Permanent Residence Card UK

The UK Permanent Residence Card was an immigration document that confirmed the right of European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and their family members to live permanently in the United Kingdom under EU free movement law. Before Brexit, it provided evidence that the holder had acquired permanent residence rights after five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK.

With the end of free movement on 31 December 2020, the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 were revoked. A statutory grace period then ran until 30 June 2021 under the Citizens’ Rights (Application Deadline and Temporary Protection) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. From 1 July 2021, Permanent Residence Cards ceased to have legal effect and were fully replaced by the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) under Appendix EU of the Immigration Rules.

Today, status is digital. EEA nationals and their family members must hold settled or pre-settled status and prove it online via the Home Office “View and Prove” service. The government’s wider digitalisation programme is also extending eVisas across other routes by the end of 2025, replacing physical documents such as BRPs.

What this article is about: This guide explains what the Permanent Residence Card was, who could obtain it, and why it was replaced after Brexit. It sets out what to do if you still hold a PR Card, the differences between Permanent Residence and settled status, how to maintain lawful residence now under the EUSS, and key implications for right to work, right to rent, travel, and pathways to British citizenship.

Section A – What Was the Permanent Residence Card?

Before Brexit, the Permanent Residence (PR) Card was the official document confirming an individual’s right to live permanently in the UK under EU law. It was issued to qualifying EEA nationals and their non-EEA family members after they had lawfully lived and exercised EU Treaty rights in the UK for a continuous period of five years. Holding a PR Card was not mandatory but provided practical proof of status when applying for benefits, work, or British citizenship.

The PR Card framework sat within the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016, which implemented EU free movement directives. From the end of free movement on 31 December 2020 those Regulations were revoked, with a statutory grace period to 30 June 2021. From 1 July 2021, PR Cards ceased to have legal effect and were replaced by the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) under Appendix EU of the Immigration Rules.

1. Definition and Legal Basis

The Permanent Residence Card was the Home Office’s formal recognition that an EEA national or their family member had acquired the right of permanent residence under Article 16 of Directive 2004/38/EC. It confirmed continuous residence for at least five years while exercising EU Treaty rights—through work, self-employment, study, or self-sufficiency. For family members of EEA nationals, the PR Card also recognised derivative rights of residence based on their relationship with the EU citizen.

2. Eligible Individuals

Permanent residence status was available to:

• EEA nationals who had lawfully resided in the UK for at least five continuous years; and
• Non-EEA family members (such as spouses, civil partners, and dependants) who had resided with the EEA national for the same qualifying period.

Periods of absence of up to six months per year generally did not break continuous residence, provided the individual maintained a genuine link to the UK.

3. Legal Rights Granted

A person recognised as having permanent residence under the EEA Regulations could:

• Live in the UK without immigration control
• Work, study, or be self-employed without restriction
• Access public funds on the same basis as British citizens
• Use their permanent residence evidence when applying for British citizenship after a further year of residence (subject to naturalisation requirements)

Although the underlying EU right arose automatically after five years of qualifying activity, the PR Card served as convenient documentary evidence.

4. Expiry and Legal Invalidation

The PR Card ceased to have effect on 30 June 2021 at the end of the grace period provided by the Citizens’ Rights (Application Deadline and Temporary Protection) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. From 1 July 2021, the EEA Regulations regime gave way fully to the EU Settlement Scheme. Former PR Card holders were required to transition to settled or pre-settled status under Appendix EU. The PR Card is no longer acceptable for proving immigration status, right to work, or right to rent; verification must be via the Home Office’s digital systems (Employer Checking Service and “View and Prove”).

Section Summary: The Permanent Residence Card evidenced EU-based permanent residence rights for EEA nationals and their family members. It recognised five years’ continuous lawful residence but became invalid on 30 June 2021 and was replaced by the EU Settlement Scheme under UK domestic law.

Section B – Replacement by the EU Settlement Scheme

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was introduced to preserve the residence rights of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and their family members following Brexit. It became the single lawful route for these individuals to continue living, working, and studying in the UK after the end of free movement. The EUSS replaced the Permanent Residence Card entirely from 1 July 2021.

1. Introduction of the Scheme

The EUSS is set out in Appendix EU of the Immigration Rules. It allows eligible individuals to secure digital immigration status confirming their right to live and work in the UK. Those who had previously acquired permanent residence under the EEA Regulations were required to make a fresh application under the scheme, even if they already held a PR Card. The process is free, completed online, and supported by the Home Office’s identity verification app.

