Use this tool to find out what you need to do and when. Getting status under the scheme will enable you to: You can start work before you have made an application, but you must apply before the deadline of 30 June 2021. To apply, you need to complete a simple three-step online application form using a computer, tablet or mobile phone. You will also need to apply for a UK residence card or be able to prove your right to work in the UK as an EU citizen (for example, a valid UK National Insurance number). You can change your cookie settings at any time. Do I need to do anything before I start working in the UK? Irish citizens will continue to have the right to work in the UK after Brexit. Malta also has a similar, lower priced, scheme though it recently relented under EU pressure and now requires one year of residency to gain its citizenship. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. In most cases, you’ll need a job offer from your chosen country so that you can get a visa to move there. You probably know all this, but it’s vital to get the basics Prior to 31st December 2020 there will be no changes to the way in which individuals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland prove their right to work in the UK. So you want to work in the UK, but you have no idea where to start… If you’ve never worked in the UK before, you’re not sure what your rights are, or don’t even know if you’re eligible to – it can be a challenge to find the right information. If you're a commonwealth citizen with parents or grandparents who were born or lived in the UK you may also be exempt from the visa system. I have permanent residence in the UK/EU or will acquire it during the transition period Where an individual is subject to UK immigration control, they will require a visa to work in the UK. If a family member is joining you in the UK However, from 2021, the UK will have severed all ties to the union, which raises the questions of how this will affect the rights of British citizens in Europe. The UK has introduced a points-based immigration system that applies to anyone who wants to come to live, study or work in the UK. Right to work . You’ll need a work permit to work in most EU countries if you’re a UK citizen. This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/understanding-your-right-to-work-in-the-uk-eu-eea-and-swiss-citizens/understanding-your-right-to-work-in-the-uk-eu-eea-and-swiss-citizens-accessible-version, Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, and the end of the transition period, freedom of movement ended at 11pm on 31 December 2020. Citizens of Poland will be treated as immigrants from NO-EU countries (Japanese, Australians,etc.) You must have permission to live and work in the UK under the UK’s points-based immigration system unless you are eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. The same applies to UK nationals living in or moving to an EU country. Most of the UK work visas require sponsorships from a local employer; you to secure a suitable job and sponsorship before applying for the UK work visa. You can read about residence rights of UK citizens. Non-EU family members’ right to remain in the UK are dependent on the EU family member continuing to exercise Treaty Rights in the UK. However, EU rules do cover the following areas for workers from all non‑EU countries: 1. non-EU nationals who are long-term residents in the EU 2. the The European Union will only allow the UK to be part of the European single market if it continues to allow EU nationals the right to live and work in the UK. Family members of EU/EFTA citizens in the UK have a right to work and study in the UK, although non-EU/EFTA relatives may need to apply for a residence card if they want to work. On 1 January 2021, the rules for EU citizens living in or moving to the UK will change. The UK Passport gives us, as EU Citizens, the Right to live & work in 28 EU Countries (& 3 EEA Countries) using our Freedom of Movement. Most EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need to apply to continue living in the UK. See more information about applying for a visa to come to the UK. You can do this using the online Right to Work service. Questions and Answers – the rights of EU and UK citizens, as outlined in the Withdrawal Agreement. If your application to the EU Settlement Scheme is successful you will be given online access to your immigration status, which you can use to prove your right to work in the UK. Irish citizens wishing to stay in the UK. Questions and Answers – the rights of EU and UK citizens, as outlined in the Withdrawal Agreement. You acquire the right of permanent residence if you have lived legally in your host EU country for 5 continuous years. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone. [footnote 1]. A passport showing the holder, or a person named in the passport as the child of the holder, is a British citizen or a citizen of the UK and Colonies having the right of abode in the UK. See more information on applying for a visa to come to the UK or speak to an OISC registered immigration adviser. The same applies to UK nationals living in or moving to an EU country. In particular, admissions should be limited according to the specific needs of each professional sector and subject to a series of permits granted by specific government commissions. Any employees wishing to work in UK-based companies and reside in the EU, they will now have to qualify for the ‘UK Points-Based Immigration’. Questions and Answers – the rights of EU and UK citizens, as outlined in the Withdrawal Agreement. A new points-based immigration system has been introduced for people who subsequently move to the UK to live, work or study. If you are a non-EU family member of an EU citizen living in the UK, you may apply for one of two types of family permit to live with your relative in Britain. Acceptable documents for proving right to work in the UK The documents that are acceptable for proving someone has the right to work in the UK are split into two lists. Human rights in the United Kingdom concern the fundamental rights in law of every person in the United Kingdom.An integral part of the UK constitution, human rights derive from common law, from statutes such as Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights 1689 and the Human Rights Act 1998, from membership of the Council of Europe, and from international law. Until 30 June, you can continue to prove your right to work in the UK using your passport or national ID card. Commons Library, Ending free movement: How will EU citizens prove their right to work in the UK?, 30 August 2019. History "The introduction of a European form of citizenship with precisely defined rights and duties was considered as long ago as the 1960s". Rights as a British overseas citizen. 