https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article17660293.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/0_JS178392115.jpg
EU citizens who want to stay in the UK after Brexit will need to apply for settled or pre-settled status
(Image: Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

What you need to know if you’re an EU citizen living in the UK after Brexit

EU citizens who want to stay in the UK after Brexit will need to apply online for the EU Settlement Scheme

by

Britain is set to leave the European Union on Friday - but how will Brexit affect EU citizens living in the UK?

The UK government has come to an agreement which means that EU citizens currently living in Britain will be able to stay after its EU departure on January 31.

However, most citizens from the European Union will need to apply to be able to carry on living here.

If you're an Irish citizen, you will automatically be granted the right to stay in Britain, but those from other EU countries should apply for settled status.

One you have been granted settled status you will have proof of your right to stay in the UK for more than 3 months, work, study, use the NHS, claim a pension and rent a home.

EU citizens that have lived in the UK for less than five years will need to apply for pre-settled status, but will then be able to apply for settled status once they have been in the UK for five years.

You can apply for pre-settled status as long as you move to the UK before 31 December 2020.

Those who have been in the UK for five years or more can either apply for settled status straight away, or can apply for British citizenship.

Settled status will allow EU citizens to live and work in the UK for as long as they like, live outside the UK for up to five years without losing their settled status, and bring their family to live in the UK too.

It's free to apply to the  EU Settlement Scheme and the deadline for applications is June 30 2021.

When you apply you'll need proof of your identity, for example your passport, and proof of your address in the UK.

If your application is successful, a letter will be emailed to you confirming your settled or pre-settled status.

You can apply online here.

Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here