The PR Card could be used as supporting evidence of residence, but it did not automatically transfer into EUSS status. Failure to apply meant losing lawful immigration status after the 30 June 2021 deadline.

2. Conversion to Settled or Pre-Settled Status

The EUSS provides two forms of immigration status:

• Settled Status – for those with at least five years’ continuous residence in the UK by 31 December 2020, granting indefinite permission to remain.
• Pre-Settled Status – for those who had not yet completed five years but were resident before the Brexit transition deadline.

From September 2023, pre-settled status is automatically extended by two years if the holder has not yet qualified for settled status. This reform ensures that no one loses lawful status due to expiry while still meeting residence conditions. All holders are encouraged to upgrade to full settled status once they reach five years’ continuous residence.

3. Transition Deadlines and Legal Implications

The main deadline for most EUSS applications was 30 June 2021. Individuals who missed this date lost automatic protection but may still apply late if they have reasonable grounds for delay under Home Office policy. Examples include serious illness, dependency on another’s application, or lack of awareness of the need to apply.

Submitting a late application now grants temporary protection while it is being processed, allowing continued right to work and rent until a decision is made. Employers and landlords must verify this via the Home Office’s Employer Checking Service or the online “View and Prove” portal.

Attempting to rely on a PR Card instead of EUSS status can lead to loss of employment, refusal of housing, or travel disruption, since border and compliance systems no longer recognise the document as valid proof of status.

Section Summary: The EU Settlement Scheme replaced the Permanent Residence Card following Brexit. It introduced digital settled and pre-settled status under Appendix EU, ensuring lawful residence for EU citizens and their families. All former PR Card holders must now hold EUSS status to live and work legally in the UK.

Section C – What If You Still Hold a Permanent Residence Card?

Many people continue to hold their old Permanent Residence Cards, unaware that they are no longer valid for any legal or administrative purpose. Keeping the card itself is not unlawful, but relying on it for work, housing, or travel can create serious problems, as it ceased to hold legal effect after 30 June 2021.

1. Legal Status of Existing Cards

Since the revocation of the Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2016 and the expiry of the grace period, Permanent Residence Cards have no legal effect. They cannot be used to prove:

• Immigration status
• Right to work
• Right to rent
• Eligibility for public services or benefits

Employers and landlords must verify lawful residence digitally through the Home Office Employer Checking Service or the “View and Prove” system on GOV.UK. Any reliance on a PR Card will result in non-compliance under right to work or right to rent rules.

2. Risks of Continuing to Use the PR Card

Continuing to rely on an invalid PR Card may lead to:

• Employment refusal or dismissal where digital verification fails
• Housing or tenancy issues due to right to rent non-compliance
• Travel disruption, as border officials no longer recognise PR Cards for re-entry
• Loss of access to healthcare or services if digital immigration status cannot be verified

These risks are particularly significant for long-term residents who mistakenly assume their PR documentation still confirms lawful status.

3. Required Action

If you still hold a PR Card, you must act immediately to regularise your status. The correct steps are:

• Apply under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) if you have not yet done so. Late applications are accepted if supported by reasonable grounds.
• Check your digital status on the GOV.UK “View and Prove” service to ensure it is active and accurate.
• Provide your share code to employers or landlords to confirm your right to work or rent.
• Seek immigration advice if uncertain about your position or if a previous EUSS application was refused.

Submitting an EUSS application before starting work or travel ensures temporary protection under Home Office policy until a decision is made.

Section Summary: Permanent Residence Cards have no legal value. Continuing to use one can cause employment, housing, or travel problems. Anyone still holding a PR Card should secure settled or pre-settled status, confirm their digital record, and use a share code for all status checks.

Section D – Permanent Residence vs Settled Status

While both Permanent Residence (PR) and Settled Status provide long-term residence rights, they derive from different legal systems. The PR Card was issued under EU law, whereas Settled Status is a UK domestic immigration category governed by Appendix EU of the Immigration Rules. Understanding these distinctions is essential for anyone wishing to maintain lawful residence or apply for British citizenship.

1. Key Legal Differences

The most significant differences are the legal source and the form of status verification:

• Permanent Residence (PR): Derived from EU law and automatically acquired after five years of exercising Treaty rights. It was evidenced by a physical card issued under the EEA Regulations 2016.
• Settled Status: Granted under Appendix EU of the Immigration Rules, providing indefinite permission to remain in the UK. It exists as a digital status rather than a physical document.

