A registration certificate is a document confirming an EEA national’s right of residence under European Community law. It is not a requirement as the right to live and work in the UK is automatic. They are issued to nationals of the old EEA member states as well as Swiss nationals. Nationals of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia or Slovenia, cannot apply for a registration certificate until the completion of 12 months of continuous employment in the United Kingdom.
Member States of the EEA:
The following countries are members of the European Union:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland , Irish Republic, Italy , Latvia, Liechtenstein , Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland*
*Although Switzerland is not a Member State of the EEA the Agreement between the European Community, it’s Member States and the Swiss Confederation on the free movement of persons gives similar rights of residence to Swiss nationals and their family members.
**Nationals of Accession State countries may have to register on the Worker Registration Scheme (Nationals of Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia)
Applying
Applicants who wish to apply for a registration certificate must complete application form EEA1 which can be found on the UK Border Agency website.
Documents required are:
- a valid identity card/passport; and
- evidence of being a qualified EEA National
Applicants must supply original documents and can apply for registration certificates in person at the public enquiry office in Croydon.
Qualified EEA nationals
EEA nationals have a right to reside in the UK if they are exercising a Treaty right in one of the following categories:
• Worker
• Self-employed
• Student
• Self -sufficient
• Retired
• Incapacitated
Why apply?
Registration certificates are not required but may prove useful if an applicant is married to a non-EEA national who may want to join the applicant in the UK. They may also be helpful if the applicant wishes to work, study or access benefits in the UK.
For further information or for a case specific evaluation, please contact us on 0207 569 3035 or alternatively at info@ergensharif.co.uk.