|
Residence Status in
the UK for a British Passport Holder
Barry & Margaret
Williamson
June 2016
For a non-British
person, residence is based on their
nationality (eg from the EU, from countries with special arrangements, etc) and
the reason for their stay (eg asylum seeker, worker, retired, joining family, etc).
Residence status can be based on a points system for some categories and/or on
having a minimum income.
For a holder of a
British passport, the issue of residency is based much more on having a UK
home address and what proportion of the year is spent in the country.
Many aspects of life in the UK are based on the assumption
that a person is resident in the country, although for a British Passport
holder there is no single definition of what constitutes the status of
'resident'. For UK passport holders there is no identity document or any other
official proof of residency. The nearest official definition is that used by
the Inland Revenue in their Statutory
Residence Test (SRT):
Many organisations either take it for granted that a person
is resident, or have their own ideas of what 'proves' residency. The ever-increasing
paranoia about migrant numbers has increased the incidence of residency checks,
particularly in the public services (NHS, etc) and house rental. The NI (National
Insurance) number is required for an increasing number of matters, such as
getting on the electoral role, obtaining an EHIC (European Health Insurance
Card), accessing the Government and DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing
Agency) websites and for the Inland Revenue return.
The traveller will become familiar with some or even all of
the following items: some requiring evidence of being resident, some useful as
evidence of residency, and some both needing evidence and then providing it.
The whole issue is complicated by a number of chickens and eggs, or Catch 22
situations.
UK Address: This is fundamental, along with official and other documents posted to and showing that address. UK Landline Phone Number to go with that address. UK Mobile Phone Number Enrolment with a GP (Doctor): This assumes residency and therefore can be taken as evidence of residency, although officially it isn't. NHS Number: If not known, then an NHS (National Health Service) Number can be obtained by registering with a GP Practice. Enrolment with a Dentist Utility Bills: These are often taken as proof of residence at the address given and are quite commonly asked for, eg in hiring a car or opening a bank account. A British Passport: This is often taken as evidence of residency, although officially it isn't. A British Driving Licence: This assumes residency and therefore can be taken as evidence of residency, although officially it isn't. But it is the only official document that contains both an address and a photo and is often taken as an identity card when travelling abroad. A UK Bank Account: A paper bank statement showing your UK address will be very useful as evidence, though the bank itself may initially need evidence of residency (eg utility bills) before opening a bank account. A Deposit Account: This may be easier to open if a current bank account proves to be a problem. Deposit some money with for example a Building Society. An EHIC Card (European Health Insurance Card): This is easily obtained free of charge online once the NI number is known. It assumes residency and therefore can be taken as evidence of residency, although officially it isn't. Electoral Roll: It is easy to get onto online if you have a UK address and your NI number. Birth Certificate: This is extra proof that you are British and therefore likely to be taken as resident. Join the Library: This usually needs proof of address but in turn provides evidence of residency. Vehicle Registration Document: This assumes residency and therefore can be taken as evidence of residency, although officially it isn't. Vehicle Insurance Document: This assumes residency and therefore can be taken as evidence of residency, although officially it isn't. Travel Insurance: This assumes residency and therefore can be taken as evidence of residency, although officially it isn't.
|
.JPG)
