Learn about the post-Brexit work visa requirements for UK citizens
The UK's pivotal withdrawal from the European Union, which took effect on January 31, 2020, brought significant changes to immigration and employment policies.
UK citizens no longer benefit from the EU free movement laws, which previously allowed the citizens of member countries to move, live, work, or study freely within the EU. Instead, they now face the same requirements as other non-EU nationals, with a few exceptions.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore these new regulations and understand what they mean for UK citizens seeking employment in Europe.
What Changed as Far as Working is Concerned?
As a British citizen and a non-EU national, you are required to have a work visa if you want to work in an EU member country. This is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and EU. The provisions of this legal agreement aim to enable a smooth transition, including extending visa exemption policies to qualified British citizens post-Brexit.
Who is Not Required to Have a Work Visa?
The EU recognises the rights of British citizens who have lived and worked in an EU country even after the UK's departure from the EU. Here is what you need to know:
- If you were legally living in an EU country before 1 January 2021, your right to work in an EU country will be protected as long as you continue living there.
- If, before January 1, 2021, you started working in an EU country and lived in a different EU country or the UK, your right to work is also protected.
Both mean that you will be afforded the same rights as the citizens of the country you’re working in. This includes legal working conditions, compensation, and social security.
Who is Required to Have a Work Visa?
If the above conditions don't apply to you and you intend to reside and work in an EU country, you will need to apply for a work visa.
Note that this covers work and not leisure visits. Leisure visits do not require a visa for British citizens. Even after Brexit, British citizens are still allowed to stay in an EU country for 90 days within a 180-day period for a leisure trip. Beyond this, you will be required to get a visa to stay longer or to apply for work or study.
As a UK citizen, it’s important to be aware of upcoming changes for travel to the EU. By summer 2025, the EU plans to introduce a €7 (£6) visa waiver system for some non-EU citizens, including Brits. This waiver will be similar to the US ESTA system and will apply to those traveling to 30 countries in Europe, including all Schengen Area countries. This new requirement will affect trips to EU nations (except Ireland and Cyprus) as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. UK travelers will need to apply for this waiver before their journey, adding a small but necessary step in planning trips to Europe.
It is crucial to know the number of days within your 180-day window to avoid overstaying during your visits. This visa-free visit covers the Schengen area and the non-EU countries that are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
European countries that form part of the Schengen Area and you can visit visa-free include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Non-EU countries that are part of the EFTA are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Can I Make a Short-term Visit to Attend a Job Interview?
Yes, this is generally permitted. During your visa-free short-term visit, you can engage in specific work-related activities, such as attending or conducting job interviews. Depending on the country and the nature of the work, you may not need to apply for a work visa or permit, although there may be restrictions based on the duration of your stay and the type of activities involved.
Additionally, what is permitted in one EU country may not be allowed in another. For instance, in Germany, you can conduct scientific research at a research institution or organisation without a visa for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. In contrast, the Czech Republic allows the same activity, but only for a maximum of 7 consecutive days, and up to 30 days within a calendar year.
Troubleshooting or installing software machinery is allowed visa-free in Italy but not in Greece.
Here's a list to give you an idea of the types of activities allowed. Do note, however, that the list may be shorter or longer and vary in content depending on the specific EU country’s policies:
- Attending a job interview
- Going to court as a witness
- Attending trade fairs
- Board meetings
- Meeting clients or customers, including entertainment such as eating at a restaurant
- Meeting colleagues, contractors, sellers, suppliers, or other customers for business meetings
- Fact-finding visits, as long as it’s not an essential part of the project or a day-to-day work activity
- Negotiating deals or contracts
- Attending, speaking, or presenting at a conference
- Studying
- Team building activities
- Leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family
Activities and border check requirements can vary significantly between EU countries, with some being stricter than others. Typically, you may need to provide the following, though exact requirements can differ depending on your host country's policies: A valid passport, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, travel and health insurance, proof of sufficient funds for your stay, and documentation explaining the purpose of your visit.