1. use the Home Office online right to work checking service (the ‘View a job applicant’s right to work details’ page on gov.uk) in respect of an individual and only employ the person, or continue to employ an existing employee, if the online check confirms they are entitled to do the work in question; 2. However this does not affect EU citizens that have the right to stay and work in the UK. For the purpose of this leaflet, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are referred to as ‘EU citizens’. The EU has added the UK to its list of visa-exempt countries, granted British citizens the right to travel for up to 90 days without a visa. Questions and Answers – the rights of EU and UK citizens, as outlined in the Withdrawal Agreement. If you want to work in an EU country, check the country’s living in guide for updates. You must have started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 to be eligible, unless you are joining a close family member who already holds status under the scheme or is eligible and will apply to the scheme before 30 June 2021. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. 31 January 2020. U.S. citizens who want to work in the United Kingdom must have a valid U.S. passport and a work visa from the UK. 2 | Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens Introduction Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, and the end of the transition period, freedom of movement ended at 11pm on 31 December 2020. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. EU citizens will no longer be free to move to the UK with ease to live and work, as they have done until now, and the same will apply for UK citizens wishing to move to a European country. Home Office, Right to work checks on EU citizens if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, 5 September 2019. EU citizens living in the UK, or planning to move to the UK within the next six months, have the right to bring their non-EEA family members to join them. If you're from the European Economic Area (or Switzerland) you don't need a work visa to take a job in the UK, despite the recent UK EU referendum. The EEA family permit is valid for a period of six months. On 1 January 2021, the rules for EU citizens living in or moving to the UK will change.The same applies to UK nationals living in or moving to an EU country. I have permanent residence in the UK/EU or will acquire it during the transition period You can: hold a British passport; get consular assistance and protection from UK diplomatic posts; Unless you’re also a British citizen: You and your family need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue to live, work and study in the UK after 30 June 2021. You can get more information and find out how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. If you don't have settled status, you’ll have to show you have a right to reside in the UK. Irish citizens can continue to freely enter, live and work in the UK. Around 10 per cent of people living in the UK have a grandparent born in Ireland, according to census data. All non-EU family members should apply at the same time. Check which other types of right to reside could apply to you. For those with a permanent right to work in the UK. If you are an Irish citizen and you want to continue living in the UK, you do not need to … EU Students & Working in the UK. If you are from an EU member state, one of the countries of the EEA or Switzerland, you are entitled You can change your cookie settings at any time. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. Make sure you apply for your National Insurance number (NINO). On 1 January 2021, the rules for EU citizens living in or moving to the UK will change. We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. The settlement scheme for EU citizens will give them the right to remain in the UK. Your continuity of residence is not affected by: Family members of EU/EFTA citizens in the UK have a right to work and study in the UK, although non-EU/EFTA relatives may need to apply for a residence card if they want to work. The authorities should make their decision to issue a residence card or not within 6 months.If they do not do so, you can call on our assistance services.In any case, your non-EU family members cannot be expelled if their visa expired while their application is being processed. EU citizenship was first introduced by the Maastricht Treaty, and was extended by the Treaty of Amsterdam. If you don't have settled status, you’ll have to show you have a right to reside in the UK. You can then stay as long as you want even if you don't work and need income support. One thing the Government has pledged to do is protect is the rights of European citizens in the UK. Not by default, no. If you already have settled or pre-settled status, you can choose to use that status to prove your right to work now (instead of your passport or national identity card), but it will only become mandatory to evidence your EU Settlement Scheme status after the 30 June 2021. Within the first 6 months of arrival in the UK, the EU National is advised to apply for an EU Residence Card. EU citizens who have been granted temporary permission to stay in the UK after Brexit could inadvertently lose the right to make that permanent if they … To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. The EU has added the UK to its list of visa-exempt countries, granted British citizens the right to travel for up to 90 days without a visa. You’re also protected by the Withdrawal Agreement if you started working in one EU country and living in a different EU country or the UK, before 1 January 2021. This is a handy guide published in 2018 but which still applies, outlining various scenarios. The UK left the EU on Friday 31 January 2020. They will also be able to prove their right to work as they do now - by using their passport, for instance. We discuss what this means for people moving to and from the UK, and what the UK's immigration system may look like after the transition period. It would be conditional on the UK granting visa-free travel to EU