EU Family Permit

An EU Family Permit (often referred to as the EEA Family Permit or EU Family Member Residence Card) allows non-EU family members of EU citizens to live with their EU family member in a particular EU country. This permit is particularly relevant in the context of the European Union’s freedom of movement provisions, which allow EU citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the EU.

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    Purpose

    To enable non-EU family members to join or accompany their EU citizen family member in an EU country other than their own.

    Eligibility

    • The applicant must be a non-EU family member of an EU citizen.
    • The EU citizen must be exercising their Treaty rights (working, studying, being self-sufficient) in the host EU country.
    • Eligible family members typically include:
      • Spouse or civil partner.
      • Children or grandchildren (under 21 or dependents).
      • Parents or grandparents (dependents).

    If you need any guidance or support in your EU Family Permit application, contact us today.

    Requirements

    • Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, birth certificate, or other documents proving the family relationship with the EU citizen.
    • Evidence that the EU citizen is living in the host country and exercising their Treaty rights (e.g., employment contract, enrollment in an educational institution, proof of self-sufficiency).
    • Depending on the host country, proof that the EU citizen can financially support the non-EU family member might be required.
    • Evidence that the couple/family has suitable accommodation in the host country.

    Application Process

    • Applications are typically filed at the consulate or embassy of the host EU country in the non-EU family member’s home country, or directly in the host country if the non-EU family member is already there.
    • The applicant must submit various documents including proof of identity, relationship, and the EU citizen’s status.
    • The applicant might need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) and possibly attend an interview.
    • Processing times vary, but permits are typically issued within a few weeks to a few months.

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