This guidance is for UK nationals who moved to European countries before 1 January 2021.
This information is a guide only. You should obtain definitive information from authorities in the country where you live. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
For general information about living in a European country go to the living in guide for the country you live in and sign up for email alerts for that country.
UK nationals in EU countries
Your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement
If you were lawfully resident in an EU country before 1 January 2021, your rights are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. You continue to have broadly the same rights to live, work, study and access benefits and services as you had before Brexit.
Read:
- EU information about the Withdrawal Agreement
- Withdrawal Agreement explainer
Residence documents and status
You and your family may need to apply for a new residence status to secure your rights if you were living in an EU country before 1 January 2021. If the country where you live does not require you to apply for a new residence status, you can still request a new residence document if you want one.
Read:
- EU residency guidance for the country you live in to find out how to secure your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement
- Living in guide for the country you live in
- EU guidance on holding multiple statuses
Family members
Your close family members can join you in the country where you are living. This applies to spouses, registered partners or durable partners, dependent children and grandchildren, and dependent parents and grandparents, including those of your spouse or registered partner. Your relationship with them must have begun by 31 December 2020.
If you have, or if you legally adopt, children in the future, and you have custody of them, your children will have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Passports and travel
When you travel, especially within the EU, you should carry your residence document or frontier worker permit issued under the Withdrawal Agreement, in addition to your valid passport.
You must proactively show your residence document, or other evidence of status under the Withdrawal Agreement, if you are asked to show your passport at border control. If you have applied for, but not yet received, your residence document, you should carry evidence that you have applied. This could be your certificate of application or certificate of registration. If you cannot prove that you are a resident, you may be asked additional questions at the border to enter the EU.
Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. This will not affect your rights in the country or countries where you live or work. If a passport is stamped, the stamp is considered null and void when you can show evidence of lawful residence.
If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you do not need any extra months on your passport to enter or exit EU countries.
Read EU guidance for UK nationals on entering and leaving the Schengen area
Healthcare
You retain your rights to healthcare in the EU country you live in, as long as you remain covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. Read further guidance in the Living in guide for the country you live in.
Working in Europe
If you live in an EU or EFTA country and were regularly commuting to work in other EU or EFTA countries before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
Studying in the EU
You have the same rights to access education as nationals of the country where you live. This includes home fee status (the fee rate that students who live in that country are charged).
You may not be entitled to maintenance grants or loans from the host country unless you have permanent residency or are a worker in that country.
Read the studying in the EU guidance which includes information for UK nationals living in the EU before 1 January 2021.
Studying in the UK
Find out about access to higher education for UK nationals coming from EU and EFTA countries to study in:
- England: access to higher and further education
- Scotland: support for students
- Wales: education and skills
- Northern Ireland: student finance
Apprenticeships in the UK
Read about apprenticeships for UK nationals who live in EU or EFTA countries.
Pensions and benefits
Read:
- guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions in the EU
- Money and Pension Service guidance on pension and retirement for more information on cross-border pensions
- State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension
Buying property in the EU
If you are buying a new property, some EU countries have different property acquisition laws for EU citizens and non-EU citizens. Check with local authorities how these apply to you. Read the Living in guide for the country you live in.
Inheritance tax and wills
Wills made under UK law remain valid, subject to local laws on property and assets abroad. You can find information on English speaking lawyers abroad, which may be useful if you wish to seek legal advice.
Citizens’ rights: advice and complaints
The European Commission provides information on enforcing citizens’ rights in EU countries, and what to do if your rights are not respected.
Its assistance service provides advice on your rights in the EU country where you live and how to resolve issues with or submit a complaint about a public body regarding your rights (link may not be accessible on some web browsers). You can also bring your case to national courts and tribunals to resolve issues relating to your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
You can complain to the European Commission about a breach of EU law.
You can also contact the European Ombudsman to submit a complaint about an EU institution or body.
Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights: joint reports
Read reports setting out how the UK and EU countries are implementing residence rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Returning to live in the UK
You continue to have the right to return to the UK in future.
Your close family members can join you in the UK if your relationship with them began before 31 December 2020, by applying to the EU Settlement Scheme until 29 March 2022. After this date the UK Immigration Rules will apply.
Your children retain their rights to British citizenship.
Read guidance on returning to the UK permanently, including on tax and access to services.
Ireland
Brexit does not affect UK and Irish nationals’ rights in the Common Travel Area. View the Common Travel Area guidance.
Read the Living in Ireland guide.
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
The EEA EFTA countries
Your rights under the EEA EFTA Separation Agreement
The UK has an agreement with the European Economic Area European Free Trade Association (EEA EFTA) countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway which protect citizens’ rights.
If you were lawfully resident in Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway before 1 January 2021, you are covered by the Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident. You continue to have broadly the same entitlements to work, study and access services and benefits.
