EU citizenship and visa advice, research and applications

The UK's Frontier Worker Permit – work in the UK post-Brexit

If you have an EU or Swiss passport and want to work in the United Kingdom but live in another country, then the UK’s Frontier Worker Permit could be a good fit. The permit allows you to continue working in the UK post-Brexit.

About the UK’s Frontier Worker Permit

The permit is a popular option for many professionals as you don’t need a UK-based employer to sponsor you. While the permit is aimed at EU residents who used to work in the UK pre-Brexit, South Africans who hold dual citizenship with an EU country can also apply.

Benefits of the UK’s Frontier Worker Permit

The UK’s Frontier Worker Permit allows you to explore work opportunities in the UK without having to relocate there. The permit offers flexibility by providing access to one of the world’s leading economies and an opportunity to gain valuable international work experience without having to uproot from your home country. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, this permit does not provide a route to settlement.

Who can benefit from the Frontier Worker Permit? 

• Professionals: Individuals who work in sectors such as finance, tech, consulting, and creative industries, where cross-border employment is common.
• Freelancers and contractors: Those who provide services to UK-based clients while living in another country.
• Business owners: Entrepreneurs who manage businesses or have business interests in the UK but live elsewhere.
• Employees of multinational companies: Workers who are employed by international firms with operations in the UK.

UK Frontier Worker Permit requirements 

• Nationality: You are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Irish citizens do not need to apply for a Frontier Worker permit, but you can choose to do so if you prefer.
• Residency: You must live primarily outside the UK. This means you should spend more time in your country of residence than in the UK over a 12-month period. You mustn’t be in the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month rolling period from 1 January 2020.
• Work in the UK: You must be engaged in genuine and effective work in the UK. This could be employment, self-employment or providing services.
• Regular commuting: You should have a history of regular commuting to the UK for work. If you have not worked in the UK before in the capacity you are applying for, you will not qualify for this visa.
• Commencement date: You must have begun working in the UK by 31 December 2020 and have continued to work there at least once every 12 months since then.

How long is the Frontier Worker Permit valid for?

The Frontier Worker Permit is typically issued for a period of five years. However, if you have only been working in the UK for less than a year, you might receive a visa valid for only two years. The visa can be renewed, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Options for family members of frontier workers 

Family members of frontier workers are not eligible to apply for as dependants on your Frontier Worker Permit. There are options available if you want to bring your family members with you, including:

• Applying for entry clearance via an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit to join the frontier worker in the UK or to accompany them to the UK.
• Applying for pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

For more detailed information and to start your Frontier Worker Permit application, get in touch with our specialist immigration team on +27 (0) 21 657 2180 or +44 (0) 20 7759-5330 or send an email to immigration@sableinternational.com.