European nationals
This section is for nationals of countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. It explains how they and members of their families (whether or not they are EEA or Swiss nationals themselves) can come to, live in and work in the UK.
If you are not an EEA or Swiss national, or the family member of an EEA or Swiss national, you should read the Visas and immigration section to find out how you can apply to come here.
Rights and responsibilities
This page explains whether EEA and Swiss nationals and their families can come to the UK to visit, live and work.
Residence documents for European citizens
This section explains how EEA and Swiss nationals in the UK can apply for documents to confirm their rights of residence under European law.
EEA family permits for family members
This section explains which non-European family members of EEA and Swiss nationals need an EEA family permit before they can come to the UK, and how they can apply for one.
Residence documents for family members
This section explains how the non-European family members of EEA and Swiss nationals can, while they are in the UK,apply for documents to confirm their rights of residence under European law.
Worker Registration Scheme
This scheme has now closed. Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Slovakian and Slovenian nationalsdonot need to obtain our permission before they work in the UK.
Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
Most Bulgarian and Romanian nationals cannot start working in the UK without our permission. This section explains how they can apply for that permission.
Derivative rights of residence under EU law
A person who does not qualify for a right of residence under the free movement directive (Directive 2004/38/EC) may qualify for another right of residence under EU law. These are known as ‘derivative rights’ because they come from (are ‘derived’ from) EU law, not from the directive.
School children travelling in organised school groups
School children, who are visa nationals, and are resident in an EEA country do not need a visa if visiting or transiting the UK as a member of an organised school group.
MORE NEWS AND UPDATES
- Changes to the Immigration Rules – October 2013
- Immigration Rule changes
- Fee for EEA documentation applications
- Croatia becomes a member of the EU
Terms explained
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European Economic Area
The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Although Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU), their citizens have the same rights as EU citizens to enter, live in and work in the UK.