For more information read: the EEA EFTA Separation Agreement and Explainer.
Switzerland
Your rights under the Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement
The UK has an agreement with Switzerland to protect citizens’ rights.
If you were lawfully resident in Switzerland before 1 January 2021, you are covered by the Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident. You continue to have broadly the same entitlements to work, study and access services and benefits.
For more information read the UK-Switzerland Citizens’ Rights Agreement and Explainer.
FAQs
Can you move freely between EU countries? ›
Your rights & EU rules
As an EU national, you enjoy the right of free movement. This means you're entitled to travel, work and live in another EU country. If you're a citizen of a Schengen country – which is most EU countries – you're also free to travel to other Schengen countries without the need for border checks.
EU citizens have the right to permanent residence in another EU country after legally residing there continuously for five years. They may be temporarily absent (for example due to an illness, to study or because of a posting).
How long can an EU citizen stay in another EU country? ›Staying in another EU state for up to 90 days
EU countries must not set conditions (other than needing a passport or national identity card, or to report their presence to the authorities) for EU citizens to enter their country.
Options for Moving to Europe: To legally reside in a European country long term, you need a foreign residence and/or work permit. The first step is usually applying for a visa from your home country. Once approved, that visa allows you to enter the country you're moving to with your U.S. passport.
What are the EU rules on free movement? ›As EU citizens, all nationals of the Member States of the European Union have the right to move freely within the European Union and to enter and reside in any EU Member State. This right to freedom of movement is guaranteed by Article 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU).
Can I stay in Europe for 6 months? ›The 90-Day Limit. Once you are allowed to enter the Schengen Area — with just your passport or with a short-term visa — you are ONLY permitted to stay for 3 months (90 days) in ANY 6-month period (180 days).
Do EU residents have the same rights as citizens? ›If you were lawfully resident in an EU country before 1 January 2021, your rights are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. You continue to have broadly the same rights to live, work, study and access benefits and services as you had before Brexit.
Who qualifies for early settled status? ›You may be able to get settled status if either: you have lived continuously in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for more than the 2 years immediately beforehand. the permanent incapacity was the result of an accident at work or an occupational disease that entitles you to a pension from a UK institution.
Which EU country gives citizenship easily? ›We believe Portugal is, overall, the easiest country to get citizenship of the EU. That's due to the following factors: Short residency period of just five years before applying for citizenship. One of the world's most powerful passports.
What happens if you go over 90 days in Europe? ›A non-EU national who stays in the Schengen area beyond 90 days (without a residence permit or long-stay visa) is illegally present, which can result in a re-entry ban to the Schengen area.
How does the 180 day rule work? ›
What does it mean? The 90/180-day rule states that any foreign national who enters the Schengen zone (any country within the area) can stay for up to 90 days within any 180 days. At first glance, it seems a very simple rule, but it's often misunderstood, and many people overstay it, resulting in them facing penalties.
Does the 90 day rule apply to EU citizens? ›You do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if both of the following apply: you're staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period. you're visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons.
Can you just move to Europe? ›Can Americans Really Move to Europe? The simple answer is yes! U.S. citizens can travel to most European countries for up to 90 days (within 180 days) as a tourist. However, for those who want to live there, acquiring a long-term visa and/or residency permit is your ticket to calling Europe home.
Can I move to Europe without a job? ›The best way to move to Europe without a job is by getting a student visa and studying there. Whether it's for your Bachelor's or Master's or even just a language school, this is the most common and easiest entrance into a lot of countries in Europe.
What is the easiest country to move to in Europe? ›1) Portugal
What make Portugal the easiest country in Europe to gain citizenship is that there are no physical presence requirements. Meaning you only need to hold your resident permit in order to qualify for naturalization.
- criminal laws;
- customs and border protection laws;
- citizenship and passport laws;
- environmental regulation;
- child support laws; and.
- laws restricting entry to certain areas.
- right to vote and to stand as a candidate at elections to the European Parliament.
- right to vote and to stand as a candidate at municipal elections.
- right to good administration.
- right of access to documents.
- european ombudsman.
- right to petition.
- freedom of movement and of residence.
One of the four freedoms enjoyed by EU citizens is the free movement of workers. This includes the rights of movement and residence for workers, the rights of entry and residence for family members, and the right to work in another Member State and be treated on an equal footing with nationals of that Member State.
Will the 90 day rule change? ›He said, “There will be no change in the short term, but we will carry on working on it, so that hopefully there will be something in the future.” However, it's not only the British Embassy that is keen to remove the restriction.
How do people in Europe live for 6 months? ›- Split Up Schengen and Non-Schengen Countries.
- Working Holiday Visa.
- Become a Student at a European University.
- Long Term Tourist Visa.
- Language Assistant Program.
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Jobs.
- Self Employment or Freelance Visa.
- European Passport.
