To qualify as a candidate for election to the European Parliament, a person must have attained the age of at least 18 years and be a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of any other member state of the European Union who is resident in the UK.
The deposit of £5,000 will be returned after the election if the registered party or individual candidate polls more than 2.5% (one-fortieth) of the total number of valid votes cast for all the registered political parties and individual candidates in the electoral region.
The Electoral Commission has published 'Guidance on standing for election to the European Parliament'. This provides information to registered political parties, candidates and agents on the whole election process including the election timetable and contact details of the Regional Returning Officers.