Finally, some EU countries, like Germany, allow temporary visas for those who intend to look for employment or ‘job-seeker visas.’
Job Seeker Visa
If you intend to work long-term in an EU country and want to try your luck in the local job market, you may apply for a job seeker visa. So far, only six EU countries allow this: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. Due to a shortage of skilled professionals and a high demand for specific jobs, these countries allow foreigners to apply for a job seeker visa subject to regulation policies.
Job-seeker visa applicants must meet specific qualifications and requirements, and the validity period of the authorization is limited.
Work Visa Application
A work visa allows you to legally reside and work in another country. The common pathway to working in an EU country as a British citizen or other non-EU national is via a job offer from an EU-based employer. From there, you can apply for a work visa at the EU country’s embassy in the UK by submitting country-specific requirements.
The following are the general requirements for a work visa application in an EU country.
Job Offer
You must have a job offer from an employer in the EU country, clearly demonstrating that they were unable to find a more suitable candidate within the EU through a labour market test. This process can vary by country but generally involves placing job advertisements in a specified number of publications and providing evidence of received applications, etc., among other requirements.
Documentary Requirements
Along with the work visa application form, you will also be required to submit the following.
- Valid passport
- Job offer letter or employment contract
- Proof of educational and professional qualifications like a diploma, professional license or certificate of employment
- Proof of financial capacity to support your living expenses like bank statements, salary offer, payslips, or affidavit of support from a spouse or relative
- Recent passport-size photos
- Proof of accommodation in the host country, like a lease agreement or letter from the provider
- Health insurance coverage that includes policy number, coverage details, validity, etc.
There could be additional requirements depending on the specific EU country’s policy.
Application Fees
The application fee amount may vary per country and based on the type of visa you are applying for.
Work Permit
Some EU countries require a specific work permit separately from a work visa and as a prerequisite for a work visa. There are countries that integrate this with the work visa application. Employers often help process this to expedite compliance with procedural requirements.
Applying for a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
To address shortages of skilled workers in various sectors, some EU countries have streamlined the process for obtaining residence permits for qualified work visa applicants. Thousands of visa slots and work permits are now available to foreign workers who meet the simplified requirements of the host country.
Germany, for instance, offers Blue Cards to skilled workers with tertiary education. Other countries, including Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Hungary, have also implemented points-based systems for granting work visas to skilled migrants.
Applying for a Family Visa
You can bring your family - spouse, children, elderly parents, to the EU country you work in via a family reunification visa or residence permits for the worker’s family members. The key is to demonstrate that you are legally working as an employee in the host country and that you are able to support your family members without relying on public resources.
While the process and requirements vary per country, the general requirements include:
- Proof of relationship like marriage certificate, birth certificate, or any legal documentation that proves your relationship as family members
- Proof of employment and residence of the worker like residence permit, work visa, contract of employment
- Proof of financial capacity to support your family like payslip, bank statement, proof of savings, assets, and investment, etc.
- Health insurance for the family member that shows the provider, policy number, coverage details, and validity
Your family member should submit these requirements along with the application form to the host country’s embassy or consulate, pay the applicable fees, attend interviews, and wait to receive the visa.
Where to Apply
Whether you’re applying for a work visa, family visa, or highly skilled migrant visa, you should submit the requirements through the proper channels like the host country’s embassy or consulate in your district, visa application centres, or official online application sites.
When You’re Ready to Move
Working and living abroad entails a lot of affairs to manage - from your work visa application to moving your stuff to your new home in your host country. To ease the weight of your relocation, you can tap our professional and personalised services at Gentlevan Removals & Storage to help you pack, store, or ship your belongings from the UK to any EU country.
We can also provide you with an online quote based on volume, distance, and the required service. Rest assured that our trustworthy team can help enable your stress-free logistics needs as you settle into your new environment.
Get in touch with us today, and let’s get you all geared up for your new job and home.