citizens to the UK. You might also be able to claim Universal Credit. Your EU fiancé(e) will be eligible to apply in their own right, as long as they satisfy the residence requirement. List A documents show that the holder is not subject to immigration control, or has no restrictions on their stay, so they have an ongoing right to work in the UK. ↩. Irish citizens will continue to have the right to work in the UK after Brexit. Arrangements are in place enabling EU citizens who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 to apply to secure their status under the EU Settlement Scheme. UK work visa requirements. What will happen to British citizens living and working in Europe? All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, If you arrived in the UK by 31 December 2020, If you arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020, nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3, more information and find out how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support, Transparency and freedom of information releases, continue to use the NHS for free, if you could prior to 31 December 2020, access public funds such as benefits and pensions, if you’re eligible for them, you must have a job offer from an employer who is able to sponsor your visa application, the job offer must be at the appropriate skill and salary level, you must be able to speak English to the required standard. Home Office, ‘No deal immigration arrangements for EU citizens arriving after Brexit’, 4 September 2019. Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. The scheme will be available to people from the European Economic Area (EEA) who have been living in the UK for five years before the end of the post-Brexit transition period, which is anticipated for 31 December 2020. If you’re a non-EU/EFTA national wanting to work in the UK, you need an appropriate work permit. The provisions on citizens' rights were incorporated in the revised divorce agreement negotiated by Boris Johnson's government with the EU. On 1 January 2021, the rules for EU citizens living in or moving to the UK will change.The same applies to UK nationals living in or moving to an EU country. The entitlements of Irish citizens to live, work and to access other benefits in the UK are protected by the Common Travel Area. The following individuals do not need a visa for the UK, but do still have to prove their right to work before employment can commence: British Citizens (but not a British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Protected Person) The no deal arrangements made no mention of whether employers would need to change their right to work checking procedures but Government guidance issued on 1st April 2019 states that there will be no change to the way EU, EEA and Swiss citizens prove their right to work until 1 January 2021 and this remains the same if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. EEA and Swiss citizens. The UK has introduced a points-based immigration system that applies to anyone who wants to If you were legally living in an EU country before 1 January 2021, your right to work will be protected as long as you carry on living there. Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Do I need to do anything before I start working in the UK? If you do not have a visa or status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or you entered the UK as a tourist, you will not have the right to work in the UK. Proof of ID / Right to Work in the UK As you may be aware, all Recruiters have a legal obligation to confirm the identity of the individuals they are actively finding work for and their right to work in the UK, in order to comply with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum, … If you start a job in the UK in the first half of 2021, it is important that you are able to evidence your right to work. Find out if a potential employee's document gives them the right to work in the UK and which documents employers should check. Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, ... live and work in the UK. On 1 January 2021, the rules for EU citizens living in or moving to the UK will change.The same applies to UK nationals living in or moving to an EU country. The EU has agreed to add the UK to the EU’s list of visa-exempt countries [3] (of which there are currently 61). After leaving the EU on 31 January 2020, the UK is now in a transition period. You should enjoy the same rights, benefits and advantages as EU nationals. Canada and the UK don’t have a cross-border freedom of movement arrangement like within the EU. As UK Citizens, we do not want to lose this Right and ask that our Rights are fully protected & that they are valued and considered in any Brexit negotiations. If you did not apply using the app, you will have a biometric residence permit that will allow you to use the online Right to Work service to prove your right to work in the UK. A new immigration system applies to people arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021. If you are an Irish citizen, you do not need permission to enter or remain in the UK, including a visa, any form of residence permit or employment permit. If you are a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you currently have a right to work in the UK. EU citizens already resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 will not need to be married to a British citizen or someone with UK settled status to be eligible under the EU settlement scheme. What does Brexit mean for EU citizens? To be joined by family members, you must be either have permanent residency or be a ‘qualified person’ which means you must be either working, self-employed, financially self-sufficient or studying. Applying to the scheme is free of charge. If you have a visa under the points-based system and applied using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you will have online access to your immigration status to prove your right to work in the UK. The UK left the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020 and the transition period for the BREXIT will end on 31 December 2020 which will also end the Free Movement Rights. Although the rights and status of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK will remain the same until 30 June 2021, individuals should take steps now to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to see how they can continue living and working in the UK after 30 June 2021.