This article was last updated on November 30th, 2024
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EU Citizens Living and Working in the UK After Brexit: Your Complete Guide for 2025
Being a member of the European Union (EU) saw the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital among member countries, including the UK, until it left. Following the official exit of Britain (UK) on 31st January 2020, it hasn’t been business as usual for the European Union (EU) citizens who used to enjoy the freedom of migrating and working in the United Kingdom, among other EU countries, before Brexit.
Post-Brexit, EU citizens can still live and work in the UK—but they need to apply under an authorised visa scheme. This guide explores seven pathways for EU citizens to settle in the UK post-Brexit in 2025. Whether you’re seeking employment, starting a business, or looking for temporary work, this article breaks down your options and how to maximise your chances of success.
Can EU Citizens Work in UK Without Visa?
No, EU citizens generally need a visa to work in the UK unless they have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Short-term business visits may be allowed without a visa. Always check specific visa requirements before starting work
Who are EU Citizens?
When we talk about EU citizens, we are referring to the nationals of these 27 EU member countries, which include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Romania. However, the same Brexit rules also apply to citizens of EEA countries such as Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
“To work in the UK after Brexit, EU citizens now need to comply with the UK’s new immigration system, which includes getting a job offer and then coming to work in the UK under a skilled worker visa or other relevant category. Our legal experts can help you navigate these new requirements and ensure a smooth transition to working in the UK post-Brexit. Let us assist you in securing your right to live and work in the UK seamlessly.” Dr Bernard Andonian, Immigration Solicitor at Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors.
Changes After Brexit for Employers
With the UK officially leaving the European Union employers now require sponsorship licences to hire non-UK workers, and EU citizens must apply for an appropriate visa before taking up employment. While the system may feel complex, there are multiple visa pathways available to suit different needs and skills.
1) Applying under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
The EU Settlement Scheme, or EUSS, was put in place before Brexit and allows EU citizens and EEA citizens, including their families, who were settled in the UK before the end of 2020 (31st December) to remain in the UK without the necessity of exiting the country or applying for alternative visa types.
As the EU Settlement Scheme has been around for quite some time now, there is also the problem of applications getting refused by the UK Home Office under various suitability grounds. If this is the case, then you may be able to challenge a refusal by making and EUSS appeal or EUSS administrative review. If this is the situation you are currently finding yourself in please do not hesitate to contact our legal team for assistance moving forward.
2) The Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2 Work Permit)
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the standard work permit , which would require an EU citizen to have a job offer in the UK before moving here. The visa can lead to indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.
The Skilled Worker Visa has several conditions that applicants must fulfil:
- Receive a job offer from a British company that is officially recognised as a sponsor by the British Home Office (Immigration Service).
- Obtain a sponsorship certificate from the employer.
- The job role should be one listed on the UK government website’s designated professions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English through a language exam.
The Sponsorship certificate, given by the prospective employer, includes:
- Details about the company inviting you to work in the UK.
- Information about your proposed job role, including salary, location, and terms of work.
- The duration of your employment contract.
Please note that a UK-based company must secure a Sponsorship Licence before recruiting an overseas worker. The government ensures foreign experts are employed in specified companies, fulfilling certain roles and earning a minimum salary. These are achieved through the sponsorship system.
Without an approved sponsor licence, a company cannot sponsor non-UK employees, limiting its ability to attract international talent and potentially affecting its business operations.
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3) The Temporary Worker Visa
The UK Temporary Worker Visa category permits EU citizens to work in the UK temporarily and familiarise themselves with the UK’s culture, society, and way of life. It caters to various roles, including:
- Creative Worker: For individuals in creative fields, such as actors, musicians, dancers, or film crew members.
- Seasonal Worker: For temporary work on farms.
- Charity Worker.
- Religious Worker.
- Government Authorized Exchange: For employees under a government-approved exchange scheme.
- International Agreement: For employees whose contracts are governed by international law.
It is important to note that the temporary worker visa does not lead to indefinite leave to remain.
4) The Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa UK is for leading individuals with globally recognised skills and experiences, specifically in digital technology, scientific research, academic science, arts, and culture.
The visa’s main goal is to attract professionals who can significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth and development. This visa offers a high degree of freedom in terms of work and movement.
It’s typically issued for a period of five years. After this period, applicants can apply for a permanent residence permit, and after another year, they can apply for citizenship.
5) The High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual Visa UK is aimed at attracting top talent from across the globe to the UK. Eligible fields include science, humanities, engineering, arts, and digital technology.
In order to qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved a degree from a top global university, pass the English language requirement, be verified through an approved test or an academic qualification taught in English, and show financial stability to support themselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.
The visa is valid for up to 5 years but does not guarantee a job or lead to indefinite leave to remain. Applicants must still undergo the usual job application and interview process.
