Since Brexit, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens use the same UK visa system as everyone else — but with rules of their own worth knowing: the EU Settlement Scheme, the ETA, and full Irish citizen freedom.
For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens — and the UK businesses that employ them.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-16.
TL;DR
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020 need a visa under the points-based system — Skilled Worker from £819, partner routes £2,064, Student £558. Those resident before that date use the free EU Settlement Scheme. Short visits need only a £20 Electronic Travel Authorisation, and Irish citizens need no permission at all.
Free
EU Settlement Scheme
£20
ETA for short visits
£819+
Skilled Worker fee
How Brexit Changed the Rules
Free movement ended on 31 December 2020. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who were already living in the UK by that date could protect their position through the EU Settlement Scheme — free to apply, granting settled or pre-settled status. Late applications are still possible with reasonable grounds, and pre-settled status holders upgrade to settled status as they reach five years’ residence.
Everyone arriving after that date uses the points-based immigration system on the same terms as any other nationality: a sponsored job for the work routes, the family rules for partners, and the student rules for study. The one exception is Irish citizens, whose Common Travel Area rights mean they can live and work in the UK without any immigration permission.
For short trips the position is lighter: EU citizens do not need a visit visa, but since 2025 they do need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — £20, linked to your passport, covering repeat visits of up to six months.
European Status Schemes
The schemes that exist specifically for European citizens.
Working in the UK
The routes European professionals now use.
For European Businesses
Expanding into the UK or transferring staff from an EU office.
Family, Visits & Study
Joining family, visiting or studying in the UK.
Settling Permanently
From pre-settled status or a visa route to permanent residence.
What Our Clients Say
Independent Google reviews from the people and businesses we have supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about european visas in 2026.
Do EU citizens need a visa to work in the UK?
Yes — EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who arrived after 31 December 2020 need a work visa, most commonly the Skilled Worker route sponsored by a licensed UK employer. Those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme can work without sponsorship.
What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
The free scheme protecting EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, granting settled status (5+ years’ residence) or pre-settled status. Late applications remain possible where there are reasonable grounds for missing the deadline.
Do EU citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No visa — but since 2025 they need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): £20, applied for online, linked to the passport, and valid for repeat visits of up to 6 months at a time.
Do Irish citizens need UK immigration permission?
No. Under the Common Travel Area, Irish citizens can live, work and study in the UK without any visa, ETA or settlement application.
Can an EU company open a UK branch?
Yes — the UK Expansion Worker route (£340) lets an EU business send a senior manager or specialist to establish a UK entity that has not started trading, and the wider Global Business Mobility routes cover transfers once it has.
What does it cost a UK employer to hire an EU citizen?
For post-2020 arrivals without settled status: a sponsor licence (£611 small / £1,682 large), a £525 Certificate of Sponsorship, and the worker’s visa fee from £819 plus the £1,035-per-year health surcharge. Checking a candidate’s EUSS status first can make hiring free.
Can EU citizens with pre-settled status get settled status?
Yes — pre-settled status holders can apply for settled status once they reach five years’ continuous residence, and automatic upgrades cover many cases. Settled status is the EUSS equivalent of indefinite leave to remain.
Can an EU citizen join a British partner in the UK?
Yes, through the spouse or partner route: £2,064 from outside the UK, an income requirement of usually £29,000, and a 5-year path to settlement.
Can EU citizens still get British citizenship?
Yes — after 12 months with settled status or ILR (immediately if married to a British citizen), meeting the residence, Life in the UK and good character requirements. The total cost is £1,839.
Can Morgan Smith Immigration help EU citizens and employers?
Yes. Our IAA-regulated advisers handle EUSS issues, sponsored hiring of European talent, EU business expansion into the UK and the settlement journey — from offices in London and Dubai.
Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
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One team for EU citizens, their families and the businesses that bring them here.