UK Residence Card (2020)

UK Residence Card (2020) – Features, Validity & Use for ID Verification

The UK Residence Card (issued in 2020) was an official immigration document for non-UK family members of European Economic Area (EEA) nationals. While no longer issued post-Brexit, many cards from 2020 remained valid until mid-2021 and were commonly used for identification, work, and residence rights before the EU Settlement Scheme fully replaced them.

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What Is a UK Residence Card?

A Residence Card (RC) was issued by the UK Home Office to confirm that:

• The holder was a non-EEA family member of an EEA citizen residing in the UK
• The holder had a right to reside and work in the UK under EU free movement law

These cards were biometric and typically included:

• Holder’s photo
• Full name and nationality
• Residence status (e.g. “Residence card of a family member of a Union citizen”)
• Issue and expiry dates
• Unique card number
• Machine-readable zone (MRZ)

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Key Features of the 2020 Residence Card

• Plastic BRP-style card (similar in format to a UK Biometric Residence Permit)
• Issued before 31 December 2020
• Often included the text: “Residence Card” or “EU Residence Card”
• Displayed the EU flag or UK Home Office branding
• Included biometric data such as fingerprints and facial image

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Validity and Expiry

As part of the UK’s exit from the EU:

• Most 2020 residence cards ceased to be valid after 30 June 2021
• Holders were required to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) for Pre-Settled or Settled Status
• Cards can no longer be used to prove immigration status, but they may still be accepted for:
  • Identity verification
  • Address history
  • Historic immigration checks

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Using a UK Residence Card for Online Verification (2020-Issued)

Some platforms still accept 2020-issued Residence Cards as part of:

• Digital KYC (Know Your Customer) checks
• Identity verification for platforms such as:
  • Wise
  • PayPal
  • Crypto exchanges
  • Rental and employment screenings
• Supplementary documents alongside valid proof of current immigration status

To use it:

• Submit a clear scan or photo of both front and back
• Ensure the card is not physically damaged or altered
• Check the issuing date and visible expiration date

⚠️ Note: As of 2025, most major platforms require current immigration documentation (e.g. BRP, digital status) rather than old residence cards alone.

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Replacing or Updating a 2020 Residence Card

You cannot renew a 2020 Residence Card. Instead:

• Apply under the EU Settlement Scheme: www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
• Or apply for a Biometric Residence Card (BRC) or digital immigration status via the Home Office

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