UK Residence Card

UK Residence Card – 2025 Guide for Identity and Immigration Use

A UK Residence Card was a type of immigration document used to prove a non-EEA family member’s right to live and work in the United Kingdom. While no longer issued post-Brexit, many individuals still ask about its validity, replacement, or use in ID verification.

This guide explains what the Residence Card was, its status in 2025, and what alternatives are used now.

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What Is a UK Residence Card?

A Residence Card (RC) was issued to non-EEA family members of EEA or Swiss citizens living in the UK under EU free movement law. It served as proof of:

• The holder’s immigration status under EU law
• Permission to live and work in the UK
• Identity for various services (banking, rental, healthcare)

It usually came in the form of a biometric residence card (BRC) with a chip and photo, marked as “Residence Card”.

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Current Status (as of 2025)

As of July 1, 2021, UK Residence Cards are no longer valid for:

• Entry to the UK
• Proving right to live or work in the UK
• Applying for benefits or services

They were replaced by the EU Settlement Scheme or other visa routes following Brexit.

If you still hold a Residence Card, it is no longer recognized for immigration or verification purposes.

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Replacing the UK Residence Card

You cannot renew or replace a UK Residence Card. Instead:

• If you are an EEA/Swiss family member who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020, you should have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
• If you missed the deadline, you may still apply with reasonable grounds for the delay:
  Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme

If you’re not eligible under EUSS, you must apply under the UK’s points-based immigration system.

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Using a Residence Card for ID or AliPay

Although no longer valid for immigration, the Residence Card may still be accepted for limited identity purposes (depending on the platform):

• Some digital ID platforms may temporarily accept older biometric residence cards for visual ID
• AliPay and other international services may request current government-issued documents; expired or obsolete Residence Cards are unlikely to be accepted

Always check if a valid passport, BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), or eVisa is required instead.

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Alternatives to the Residence Card

If you need to prove your identity or immigration status in the UK, use:

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – Common for non-EEA visa holders
• eVisa (online status) – For settled/pre-settled status or visa holders
• UKVI share code – Used to prove status to employers or landlords
• National ID card (EU citizens only) – Accepted in limited contexts until fully phased out

Generate proof of your status here:
www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

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Key Points for 2025

• UK Residence Cards are no longer valid for travel, work, or benefits
• They are not accepted for right to rent, work, or public services
• Identity verification may require a current BRP, passport, or eVisa
• Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme or a new visa if needed

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