Russian citizen with Belgian residency permit enter UK for holiday with UK citizen partner. Visa?

Russian citizen with Belgian residency permit enter UK for holiday with UK citizen partner. Visa? - Crop unrecognizable person demonstrating British passport

I am a UK citizen living in Belgium on a residency permit (5 yr). My partner is a Russian citizen, who has a 1 yr Belgian residency permit. We are applying for co-habitition in Belgium.

What visa/documentation does my partner require to enter the UK with me? The UK Gov website isn't very helpful and want to charge me 6 gbp to send them an email!

Thanks



Best Answer

Your partner having a Belgian residence permit is not directly relevant.

You may be entitled to bring her with you to the UK under freedom-of-movement rules, but if you're not married that depends on whether you're deemed to have a "durable relationship". Typically several years of shared residence will be expected. If you think you qualify, the way forward is to apply for an EEA family permit in advance.

Hmm, actually it appears that the UK government does not recognize unmarried partners at all under "Surinder Singh" applications (i.e. when the union citizen is a British citizen who has moved to another member state). That is currently being challenged in the ECJ, but the court has yet to rule.

She needs to apply for a standard visitor visa and qualify for it based on her own circumstances.




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Can I travel to UK with Belgian residence card?

Presently, Belgian citizens can still travel to the UK with either a valid identity card or a valid passport. From 1 October 2021, the British government will only accept a valid passport for short stays in the UK.

Can I travel to UK with EU residence permit?

You cannot use an EU , EEA or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK unless you: have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man's settlement schemes. have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

Can I travel with my non EU spouse to another EU country?

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.

Do you need a visa to go to UK from Belgium?

Belgium forms part of the European Union and all EU nationals are able to visit the UK without a visa.



UK Spouse Visa Process Explained - Marriage Visa UK




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