How to apply for a derivative residence card

This page explains how you can apply for documents to prove that you have a derivative right of residence in the UK under EU law.

For more information about derivative residence cards, see the Residence documents for people with a derivative right of residence page.

You can apply for a derivative residence card by completing the DRF1 application form. You can find it under 'Application forms' on the right side of this page.

You should read the DRF1 guidance notes before you apply. They are on the DRF1 form.

The fee

There is a fee of £55 for an application for a derivative residence card.

If you do not pay the fee your application will not be processed and it will be returned to you.

How to submit your application

You must submit your application by post, to the address on the front of the application form.

What to send with your application

When you make your application, you must provide:

  • the fee of £55
  • your valid passport;
  • evidence that you qualify for the category of derivative rights you are applying for (you can find guidance on the relevant documents to submit with your application in section 11 of the DRF1 form); and
  • 2 passport-style photographs of you.

Only one person can complete each DRF1 form. If other people want to apply for a derivative residence card at the same time as you, they must complete their own DRF1 form and each pay the fee of £55. You can send us these completed application forms in one package.

We will return your documents using Royal Mail 2nd class post. If you want us to return your documents to you by a Royal Mail 'signed for' service, you can find out what to do under 'More information' below.

Processing times

We deal with all applications as soon as possible but normally within 6 months.

To help us to focus on deciding applications as soon as possible, please do not phone or write to ask about the progress of your application unless you need a passport or other document urgently.

More information

  • Returning your documents

    If you want us to return your documents to you by a Royal Mail 'signed for' service, you must enclose a pre-paid, self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery (or Recorded Signed For delivery) envelope with your application.

    The pre-paid envelope should be able to accommodate the size and weight of your documents, and should be insured. Please see the Royal Mail website for more information.

    If you do not enclose a pre-paid envelope, we will return your documents using Royal Mail 2nd class post.
  • When you have submitted your application form, will the UK Border Agency send you an acknowledgement?

    We will send you a certificate of application, in accordance with European law, as soon as possible after your application has been received and a record has been made.

    Depending on your circumstances, your certificate of application may or may not give you an entitlement to work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, we will send you a questions and answers sheet explaining why you cannot work.

    We are unable to provide progress updates on the status of your certificate of approval.
  • If you change your address If you are changing the address that you have given us for correspondence, you should use our online form to tell us of the change.
  • If you no longer want to proceed with your application

    If you want to withdraw your application, you must inform us by sending a letter to:

    UKBA - European Applications
    Withdrawals
    PO Box 306
    Dept 45
    Liverpool
    L2 0QN

    If you decide to withdraw your application we will not refund the fee.
  • How can you get your passport back from the UK Border Agency if you need to travel? See the return of documents page.
  • If your application is refused

    If we have refused your application because you have not provided the necessary evidence to support your application, the quickest and easiest solution is to make a new application.

    If you have a right of appeal, you can choose to appeal against our decision. We will send you details of how to do this, and the appropriate appeal forms, with your refusal letter. 

    We will only reconsider our decision in exceptional circumstances. Your appeal will only succeed if our decision, based on the evidence that we had at the time, was incorrect. For example, a reconsideration is not appropriate if you did not supply enough evidence to support your application - in that situation, you should make a new application and ensure that you include all the supporting information.
  • If your appeal against our decision to refuse your application is allowed, when will you receive your documentation? The time taken to implement your appeal decision will vary, as it takes time for your file and details of the judgment to be collated and sent to us. If you have not heard from us 8 weeks after your appeal was allowed, please phone our European enquiries contact centre and we will investigate this further.