FAQ: What will be the impact of Brexit for me?

On this page you will find the most common questions for which the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs is the competent authority. This information will be updated as the situation evolves. For any other query (i.e. pensions, social security,…) please consult belgium.be.

What will be the impact of Brexit if I have been legally residing in the United Kingdom for more than 5 consecutive years?

What will be the impact of Brexit if I have been legally residing in the United Kingdom for more than 5 consecutive years?
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If you resided in the United Kingdom before or on 31 December 2020 the latest and you would like to continue to reside there after that date, you must consolidate your permanent residency right by applying for a “settled status” in due time via the EU Settlement Scheme. You had to register before 30 June 2021. Apply for your residence permit as soon as possible if circumstances prevented you from applying before this deadline. A non-exhaustive list of possible reasons can be found on the UK government website.

You can obtain a “settled status” as soon as you meet the applicable conditions, without the discretion of the British authoritities. Please note that more information about the procedure can be found on under ‘Practical suggestions for Belgians living in the United Kingdom’.

If your application is successful, your “settled status” will be registered digitally. This status will be maintained for life, for you and your family members. Your family members also have to file a separate application, unless they have British or Irish nationality. Please note: a “settled status” may be repealed in the case of continued absence from the United Kingdom for 5 years and 1 day.

Furthermore, you can enter and leave the United Kingdom provided you are in possession of a valid identity card or passport. If you have a “settled status” in the context of the EU Settlement Scheme, you will be able to enter and leave the UK with a valid identity card until at least 31 December 2025. With an "EEA family permit", your family members, originating from a non-EEA country, have easier and quicker access to the United Kingdom.

As far as the European Health Insurance Card is concerned, you can apply for a new version online via the NHS. This will enable you to be covered for health care when you travel to an EU country. You can find an information brochure concerning your social security in English on this website.

 
Conclusion: if you resided in the United Kingdom before or on 31/12/2020 the latest and can demonstrate that you have accumulated 5 years of continuous legal residence on the date of your application, you had to apply for the “settled status” before 30 June 2021 in order to continue to live in the United Kingdom after that date. Apply for your residence permit as soon as possible if circumstances prevented you from applying before this deadline. A non-exhaustive list of possible reasons can be found on the UK government website.