Can EU citizens still work freely in the UK after Brexit?
EU free movement to the UK ended 31 December 2020. EU citizens not registered on the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 now need a work visa under the points-based system — same as any non-British national.
The truth
From 1 January 2021, the UK's points-based immigration system applies to EU and non-EU nationals equally. EU citizens who were resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 had until 30 June 2021 to apply for Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme — late applications are accepted only with 'reasonable grounds.' EU citizens arriving after that date must apply for a Skilled Worker visa (job offer with a licensed sponsor, salary £38,700 from April 2024 for most occupations), a Graduate visa (after UK study), a Family visa, or one of the other entry routes. Visa-free entry for short stays (up to 6 months) continues for tourism / business meetings — but the UK ETA scheme rolled out to EU nationals through 2025, so a £10 pre-travel authorisation is now required. Irish citizens remain unrestricted under the Common Travel Area — Ireland is the only EU country that retains free movement to/from the UK.
Why this rumour persists
Brexit was politically and legally complex; the messaging during the transition was deliberately vague to manage stakeholders. Many EU citizens (and UK employers) assumed continued mobility because that's what the news cycle suggested, until the rules sharpened in 2021.
What to actually do
- Check your status: if you were UK-resident before 31 Dec 2020 and didn't apply to EUSS, gov.uk has a late-application route
- If you're an EU citizen now wanting to work in UK, the Skilled Worker visa is the main route — need employer sponsorship and £38,700 minimum salary (or shortage-occupation reduction)
- Irish citizens: no change — full UK / Ireland CTA continues
- EU citizens for short visits: UK ETA from 2025 (£10, 2-year validity)
Country-specific notes
- Ireland: Common Travel Area is in primary legislation on both sides — Irish citizens have unrestricted right to live and work in the UK, and vice versa. Brexit did not affect this.
- Germany / France / Spain etc.: Post-Brexit EU nationals need a sponsored work visa, family route, or other long-stay visa to live and work in the UK.