If you want to bring your family to the UK, choosing the correct immigration route is essential. The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) may offer a route for eligible family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, but it does not apply to every family situation.
Your best option will depend on your immigration status, when your family relationship began and whether you meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
EU Settlement Scheme: Can your family join you?
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living in the UK, your eligible family members may be able to join you under the EUSS, provided you meet the relevant requirements.
You will generally need to show that:
You started living in the UK by 31 December 2020
You have settled or pre-settled status
Your family relationship meets the applicable rules
Eligible family members may include:
Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
Your child/grandchild under 21, or a dependent child/grandchild aged 21 or over
Your dependent parent or grandparent
In most cases, your relationship must have existed by 31.12.2020. However, there are exceptions, including children born or adopted later.
How can your family apply?
Depending on your circumstances, your family member may be able to apply directly to the EUSS or apply for an EUSS family permit from outside the UK.
A family permit allows an eligible person to travel to the UK for up to six months. They may apply to the EUSS to remain longer if eligible.
What if you do not qualify under the EUSS?
If your family member cannot use the EUSS, other immigration routes may be available depending on your circumstances.
Family visa for a partner or spouse: If you are British, Irish, settled in the UK or hold another qualifying status, your partner may be eligible to apply under the family visa route. Financial, relationship and English-language requirements may apply.
Child family visa: If you want to bring your child to the UK, the correct route will depend on your immigration status, the child's age and your family circumstances.
Parent or adult dependent relative visa: If you want to bring a parent or another eligible adult relative, you will need to consider the specific requirements. The adult dependent relative route has strict care and support conditions.
Dependant visa under a work or Student route: If you are in the UK on a qualifying work or Student visa, your partner and children may be able to apply as dependants. However, restrictions apply to some work and study category.
Other immigration routes: Depending on your circumstances, a private life or human rights application may be relevant, particularly where there are compelling family circumstances.
Check the EU Settlement Scheme first if your circumstances involve an eligible EU, EEA or Swiss family member connected to the UK before the end of 2020. If you do not qualify, explore the relevant family visa or dependant route instead.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice.
Other information and useful resources:
Family visas: apply, extend or switch: Apply as a partner or spouse - GOV.UK
Student visa : Your partner and children - GOV.UK
If you need advice or want to check your eligibility, our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
This is in line with the information available as of 29/10/2026.