EEA Nationals

The EEA is the European Economic Area.

The EEA is made up of the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU):

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Irish Republic
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• 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 as  those listed above.

Nationals from Switzerland also have the right of free movement and residence throughout the EEA.

EEA nationals do not require any formal permission to enter the UK and there is no time limit on their stay.

Romanians and Bulgarians

Once in the UK, EEA nationals are free to stay to work or set up a business and do not need to apply for permission to do so at any time.

EEA nationals arriving in the UK

When you arrive at major UK ports and airports you should use the separate channel marked ‘EEA/EU’.

Immigration Officers will check your passport or national identity card to make sure that it is valid and belongs to you.

Residence Permit

EEA nationals expecting to work in the UK six months or more can apply for a Residence Permit from the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office.   However the rules are slightly different for people from the New Member States (Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and Czech republic).  See Worker Registration Scheme.  

This is normally valid for five years.

A Residence Permit confirms your right to live in the UK under European Community Law and allows you to apply for residence documents for any eligible family members with you who are not EEA citizens.

Find out more at: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Read about EEA Nationals experience of living in Scotland EEA Nationals- case studies

If you need more information please contact The Relocation Advisory Service RAS

e-mail your enquiry