Since Brexit, it has become more challenging for UK citizens to work in the European Union (EU) compared to when the UK was a member state. The freedom of movement that allowed UK citizens to live and work anywhere in the EU ended on January 1, 2021, which means they are now treated as third-country nationals. Here’s a look at the current situation and some strategies for UK citizens who want to work in the EU:
Challenges for UK Citizens Working in the EU
Work Permits and Visas
- No Automatic Right to Work: UK citizens now generally require a work permit or visa to be employed in EU countries. The specific requirements, types of permits, and processing times vary from one country to another.
- Employer Sponsorship: In most EU countries, to obtain a work visa, an employer must sponsor the UK citizen and prove that the position could not be filled by a local or EU worker. This can make it more difficult to secure a job offer from companies that may prefer to hire EU citizens without these restrictions.
Limited Access to Job Markets
- Preference for EU Workers: Many EU companies prioritize hiring from within the EU because they do not need to deal with visa requirements, making it harder for UK citizens to compete on an equal footing.
- Bureaucratic Processes: Navigating the bureaucracy involved in obtaining work permits, residence permits, and dealing with legal paperwork can be time-consuming and complicated.
Short-Term Business Visits
- Restrictions on Length of Stay: UK citizens can visit most EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business trips. However, they are not allowed to engage in paid work during these visits without the appropriate visa.
Ways to Overcome the Challenges
Despite the difficulties, there are several strategies that UK citizens can use to increase their chances of working in the EU:
Apply for Work Permits and Visas
- Intra-Company Transfers: If you work for a multinational company with offices in both the UK and the EU, you might be eligible for an intra-company transfer. This allows you to be temporarily posted to the EU office without needing to apply for a standard work visa.
- Highly Skilled Worker Visas: Many EU countries have visa programs for highly skilled workers, such as the EU Blue Card scheme. The EU Blue Card is available in most member states and allows qualified non-EU professionals to live and work in the EU if they have a job offer with a minimum salary threshold.
Obtain Dual Citizenship or Residency
- Ancestry and Family Ties: If you have European ancestry, you might be eligible for citizenship through descent. For example, countries like Ireland, Italy, Poland, and others allow descendants of their citizens to apply for citizenship based on their family history.
- Residency Permits: In some cases, UK citizens can apply for long-term residency in EU countries by living there for an extended period. Different countries have varying criteria for residency permits, often based on factors like employment, income, or investments.
Study in the EU
- Student Visas Leading to Work Opportunities: Studying in the EU can be a strategic move to gain residency and work rights. Many EU countries allow international students to stay and work after graduation through graduate visas or residence permits. This can be a pathway to securing full-time employment in the country after your studies.
Seek Employment in Sectors with Skill Shortages
- Some EU countries have skill shortages in specific sectors (such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and teaching). Identifying countries with these shortages increases the chances of being granted a work visa, as employers in these fields are often more open to hiring non-EU citizens.
Freelancing and Remote Work
- Digital Nomad Visas: Several EU countries, including Estonia, Portugal, Croatia, and Spain, have introduced digital nomad visas for remote workers. These visas allow you to live in the country while working for a foreign employer or as a freelancer without needing a traditional work visa.
- Self-Employment Visas: Some EU countries offer self-employment or entrepreneur visas, which allow you to set up your own business or work as a freelancer within the country. The requirements often include a business plan, proof of sufficient income, and sometimes an investment in the local economy.
Irish Citizenship
- Common Travel Area (CTA): UK citizens can live and work in Ireland without restrictions due to the Common Travel Area agreement between the UK and Ireland. If you become an Irish citizen, you would also gain EU citizenship, which restores your right to live and work anywhere in the EU.