How much bank balance is required for Schengen visa? ›
Proof of civil status – birth certificate will suffice. Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months.
Can you lose your EU citizenship? ›According to the European Parliament statistics, in 15 EU countries, disloyalty can be given as a reason to strip citizenship.
Which European country allows dual citizenship? ›EU countries that allow dual citizenship: Germany, Greece, France, Ireland, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Poland, Sweden.
Can you work in one EU country and live in another? ›Can I live and work in another EU country? The EU permanent residence permit is a specific form of permanent residence permit. With an EU permanent residence permit, you have the option of obtaining a residence permit in other EU countries; that is, under certain conditions, you can live and work in another EU country.
Can I still apply for pre-settled status 2022? ›If you have limited leave to enter or remain in the UK which expires after 30 June 2021, you must apply before your leave expires. If you're applying as a family member of a British citizen who you lived with in the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must apply by 29 March 2022.
What is the difference between settled and pre-settled status? ›If you get settled status, you can stay in the UK as long as you like. You'll also be able to apply for British citizenship if you're eligible. If you get pre-settled status, you can stay in the UK for a further 5 years from the date you get pre-settled status.
What rights do I have with pre-settled status? ›If you get pre-settled status, you can live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. After you've lived in the UK for 5 years, you should apply for settled status to stay for longer.
What is the hardest citizenship to get? ›- Qatar.
- Vatican City.
- Liechtenstein.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Kuwait.
- Switzerland.
- China.
- Portugal. This country is famous for good food, beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, and affordable living. ...
- Slovenia. This Central European country became an independent country in 1999. ...
- Spain. ...
- Croatia. ...
- Bulgaria. ...
- Italy.
As for European countries, the quickest option is Turkey; obtaining citizenship takes 6—8 months. A Maltese passport, which is an EU passport, can be acquired within 14 months. Yet, Maltese Due Diligence is very strict; the Turkish check is easier to pass.
› Services › Brexit ›
Brexit - What EU citizens living in the UK need to know | Lawyers ...
British Citizenship for EU Nationals
How To Become An EU Citizen: Ultimate 2023 Guide
1) Portugal
What make Portugal the easiest country in Europe to gain citizenship is that there are no physical presence requirements. Meaning you only need to hold your resident permit in order to qualify for naturalization. You don't need to spend most of the year in the country like most other countries.
Can I live and work in another EU country? The EU permanent residence permit is a specific form of permanent residence permit. With an EU permanent residence permit, you have the option of obtaining a residence permit in other EU countries; that is, under certain conditions, you can live and work in another EU country.
Which European country is easiest to get citizenship? ›We believe Portugal is, overall, the easiest country to get citizenship of the EU. That's due to the following factors: Short residency period of just five years before applying for citizenship. One of the world's most powerful passports.
Which is the easiest country to move to? ›- New Zealand.
- Australia.
- Spain.
- Paraguay.
- Germany.
- Montenegro.
- Czechia.
- Thailand.
...
The 17 hardest countries to get citizenship are:
- Qatar.
- Vatican City.
- Liechtenstein.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Kuwait.
- Switzerland.
- China.
Vanuatu is the takes only 50 days to process applications. These are the fastest countries to become a world citizen through citizenship by investment schemes. There is also a possibility for stateless to become a citizen and acquire passports through the investment schemes.
Which Schengen country is easy to get visa in 2022? ›...
Other Important FAQs.
| Afghanistan | Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | Pakistan |
| Somalia | Sri Lanka |
Summing up, remote workers must file taxes in their tax residence country. This is defined as the principal residence or usual abode. Digital nomads might face a few extra layers, given that they are physically located in other countries during the fiscal year, so this means that local taxes might also be applied.
Can I live abroad and work remotely? ›Can I Work Remotely From Another Country? It is legal to work from many countries throughout the world even if you aren't a resident of that country. However, you'll need to comply with your chosen country's visa and tax requirements in order to stay there legally.
How long can you work remotely in another country without paying taxes? ›
Do You Have to Pay Remote Work Taxes in Another Country? Yes. Most countries have tax-residency rules that dictate how long you can stay in their country before becoming a tax resident. In most cases, you must file as a tax resident and pay income tax if you stay for more than six consecutive months in a year.
Where is it cheapest to live in Europe? ›- Portugal. This country is famous for good food, beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, and affordable living. ...
- Slovenia. This Central European country became an independent country in 1999. ...
- Spain. ...
- Croatia. ...
- Bulgaria. ...
- Italy.
EU countries that allow dual citizenship: Germany, Greece, France, Ireland, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Poland, Sweden.
Which country gives citizenship? ›Austria, Belgium, Ecuador, Belize and Costa Rica, countries where you can get citizenship and work visas easily of you have an Indian passport. Travel Tips, Immigration with Indian Passport: There are many countries in the world who give citizenship of their country if you have the passport of India and some documents.