There are immigration rules you need to be aware of, if you would like to continue to live in the UK after Brexit. Especially, if you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland and is running a UK business.
Unless, you have obtained your British passport or you are an Irish citizen. Then, you do not need to do anything to continue to live in the UK after Brexit.
EU countries
The (European Union) EU countries include:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
EEA countries
Whereas, the (European Economic Area) EEA countries include:
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
Switzerland
Switzerland is neither EU or EEA member but is part of the Single market. This means Swiss nationals have the same rights to live and work in the UK as other EEA nationals.
In summary, the Single market is made up of 28 countries which allows free movements of goods, capital, services and people between member states. UK is leaving the single market economic and political union.
Permanent residence document
For example, you hold a valid permanent residence document issued by the UK Home Office. For Brexit purpose, your permanent residence document would not be valid after 31 December 2020.
Types of permanent residence documents include:
- a certificate inside your blue residence documentation booklet or pink for Swiss national.
- a certificate inside your passport
- a biometric residence card confirming permanent residence.
Continue to live in the UK after 30 June 2021
Thereafter, you would need to either, apply to the EU Settlement Scheme or apply for British citizenship to continue living in the UK.
For this purpose, the EU settlement scheme is open and you can apply now. Do not wait until the last minute.
You can still apply for your British passport at a later date after you applied to stay under the EU settlement scheme.
On the other hand, If you would not wish to continue to live in the UK after Brexit, you can stay in the UK until 30 June 2021.
