If you wish to move from EU (European Union) countries to the United Kingdom, there are several requirements that you should consider. The Immigration Office is in charge of the visas, and if you have decided to travel to the UK for business or pleasure, make sure to verify first what type of visa you might need. Our immigration solicitors in London can provide you with detailed information and legal assistance if you are an EU citizen and you want a UK visa.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| UK visas for EU citizens | For working and studying in the UK for more than 6 months |
|
Immigration system in the UK |
Points-based immigration system |
|
Types of visas in the UK |
For: – work, – study, – family reunion, – marriage, – civil partnership, etc. |
| The pre-settled status in the UK |
Citizens from EU countries can work/study, and enroll in education centers in the UK. The settled status is gained after 5 years of residency. |
| Skilled worker visa for EU citizens in the UK |
Can be gained if citizens prove they have a job offer, B1 English skills, required qualifications, and a minimum income of around GBP 26,000/year. |
| Global talent visa |
For highly skilled citizens, without a job offer. A great option for researchers, scientists, IT professionals, artists, etc. |
| Innovator founder visa |
The business idea must be unique and endorsed by an approved body in the UK. A 3-year residency in the UK can be issued. |
| Are temporary work visas available for EU citizens? (YES/NO) |
YES |
| Applying for a UK student visa from an EU country |
Presenting: – proof of attending a course, – personal funds, – English knowledge |
| Other formalities/considerations |
Applicants must have: – health insurance, – a clear criminal record, – proof of domicile, – valid passport |
| Can UK visa applications be made online? |
Yes, our UK immigration lawyers can handle the online formalities on behalf of clients coming from EU countries. |
| Time frame to get a visa in the UK |
Between 3 and 8 weeks, depending on the place of application. |
| Visa fees |
Ranging from GBP 1,191 to GBP 1,486 |
| Applying for a visa for minors through the EU settlement scheme |
This can be done at the same time as the main applicant/parent. If the application is successful, the minor gets the same status. |
| Working with our London immigration lawyers | We assist EU citizens in relocation to the UK by managing the procedures of getting a visa and residence permit. |
Table of Contents
Types of UK visas for EU citizens
EU citizens who want to work in the UK must apply for a skilled worker visa (Tier 2). With this type of visa, a citizen can stay and work if he/she has a job offer in the UK. Here are other visas that might be obtained by EU citizens relocating to the UK:
- A UK visitor visa is necessary to enter the UK as a visitor, regardless of whether it is for business or pleasure.
- The UK business visa is part of the long-term category of visas and can be issued for 2, 5, or 10 years.
- The UK family visa is necessary for EU citizens who wish to join a family member already settled in the UK.
- The Global Talent visa is also an option, especially for leaders in arts & culture, science, etc.
No matter the type of visa you might need, our UK immigration lawyer is ready to offer you the needed information, in order to properly move to the UK as an EU citizen and obtain a residence permit in the UK.
Applying for an electronic travel authorization (ETA)
The Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA can be used instead of a visa. This type of permission allows EU citizens to visit family and friends for 3 months or for tourism purposes. As an EU citizen interested in immigration to the UK, it is important to know that the ETA does not allow applicants to get paid work in this country or be self-employed, claim public funds, or register a civil partnership. In other situations, a visa will be required instead of the ETA. However, you can find out more about the legal information provided by our UK immigration lawyers. You can also explore this infographic with information on this subject:
Changing the pre-settled status
European citizens who can prove that they have lived in the UK for 5 years without interruptions can apply to extend their pre-settled status by another 5 years. Normally, the Home Office is the institution that sends notifications to people with pre-settled status that is about to expire. It is good to know that after this extension, you can automatically move to settled status, namely permanent residency in the UK. Please note, however, that there are cases of European citizens who can lose the extension of a pre-settled status if they stay outside the UK for longer than allowed. We remind you that you can benefit from legal assistance offered by our immigration lawyers in London if you want to immigrate to the UK from the EU.
What is the EU Settlement Scheme family permit?
The EU Settlement Scheme family permit (EUSS) is issued to citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein to relocate to the UK and reunite with their family members. In this case, you must prove your relationship with your family is already settled in the UK (birth/marriage certificates) and apply from your country of residence. If the EU Settlement Scheme family permit is issued, you can live in the UK for up to 6 months, after which you can consider the conditions for permanent residence. In addition, we remind you that you can opt for our immigration services if you want to obtain this status, including from your country of origin.
Living in the UK as an EU citizen
Many EU citizens choose London to live and work, but there are also excellent conditions in Manchester, Liverpool, Dublin, and Cambridge. You can easily open a bank account if all your documents, such as a passport, a visa, and others, are in the right order. People who relocate to the UK choose to rent houses for a two-month payment in advance. For a small amount, a real estate agent can take care of this matter. The health system in the UK is one of the best, and EU citizens can receive suitable medical treatments or services, according to their insurance. Our London immigration lawyer can tell you more about how to move to the UK.
UK has an excellent business environment, and many EU citizens choose to open businesses here as soon as they settle in the country. The government gives out certain Tier 1 visas to persons with a real business plan and enough resources to start their activities. It is good to know that the UK offers excellent education programs, so if you wish to study here, obtain a UK residence card or citizenship in the UK, it is recommended to discuss with our London immigration lawyer.
UK immigration statistics
Here are some statistical data on UK immigration:
- Around 13% of all immigrants registered in 2024 in the UK came from EU countries.
- According to the Office for National Statistics in the UK, the net migration rate of EU citizens decreased by around 95,000 in 2024 compared to the previous year.
- Almost 16% of the total UK population were foreign-born citizens, according to data for 2022.
If you have any other questions about how to immigrate to the UK from the EU, or maybe about how to obtain an innovator visa in the UK, you can contact our team of immigration solicitors in London.
