EU Settled Status
What is EU Settled Status and how does it affect right to work? Understand employment rights for EU citizens with settled status in the UK.
Last updated: 30 January 2025
EU Settled Status grants full right to work in the UK without restrictions.
What Is Settled Status?
Definition
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full status | Under EU Settlement Scheme |
| Indefinite | No expiry date |
| Full rights | Work, study, benefits |
| Like ILR | Similar to Indefinite Leave |
Who Has It
| Person | Settled Status |
|---|---|
| EU citizens | 5+ years UK residence |
| EEA nationals | Before Brexit deadline |
| Swiss citizens | Same rules apply |
| Family members | Of above |
Work Rights
What They Can Do
| Right | Detail |
|---|---|
| Any job | No restrictions |
| Self-employment | Allowed |
| No sponsor needed | Free to work |
| Change jobs | Freely |
Same As British Citizens
| Treatment | Applies |
|---|---|
| No visa required | For work |
| No time limits | On employment |
| No salary thresholds | Unlike visas |
| Full employment rights | From day one |
Checking Settled Status
Online Check Required
| Method | Status |
|---|---|
| Online service | Required |
| Share code | Employee provides |
| Physical documents | Not sufficient alone |
| BRP cards | Being phased out |
The Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Employee logs into UKVI account |
| 2 | Generates share code |
| 3 | Employer enters code online |
| 4 | Status confirmed |
| 5 | Save confirmation |
Share Code Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Valid for | 90 days |
| Single use | Can generate new ones |
| Free to generate | No cost |
| Proves status | Legally valid |
For Employers
Conducting the Check
| Requirement | Action |
|---|---|
| Before employment | Must check |
| Online service | Use gov.uk |
| Record result | Keep confirmation |
| Don't discriminate | All nationalities |
What You'll See
| Confirmation Shows | Detail |
|---|---|
| Photo | Of the person |
| Status type | Settled status |
| Work rights | "Can work in UK" |
| No expiry | Indefinite |
Record Keeping
| Keep | How Long |
|---|---|
| Confirmation page | Duration of employment |
| Plus 2 years | After leaving |
| Date checked | Record it |
| Securely stored | Data protection |
No Physical Documents
Digital Status
| Position | Detail |
|---|---|
| No card issued | For settled status |
| No stamp | In passport |
| Digital only | Online verification |
| Share code | Proves status |
If Employee Has BRP
| BRP Card | Position |
|---|---|
| May have one | From previous status |
| Still use online | For right to work |
| Being phased out | By 2025 |
Losing Settled Status
Absence From UK
| Absence | Effect |
|---|---|
| Under 2 years | Generally fine |
| 2-5 years | May affect status |
| Over 5 years | Status lost |
| Consecutive | Must be continuous |
Exceptions
| Reason | Extended Period |
|---|---|
| Crown service | Doesn't count |
| Compelling reasons | May be excused |
| Covid-related | Special provisions |
Family Members
Who Qualifies
| Relationship | Eligible |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Yes |
| Civil partner | Yes |
| Children | Yes |
| Dependants | Yes |
Their Rights
| Right | Same As |
|---|---|
| Work | Full rights |
| Study | No restrictions |
| Benefits | May access |
Switching From Pre-Settled
When Possible
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| 5 years residence | In UK |
| Continuous | With exceptions |
| Apply before | Pre-settled expires |
The Upgrade
| Process | Detail |
|---|---|
| Apply online | Free |
| No fee | For EUSS |
| Decision | Usually quick |
Common Issues
Employee Can't Generate Code
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lost login | Recover via UKVI |
| Technical issues | Contact Home Office |
| Status pending | Wait for decision |
Status Shows Different
| If Shows | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pre-settled | Different status |
| Leave to enter | Different application |
| Refused | Not granted |
Discrimination Risks
Avoid These Mistakes
| Don't | Why |
|---|---|
| Assume EU citizens can't work | Discriminatory |
| Only hire British | Illegal |
| Require more proof | Than others |
| Treat differently | Same process for all |
Consistent Approach
| Do | For Everyone |
|---|---|
| Same checks | All employees |
| Same documents | Where relevant |
| Same process | Regardless of nationality |
Irish Citizens
Special Position
| Irish Citizens | Rights |
|---|---|
| Don't need EUSS | Common Travel Area |
| Full work rights | Automatically |
| Check differently | Passport or certificate |
Summary
Key Points
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full work rights | No restrictions |
| Online check | Required |
| Share code | From employee |
| Indefinite | No expiry |
| Record keeping | Essential |
Related answers
EU Pre-Settled Status
What is EU Pre-Settled Status? Understand work rights, expiry dates, and upgrading to settled status for EU citizens in the UK.
Right to Work Checks: UK Employer Guide
UK employers must verify every employee's right to work before they start. Learn the 3 methods, required documents, and penalties for non-compliance.
Online Right to Work Check
How do you conduct an online right to work check? Step-by-step guide to using the Home Office checking service with share codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can EU citizens with settled status work in the UK?
- Yes. EU citizens with settled status have the same right to work as British citizens. They can work in any job without restrictions and don't need a visa or sponsor.
- How do employers check settled status?
- Use the Home Office online checking service. The employee generates a share code from their UKVI account, which the employer uses to verify their status online. Physical documents alone are not sufficient.
- Does settled status expire?
- No. Settled status is indefinite and doesn't expire. However, it can be lost if the person spends more than 5 consecutive years outside the UK.