Where European citizens stand now
Until the end of 2020, citizens of the EU, the wider European Economic Area and Switzerland could live and work in the UK under free movement. That ended at 11pm on 31 December 2020. Since then, what a European citizen can do in the UK depends mainly on when they arrived and what status they hold.
If you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020
You and your family members could apply to the EU Settlement Scheme for settled or pre-settled status. The deadline for most people was 30 June 2021, but late applications are accepted where there were reasonable grounds for the delay, and joining family members have their own deadline. Pre-settled status is being converted to settled status automatically for many people, and extended by five years for the rest. Applying is free.
If you live outside the UK and work here
Citizens who worked in the UK while living elsewhere, from before the end of 2020, can use the Frontier Worker permit. It is free and lasts five years, or two with retained status.
If you arrived after 31 December 2020
You need a visa like any other non-British, non-Irish national, for example the Skilled Worker visa, or a visitor’s permission or ETA. Citizens of the EU and EEA countries and Switzerland need an ETA for short visits and cannot work on one.
If you are the family member of a European citizen
The routes depend on the relationship and on dates. See the EUSS family permit and the Surinder Singh route, and the old EEA residence documents.
Irish citizens
Irish citizens are in a different position. They do not need a visa or settled status. See Irish citizens and British citizenship.
Proving your status
European citizens with status under the EU Settlement Scheme prove it online. See eVisas and share codes and right to work checks.
How we help
We establish which status you hold or can still apply for, prepare late and family applications, and advise on citizenship. A consultation costs from £99.
