The UK left the European Union (EU) on 31 January this year. The British entities signed an agreement to leave the EU with the European Commission, which entered into force on 1 February 2020, and which provided for a transition period until 31 December last.
Under the terms of this agreement, all citizens of the Member States of the European Union, who have established their residence in the United Kingdom by December 31, 2020, will have to apply for resident status by June 30, with the competent authorities companies in accordance with the UK Resident Status – US Settlement Scheme.
Also following this agreement, since 1 January, the United Kingdom's point immigration system came into force, establishing new rules for citizens who do not yet live in this country and who wish to obtain a visa in advance, to work or study, for example.
Citizens of the EU and those of non-EU countries will be treated equally, giving more priority to the skills and talents of individuals than to their origin.
Citizens who only intend to visit the United Kingdom, whether for tourism, visiting family and friends, study visits, short-term business, among other situations, can do so without applying for a visa.
However, from 1 October 2021, Portuguese citizens will be required to present a passport.
An EU citizen will be able to apply for resident status through the EU Citizens Registration System. You should do this for yourself and your family so that they can continue to live, work or study in the UK after leaving the EU.
Under this statute, UK authorities will take into account citizens' current rights, including access to healthcare, benefits and pensions.
Check if you are ready for the changes: Ready?
As with other services available online, you will be able to carry out all the obligations mentioned here in the comfort of your own home. Available to all citizens, the submission of the request is carried out through an application created for this purpose: Apply-EU Settlement Scheme
Subjects eligible for this status will have to prove their identity by means of a passport or citizen's card, proof of residence in the UK, digital photo of their face and criminal record.
You can confirm the requirements and get more information on how to submit documents at Document Check ID. The applicant must have an Android or IOS mobile device.
As is the case for EU nationals in Portugal, it is always advisable that, having resided in a country in which you do not hold nationality, you register with the Consulate.
This can be requested through the means available at Consulate of Portugal.
You should also keep proof of residence in the UK, as well as proof of payment of taxes (P60), council fees (council tax), invoices for consumption or lease contracts, among other documents.
It is therefore important that you keep all identification documentation up to date and that you check with the Social Security Services (DWP) and the Tax Authority (HMRC) whether your personal data is up to date.
All citizens can access the platform and request, free of charge, the desired service. However, we would like to point out again that, if there are any doubts and difficulties in obtaining these services, you can always turn to a Solicitor, a professional who will help you to formalize and implement them.
Author: Tânia Fernandes is a solicitor
Note: Article published under the partnership between the Sul Informação and the Order of Solicitors and Enforcement Agents
Help us to do the Sul Informação!
Contribute your donation so that we can continue to make your journal!
Click here to support us (Paypal)
Or use our IBAN PT50 0018 0003 38929600020 44
Comments