Important Updates
Important Updates
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
May 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
May 21, 2025 | United KingdomLBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset
May 21, 2025 | United StatesNegocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
May 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
May 21, 2025 | United KingdomLBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset
May 21, 2025 | United StatesNegocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Should I apply for an EEA Registration Certificate?

March 24, 2017

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related contacts

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Charlotte Wills

With the UK primed to pull the trigger on the Article 50 exit process within a week, we’re seeing an increasing number of queries from EEA nationals wishing to obtain documentary evidence of their right to reside in the UK. Applying for a Registration Certificate is not currently mandatory, however, this may change as exit negotiations progress and the Government looks to distinguish between those EEA nationals residing in the UK and those visiting.

Why are so Many EEA nationals Looking to Document their UK Immigration Status?

The key issue is uncertainty. We simply don’t know whether free movement will continue after the separation. In the event we do see the end of free movement rights post-Brexit (and the Government’s White Paper published in February indicated that is likely), there would need to be a mechanism to distinguish pre-Brexit EEA nationals, perhaps a registration scheme to allow them to evidence their immigration status at the border and to potential employers.

EEA nationals residing in the UK at present are looking ahead and seeking ways to gain reassurance and protection from future legislative changes.

Who Qualifies for a Registration Certificate?

You will qualify if you are an EEA or Swiss national living in the UK and economically active (i.e., exercising your Treaty Rights via either working, studying, self-employment, self-sufficiency or job seeking).

A registration certificate will be valid for up to 5 years, however, an EEA national currently has the right of residence in the UK for as long as they exercise their Treaty rights here. If you haven’t yet spent the continuous 5 year period in the UK to be eligible for permanent residence, a registration certificate is an alternative.

What Does the Application Process Involve?

EEA nationals should submit an application on Form EEA(QP), along with evidence of your status as an EEA national and that you are currently resident in the UK, exercising Treaty Rights in one of the above ways. The application form can be submitted by post or online, accompanied by the £65 application fee.

There are several submission methods available. The recently introduced European passport return service allows you and your family members applying with you to take your passports to a participating local authority for verification and copying, and for the local authority to then send the copy to the Home Office. This allows you to keep your passports while your applications are being processed.

Applications submitted on this basis or via post directly to the Home Office can take up to 6 months to process, although recently we are seeing them returned within around 3-4 months.

Submission is possible at a Premium Service Centre and would then be processed on a 24 hour basis if applying without family, however, appointments under this system are notoriously hard to obtain.

Sticky Topics

The required documents are relatively straightforward, although be warned that if submitting by post and not using the European passport return service, your original passport or EEA ID card must be submitted with the application. Additionally, any supporting documents included with the application, such as your employment contract, bank statements, pay slips or utility bills to evidence your UK residence must be original versions and not copies.

If you are applying as a self-sufficient person or student, comprehensive private medical insurance is a requirement and the policy document should be included with your application. Holding a European Health Insurance Card if issued by the UK may not be enough, watch out for a Fragomen blog on that topic shortly.

Close family members can apply with you if they are resident in the UK and using the postal route. The relevant form is EEA (FM) or EEA (EFM) depending on the nature of the family relationship. If applying online, family members can be included on the EEA(QP) form.

Finally, check with your relevant local authority for any local requirements prior to making your application if using the European passport return service. Certain authorities now offer walk-in appointments to alleviate the large volume of applications now being processed in the wake of the referendum result and impending invoking of Article 50. For others, you may need to book an appointment in advance and others have an associated admin fee. Conveniently, you can select which participating office you attend and are not limited to using your own local authority.

Should I Submit an Application?

With so much uncertainty around Brexit, it is just not possible to know if holding a registration certificate to evidence your residency will become mandatory or not going forwards. That said, we understand that for some just having the certificate provides a level of comfort that in itself would justify making an application now.

Fragomen are able to advise on all aspects of your application, provide an assessment of eligibility or review any documents you may have already put together yourself.

Should you require any assistance with your application for a Registration Certificate, please contact your Fragomen representative for a consultation.

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related contacts

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Charlotte-Wills

Charlotte Wills

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9130

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.