Moving to the UK as an EU Citizen After Brexit: What You Need to Know

Working in the UK after Brexit is still possible for EU citizens, but the rules for moving here and taking a job have changed for good. Free movement ended on 31 December 2020, so EU nationals no longer have automatic access to the British labour market. Unless you already have status in the UK, you need the right visa before you can work legally.

Below we explain how working in the UK after Brexit looks in practice and what to check before you move.

Can EU citizens still work in the UK?

Yes, but it depends on your situation:

• Settled or pre-settled status: if you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, you can keep living and working here. The deadline for most people was 30 June 2021, although family members joining someone with status may have later deadlines.
• Irish citizens do not need a visa or settled status to live and work in the UK.
• Everyone else needs a visa that allows work. In practice, this usually means finding an employer before you move.

Whatever your route, employers must check that you are allowed to work. Most people now prove this online with a share code rather than a paper document; our guide to right to work checks, eVisas and share codes explains how it works.

The Skilled Worker visa

The most common work route is the Skilled Worker visa. To get one, you must:

• have a confirmed job offer from an employer with a sponsor licence,
• meet the current salary requirements for that job,
• prove your knowledge of English,
• work in an occupation that is on the list of eligible jobs.

Other routes include the Health and Care Worker visa, the Global Talent visa, the Innovator Founder visa, student visas and the Seasonal Worker visa. Seasonal and student visas are temporary and do not in themselves lead to settlement. A tourist visit is not a way to look for work either: most EU visitors now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), and it does not allow you to work. If you are thinking about fruit picking or other short-term jobs, read our article on seasonal work in the UK first.

Pay in the UK after Brexit

Earnings depend on the sector, your experience and the region. There is a statutory minimum wage set by the government, but for visa purposes what matters most are the salary thresholds you must meet to be sponsored, not the minimum wage itself.

Remember that living costs are high, especially in London and the South East. Check our breakdown of the cost of living in the UK before you accept an offer.

Tax and your National Insurance number

The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. Income Tax and National Insurance are usually deducted automatically by your employer through PAYE. Everyone who works in the UK needs a National Insurance number; if you have a visa, it may already be shown on your immigration record. You can find the details in our guide to UK income tax, PAYE and tax codes.

Finding somewhere to live

Renting a flat or a room can be difficult, particularly before you have a permanent job. Landlords often ask for a deposit, the first month's rent up front and proof of income, and they must also check your right to rent. Some employers help with finding accommodation, especially in seasonal and logistics work. If you have no UK credit history yet, these tips on renting without a credit history will help.

English language skills

Good English is essential for working in the UK after Brexit. For many visas it is a formal requirement, and in practice weak communication skills greatly reduce your chances of getting an offer from a sponsoring employer.

The UK job market after Brexit

The labour market has changed. There are fewer jobs that need no qualifications for people coming from abroad, and more roles for candidates with experience, certificates or a specific trade. Many employers also choose not to sponsor visas, which limits the number of openings available to new arrivals.

Summary

Working in the UK after Brexit is possible, but it takes preparation. The key elements are the right status or visa, a job offer, good English and a realistic view of living costs. For people with qualifications and experience, the UK can still be an attractive place to build a career.

Ready to start looking? Browse current jobs in the United Kingdom on Jober.