Can I still live and work in the UK after Brexit?

If you were living in the UK before 1 January 2021

If you were living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may continue to live and work there. However, you need to to have settled or pre-settled status. Did circumstances prevent you from applying for a residence permit for yourself and/or your family members before 1 July 2021? If so, apply to the EU Settlement Scheme as soon as possible on the UK government website. Any of your family members who are not citizens of the United Kingdom will also have to apply.

Find out which documents you need for your application.

Applying for settled status after more than 5 years in the UK

If you have lived in the UK for more than 5 years, you can apply to the British government for settled status. This gives people the right to live and work in the UK. It also gives you the right to accrue state pension and to access public services. If you have lived in the UK for less than 5 years, you can apply for pre-settled status. After 5 years in the UK, you can convert to settled status.

New rules to live and work in the UK as of 2021

Points-based system for living and working in the UK

British regulations determine whether you can live and work in the UK. The UK has a points-based immigration system. To live and work in the UK you must meet specific requirements. For example, you must earn over a certain amount and have sufficient command of the English language. Find out more about the UK’s points-based immigration system on the UK government website. 

In most cases you can’t work during a short stay in the UK

In most cases, if you are in the UK for a short amount of time, you are not allowed to work. There are, of course, exceptions. For example, if you’re in the UK for a meeting or convention, or to install or maintain equipment. Find out more about which work and activities are permitted when you’re visiting the UK on the UK government website.