Definition
A residence card is the physical document issued after an immigration authority grants residence status. It usually contains the holder's identity details, the type of permit, its validity dates, and any restrictions on work or stay. The card is different from the underlying legal decision: the decision grants the right, while the card is the practical proof used for travel, registration, employer checks, and everyday administration.
Related terms
Biometric Residence Permit
BRP
A credit-card-sized document issued to non-EEA nationals in the UK that proves their right to live, work, and study in the UK.
Read definition →
Biometrics
Fingerprints, photograph, and sometimes signature collected by immigration authorities to verify identity and issue a visa or residence card.
Read definition →
Residence Permit
An official document or authorisation that entitles a non-citizen to legally reside in a country for a specified period, often but not always including the right to work.
Read definition →