6) The Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa UK is designed to encourage entrepreneurs with innovative and scalable business ideas to establish their businesses in the UK. To qualify for this visa, applicants need to meet certain requirements:
- Business Idea: Applicants must have an original business idea different from anything else on the market. The idea must be innovative, viable, and scalable.
- Endorsement: A recognised UK endorsing body must endorse the business plan. The endorsing body will assess the viability and scalability of the business plan, and they must agree that the applicant is a genuine entrepreneur who has the necessary skills to establish a business in the UK.
- Maintenance Funds: Applicants must be able to support themselves while in the UK. This means demonstrating they have enough personal savings to cover their living costs.
- English Language: Applicants need to prove their knowledge of English. This is typically done by passing an English language test from an approved provider or by having an academic qualification taught in English.
- Team Formation: More than one innovator can apply for a visa on the basis of the same business idea, but each innovator must have an endorsement from the endorsing body.
7) The UK Self-Sponsorship Visa
The Self-Sponsorship Visa UK is not really a traditional visa but a business immigration route for entrepreneurial individuals who wish to establish and run their own business in the UK by starting their own UK-registered company. It offers a pathway to living and working in the UK if you can meet the following requirements:
- Business Establishment: Applicants must set up a UK-registered company or acquire an existing UK business. This business will act as the sponsor for the visa. The company must demonstrate a genuine need for the applicant’s role within the business.
- Role and Skill Requirement: The applicant must take on a skilled role in the company they establish, such as director or CEO. This role must meet the skill and salary thresholds required for a Skilled Worker visa.
- Company Sponsorship License: The business must apply for and obtain a Sponsorship License from the UK Home Office. This involves proving the business is genuine, financially stable, and has a legitimate need for a sponsored skilled worker (the applicant).
- Business Viability: The business plan must demonstrate that the company is viable and sustainable. This includes having sufficient funds to operate the business and to pay the required salary for the applicant’s role.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants need to prove their English proficiency. This is typically done by passing an approved English language test or holding a qualification taught in English.
- Maintenance Funds: The applicant must have enough personal savings to support themselves while setting up the business and during the initial stages of operating in the UK.
The UK Self-Sponsorship Visa offers flexibility and independence for entrepreneurs, enabling them to live and grow their business in the UK without relying on external sponsors.
Let Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors Help
Are you from the EU and fit for a visa outlined in this article? Our dedicated immigration lawyers can help you apply to live and work in the UK.
We can help you with:
- Visa Application Guidance
- Document Preparation
- Endorsement Processes
- Financial Stability Demonstration
- Handling of Your Entire Application
If your visa is denied, we can appeal for you. We’ll work to change the Home Office’s decision to your advantage. Our expert immigration lawyers will make applying for a visa easier, increasing your chance of success.
FAQs
No, a job offer from a UK-based employer with an approved sponsor licence is mandatory to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
Yes, many UK visas, including the Skilled Worker Visa and the Global Talent Visa, allow dependents (spouse and children) to join you. They will need to apply as your dependents and meet specific requirements.
If your visa application is refused, you may be able to challenge the decision through an administrative review or appeal. Our legal team can assist you in understanding your options and strengthening your case.
Switching between visa categories is possible in some cases, but Temporary Worker Visas usually don’t allow direct switching. You’ll need to check eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa and apply separately.
Most UK visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa and Innovator Founder Visa, require proof of English proficiency through an approved test or a recognised qualification. Some exceptions apply, such as applicants from majority English-speaking countries.
No, the High Potential Individual Visa does not guarantee a job. It provides the right to live and work in the UK, but you must find employment or start a business independently.
Late applications to the EUSS may be accepted under exceptional circumstances, such as compelling reasons for missing the deadline. Contact our legal experts for advice on submitting a late application.
Ask our Expert Legal Team
At Gulbenkian Andonian, we pride ourselves on “Excellence, Experience and Efficiency”. With over 35 years of experience on your side, our team of London based lawyers and solicitors have a wealth of experience advising individuals, families and businesses of all sizes to find clarity on UK law.
Call us on +44 (0) 207 269 9590 or fill out the form below. We usually reply within a few hours.
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Dr Bernard Andonian is the Co-Founder of Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors and a leading authority in UK immigration, human rights, family and civil litigation law. With over 40 years of experience, he brings a wealth of legal knowledge and courtroom expertise. A former Judge and a recipient of a PhD in Law from the University of West London, Dr Andonian has served on the Law Society’s Immigration Law Panel, where he played a key role in shaping national legal standards. His name is featured in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, recognising his consistent excellence and influence in the field. Known for his practical approach and deep understanding of immigration law, he is frequently consulted for commentary on policy changes and legal reform.