Residence rights for EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU

UK citizens who want to live in the EU

British citizens don’t need a visa to stay in an EU country for up to 90 days in a given 180-day period. This applies only to leisure visits, and any work you carry out will most often require a work permit. After 90 days, you will need to get a visa to be able to stay longer and to get a job or to study.

Most EU countries have multiple visa types, and the conditions and procedures differ for each. In some countries, it is necessary to be sponsored by an employer in order to be able to get the right to stay, while others will allow you to have a temporary visa to find work. Some EU countries have a points-based system for skilled migrants.

Please check the website of the national authorities for more information on the conditions that apply in your case.

EU citizens who want to live in the UK

EU citizens can stay in the UK as a visitor for up to six months. After this period, it will be necessary to have a work, study or family visa. The conditions and procedures differ for each different visa type. Please check the website of the British authorities for more information on the conditions that apply in your case.

Information on applying for a UK visa

Residence rights under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement (Brexit)

UK citizens who had been living in an EU country before January 2021 may have been able to stay thanks to the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. The same applied to EU citizens who had been living in the UK. Since 1 January 2021, EU citizens moving to the UK are not covered by the agreement, unless they are a family member of someone who is.

More information on residence rights after Brexit

Information on the UK’s settlement scheme for EU citizens

See also

Travel documents for EU nationals and their non-EU family members residing in the UK

Travel documents for UK nationals and their family members residing in an EU country

Need support from assistance services?

Get in touch with specialised assistance services

You can also use the assistance service finder to find the right help for you.

Last checked: 30/01/2024
Share this page