Derivative Residence Card

  • Home
  • Derivative Residence Card

Derivative Residence Card


A person who does not qualify for a right of residence under the free movement directive (Directive 2004/38/EC) may qualify for another right of residence under EU law. These are known as 'derivative rights' because they come from (are 'derived' from) EU law, not from the directive. A person who qualifies for a derivative right of residence has a right to live and work in the UK for as long as they continue to qualify for this right. Time spent in the UK with a derivative right of residence does not count as residence for the purpose of acquiring permanent residence in the UK. If you have a derivative right of residence you cannot acquire permanent residence on this basis. You will only continue to have that right of residence for as long as you qualify for that right. Application for Derivative Residence Card is made to the Home Office using application form DRF1. The Home Office will process the application for derivative residence card within 6 months from the date of receipt of the application.