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Residence Documents
Individuals exercising their right of residence under EU law are entitled to apply for a residence permit (for EEA nationals) or a residence document (for dependent family members). These are not compulsory and cannot be a prerequisite for the exercise of the right of residence but there are significant practical advantages in obtaining one, as it provides convenient proof of one’s status in the UK . Residence permits and residence documents must be valid for at least five years and should be issued free of charge. They will be issued upon provision of evidence of nationality, family status, or economic activity (or health insurance and sufficient funds).
EU law requires that a decision on the issue or refusal a residence permit must be made as soon as possible and in any event within six months. Lengthy delays are unacceptable and the European Commission has suggested that the appropriate time scale should be equivalent to the time it takes to issue British nationals with a passport.
EU law requires that a decision on the issue or refusal a residence permit must be made as soon as possible and in any event within six months. Lengthy delays are unacceptable and the European Commission has suggested that the appropriate time scale should be equivalent to the time it takes to issue British nationals with a passport.
