family Permit.

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