An EEA family permit is a form of 'entry clearance' to the UK (similar to a visa). It is for nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who are family members of EEA nationals.
Although the UK is a member of the EEA, a non-EEA family member of a British citizen should not generally come to the UK using an EEA family permit. However, a non-EEA family member of a British citizen living abroad can apply for an EEA family permit to join the British citizen on their return to the UK if:

• the family member, if they are the British citizen's spouse or civil partner, has been living together with the British citizen in the EEA country.

• the family member, if they are the British citizen's spouse or civil partner, has been living together with the British citizen in the EEA country.

EEA family permit is issued for six months and before the expiry of the EEA family permit, the non-EEA national can apply for residence card as a family member of an EEA national. Similarly, a person who has entered the UK with family permit under Surinder Singh principle, can apply for residence card as a family member of a British Citizen. Residence card as a family member of an EEA national is issued for five years in accordance with the EEA Regulations 2006.