Q&As

Can a direct family member (non-EEA) of an EEA national work in the UK without an EEA residence card?

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Published by a LexisNexis Immigration expert
Published on: 11 March 2019
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Direct family members of EEA nationals have an initial right of residence for three months in line with the EEA national, as long as they do not become an unreasonable burden on the UK's social assistance system. Also, no decision must have been taken effecting expulsion, revocation or refusal of residence documentation, or cancellation of a right of residence. Beyond that, they will have a right of residence for as long as:

  1. •

    they remain a family member of that EEA national

  2. •

    the EEA national continues to live in the UK and satisfy one of the conditions in Article 7(1)(a)–(c) of the Directive 2004/38/EC—ie they remain a 'qualified person' or have Permanent residence, and

  3. •

    no decision has been taken effecting expulsion, revocation or refusal of residence documentation, or cancellation of a right of residence

Family members of EEA nationals are also free to take up employment in the UK subject to meeting the Requirements set out above. See Practice Notes: EEA nationals—rights

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Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Key definition:
Permanent residence definition
What does Permanent residence mean?

Right to reside permanently (without limitation of time) in the United Kingdom in accordance with Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006, SI 2006/1003.

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