Irish citizen in UK: Residence

Hi all

I have a question about residence in the UK as an Irish (from Northern Ireland). I left the UK in 2006 (when I worked for a year for a British company). I then resigned and studied for 4.5 years before taking up other employment. All of this was outside Europe. I don't have property in the UK and have only returned once per year for the last 7 years (about 14 days only). All of my family members live in Northern Ireland (UK) and mainly hold British passports. I used to have both British and Irish passports but I am currently in the process of renouncing British citizenship.

I wanted to ask at what point would I have lost 'residence' in the UK? Also, and most importantly, is the loss of residence in the UK of any consequence in how an EEAFP application for my non-EEA civil partner would be considered by the British Embassy (I won't be British by that time). I have been told that, even though I have renounced British citizenship, our case may fail, as I would be viewed as being an Irish citizen who was resident in the UK. However, as I have been in China for so long (7 years) without long periods of time in the UK, could this still be the case?

Thanks so much
CC

Under EEA regulations, normally a six months absence breaks residency. You will be fine.

Thanks Jambo