European citizens
This section explains how European citizens and members of their family can enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom. The information in this section applies to citizens of countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
If you are not an EEA or Swiss national you should read the sections on visiting, studying and working in the United Kingdom for information on how you can apply to enter, visit or live in the United Kingdom.
Rights and responsibilities
This page explains whether EEA and Swiss nationals and their family can come to the United Kingdom to visit, live and work.
Applying
This page explains how EEA and Swiss nationals and members of their family who are living in the United Kingdom can apply for a registration certificate or a residence card to confirm the holder's rights of residence under European law. The page also explains how EEA and Swiss nationals and their families can apply for confirmation of permanent residence after living in the United Kingdom for five years.
Worker registration scheme
This page explains the worker registration scheme. Nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia must register with us under this scheme when they take work in the United Kingdom.
Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
This page explains how Bulgarian and Romanian nationals can apply for permission to work in the United Kingdom. Bulgarian and Romanian nationals cannot start work in the United Kingdom without our permission.
News & updates
Terms explained
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European Economic Area
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU) but citizens of these countries have the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens.