Irish citizen in UK: Residence

[chaoclive]

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

[Jambo]

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

[chaoclive]

Thanks Jambo