If your partner or family member is both a British citizen and an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you may still be able to apply under the Lounes route of the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
The Lounes route applies to certain family members of a relevant naturalised British citizen. It takes its name from the Lounes judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which confirmed that family members should not lose their residence rights simply because the EU citizen later became a British citizen.
Who is a relevant naturalised British citizen?
Under Appendix EU, a relevant naturalised British citizen is someone who:
Was originally an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.
Exercised free movement rights in the UK before becoming a British citizen.
Later became a British citizen while retaining their EU, EEA or Swiss nationality.
If your sponsor meets these requirements, you may be eligible to apply under the Lounes route.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants may include:
A spouse.
A civil partner.
A durable (unmarried) partner.
An eligible child or other dependent descendant.
A dependent parent or grandparent.
Certain other eligible family members in specific circumstances.
In most cases, your family relationship must have existed by 31 December 2020, the end of the Brexit transition period. However, there are important exceptions. For example, some children born or adopted after that date may still qualify, and certain joining family members may also be eligible depending on the Immigration Rules.
What documents will you need?
Although the evidence required depends on your circumstances, you will usually need:
Your valid passport or identity document.
Evidence of your relationship with your sponsor, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
Evidence that your sponsor exercised EU free movement rights in the UK before becoming a British citizen.
Evidence that your sponsor is both a British citizen and an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, such as their British passport or certificate of naturalisation together with their valid EU passport or national identity card.
How do you apply?
Unlike most applications under the EU Settlement Scheme, Lounes applications are currently made using a paper application form, which must be requested from the EU Settlement Resolution Centre before it can be submitted to the Home Office.
Need advice about a Lounes application?
Determining whether you qualify under the Lounes route is not always straightforward. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements or need assistance preparing your application, specialist immigration advice can help you understand your options and ensure your application is supported by the appropriate evidence.
This information is intended as a general guide only and should not be treated as legal advice.
For more detailed information you can refer to EU Settlement Scheme: EU, other EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members (accessible) - GOV.UK
If you need advice or want to check your eligibility, our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
This is in line with the information available as of 20/08/2026.