Entering UK for a short trip: is the EEA Family Permit the right choice?
My girlfriend is an EEA national (German) and I am not. We have both been living together and working in Germany for >2 years.
We're now planning to take a short holiday (~4 days) to the UK and considering the best kind of permit for me to apply for. If I were on my own, I'd need a visa, but we found the EEA family permit, which sounds like it would be a better option.
The thing is, we're struggling a bit with the phrasing of the requirements for the application, as it seems to change along the process. Sometimes, it seems it is enough to prove my girlfriend will be travelling with me (or within a period of 6 months), but sometimes we find wording that suggests that she's expected to take up residence as a result of the trip.
So, in short: is the EEA family permit the right option to apply for a non-EEA citizen with an EEA-citizen as a ("long-standing") girlfriend, living in Germany, lacking any British roots, seeking to visit the UK for a rather short period?
Best Answer
Yes, you can use an EEA family permit for a short trip. My best evidence in support of this assertion is that my mother-in-law has done it.
In the free movement directive, there is a "right of residence for up to three months" which does not require anyone to be a "qualified person" (i.e., working, studying, or having demonstrated self-sufficience): this is the right that is exercised by short-term visitors. So don't be unduly confused by the use of the word "residence."
As an unmarried partner, you'll have to provide evidence of your "durable relationship," which should normally be accepted if you've lived together for more than 2 years. As long as you can do that, the EEA family permit should be granted.
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Can I travel to UK on EEA Family Permit?
What is an EEA Family Permit? An EEA family permit application is similar to entry clearance and allows non-EEA nationals to enter and leave the UK without restriction for 6 months, for the purpose of joining EEA family members in the UK. They are issued free of charge by the Home Office under the European regulations.Can I visit the UK for a short stay?
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment.Can I travel in Europe with EEA Family Permit?
Under EU rules, you have the right to travel together with your core family members (non-EU spouse, children, dependent parents or dependent grandparents) to an EU country other than the one you are a national of. If you have moved to another EU country, they can also join you there.How long can you stay in EEA Family Permit UK?
It lets you come to the UK for up to 6 months. You can work and study, and come and go as many times as you want before the permit expires. Without one, you might not get a boarding pass or may be refused entry into the UK. You can apply to stay longer in the UK if you're eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme.Family Permit, Extended Family Members, Settlement in UK Via EEA/EUSS Visa
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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