The terms under which the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union, which became part of the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU, envisage a transition period until December 31, 2020. Until then, European legislation will continue to apply.

The rights of all European citizens who settled on the territory of the United Kingdom before the end of the transition period will be guaranteed through the EU Settlement Scheme. For the purpose, Bulgarian citizens residing in the UK, except for persons with dual citizenship, should apply for a new status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The Bulgarians possessing a certificate/document for permanent residence should do the same.

The Bulgarians can receive a pre-settled status and a settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme allows. Bulgarian nationals who have resided on the territory of the United Kingdom for five consecutive years are eligible for settled status. They will be asked to declare convictions that appear in their criminal record in the UK or Overseas.

The Bulgarians can apply for settled or pre-settled status free of charge and can do it online- via a mobile application which allows them to scan the microchip of the passport. The people whose passports do not have a microchip should send their original documents (ID card or passport) to Home Office to check their documents. The application deadline in June 30, 2021.

After receiving pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, the Bulgarian citizens will keep the rights they had when the United Kingdom was part of the EU- the right to residence, access to labor market, access to social security system, access to healthcare, etc.

Close family members and children born after December 31, 2020 will have the opportunity to join their relatives in the UK after the end of the transition period. For the purpose, the relationship between the relatives should have been available by December 31, 2020 and should continue to exist on the date of the event (when family members join their relatives in the UK).

Bulgarian students who already study in Great Britain are eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme and will conclude their education under the terms and conditions existing on the start of their studies.

Professional qualification acquired before the end of the transition period will continue to be recognized in the rest of the EU member states and the United Kingdom.

After the end of 2021, the UK will introduce the new migration regulations, which have not been fully clarified yet.

More clarifications and a guide for those who wish to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme are available on the Internet page of the Bulgarian Embassy in London.

English version: Kostadin Atanasov