Is a DNA test required for an EEA family permit?

A European Economic Area (EEA) family permit allows overseas nationals from outside of the EEA (or non-EEA nationals) to enter the UK and join their family member, as long as they are:

• A direct family member of the EEA national (such as a spouse, child, dependent parent or grandparent)
• An indirect or extended family member (such as unmarried partner of minimum 2 years, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, nephew or niece). However, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they’re dependent on the EEA citizen, are a member of their household, or have a serious health condition and rely on them for care.

The applicants also need to demonstrate that they will be moving to the UK with their EU national sponsor. All relevant supporting documentation needs to be submitted to the Home Office via the Gov.uk website https://www.gov.uk/family-permit/eea-family-permit. This documentation must prove that the applicants are in a genuine relationship with their EEA national sponsor.

What documentation is needed?

• A valid passport
• Evidence of a relationship to the EEA family member (such as marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or birth certificate)
• The family member’s valid passport or national identity card
• Proof of dependency (if applicable) on the EEA family member

There is no application fee for the EEA family permit and it takes up to 5–20 working days to process the application. However, it can take longer for more complex cases, or if there is insufficient evidence and more information is requested.

When granted, the EEA family permit is issued as a vignette in a passport for 6 months.

DNA testing can prove biological relationships

Immigration DNA testing is often relied upon when a UK citizen is sponsoring the immigration of a relative and needs to prove to the Passport Office, Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration that the person seeking to immigrate is indeed a blood relative. This is because DNA testing is the most scientific and accurate way to prove that two or more individuals are biologically related. Occasionally, EEA family permit applicants will submit their DNA evidence where it is deemed prudent to do so.

AlphaBiolabs has a wide range of DNA testing kits to determine family relationships for immigration purposes, including paternity, maternity, sibling, twin (zygosity), grandparent, aunt and uncle and Y chromosome. All of these tests are regularly used for immigration cases, applications and appeals, and results are provided with an unprecedented turnaround time.

DNA sample collection outside of the EEA can be arranged directly by AlphaBiolabs. We have a large international collection network available to take DNA samples and regularly work with immigration centres, consulates and embassies worldwide. To date, we have collected samples from 90 countries. If you require an immigration test or would like more information on our range of DNA testing services, please call AlphaBiolabs on 0333 600 1300.