Settled Status is valid indefinitely as long as the holder is not absent from the UK for more than five consecutive years. It also extends equal protection to non-EU family members, aligning immigration rights under UK law rather than EU legislation.

2. Pathway to Citizenship

Under EU law, PR Card holders could apply for British citizenship after one additional year of residence. Since Brexit, this route now applies only to those with Settled Status. Applicants must meet the standard naturalisation requirements, including:

• At least five years of lawful residence in the UK
• One year of settled status (unless married to a British citizen)
• Passing the Life in the UK Test and English language requirement
• Meeting absence limits (no more than 450 days in five years and 90 days in the final 12 months)
• Being of good character

Applicants should ensure their EUSS record confirms continuous residence, as Home Office caseworkers use this digital history to verify eligibility for naturalisation.

3. Documentation and Proof

Under the PR regime, individuals held a physical document issued by the Home Office. Under the EUSS, status is fully digital. Individuals can generate a share code to prove their immigration status to employers, landlords, or government authorities via the GOV.UK “View and Prove” service.

The Home Office is expanding this system as part of its digital immigration transformation, meaning that by December 2025 all immigration statuses—including those currently evidenced by Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)—will move to digital-only eVisas.

Section Summary: Permanent Residence and Settled Status grant similar rights but differ in law and documentation. PR ended with Brexit, while Settled Status remains the lawful equivalent for permanent residence. Only those with Settled Status can now apply for citizenship, provided they meet residence and character conditions.

FAQs

Is my Permanent Residence Card still valid after Brexit?

No. Permanent Residence Cards stopped being valid on 30 June 2021. They can no longer be used to prove lawful residence, right to work, or right to rent. You must hold settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to live and work legally in the UK.

Can I use a Permanent Residence Card to prove my right to work in 2025?

No. Employers must verify status digitally using the Home Office’s Employer Checking Service or the “View and Prove” system on GOV.UK. A PR Card cannot be accepted for employment or housing checks.

What should I do if I missed the EU Settlement Scheme deadline?

You can still apply under the EU Settlement Scheme if you have reasonable grounds for missing the 30 June 2021 deadline. The Home Office will consider late applications where supported by evidence, such as health problems, dependency on another’s application, or lack of awareness of the requirement. Submitting an application before starting work or travel preserves temporary protection while it is pending.

Can I apply for citizenship with a Permanent Residence Card?

No. The PR Card is no longer recognised for naturalisation. You must first hold settled status under Appendix EU and usually have held it for at least 12 months before applying for British citizenship, unless married to a British citizen. Residence limits and good character rules continue to apply.

How do I update my employer about my immigration status?

Generate a share code from the GOV.UK “View and Prove your immigration status” service and provide it to your employer or landlord. They can use the online portal to verify your lawful status. Paper PR Cards are no longer accepted for these purposes.

Section Summary: These FAQs clarify that the Permanent Residence Card has no legal validity after Brexit. All residence, employment, and citizenship rights must now be proven through digital settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Conclusion

The Permanent Residence Card was once the key document for EEA nationals and their family members to prove permanent residence in the UK under EU law. It recognised five years of lawful activity such as work, study, or self-employment. However, with the end of free movement and the introduction of the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), the PR Card has been rendered obsolete.

From 1 July 2021, PR Cards ceased to have legal effect under the Citizens’ Rights (Application Deadline and Temporary Protection) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. All EEA nationals and their family members are now required to hold settled or pre-settled status under Appendix EU of the Immigration Rules to remain lawfully in the UK.

Those who still possess a PR Card must not rely on it for employment, housing, or immigration verification. Employers and landlords can only check status digitally via the Home Office Employer Checking Service or the “View and Prove” system. Attempting to use a PR Card may lead to compliance breaches and denial of access to work or services.

Settled status now provides the same long-term rights once conferred by the PR Card, but within the framework of UK domestic immigration law. It also forms the lawful route toward British citizenship, subject to residence, absence, and character criteria.

Final Summary: Permanent Residence Cards are no longer valid under UK law. All former holders must hold digital EUSS status to live, work, and access services lawfully. Ensuring your digital record is active and up to date is essential for continued compliance and eligibility for naturalisation in the future.

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