Brexit and Immigration: What You Need to Know

How Did We Get Here?

On 23 June 2016, the UK held a referendum asking voters in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland if they wanted to remain a member of, or to leave, the EU. 51.89% of UK voters voted to leave the EU.

Since the referendum, numerous discussions have taken place on the management of the UK leaving the EU, including the immigration implications of UK nationals travelling to, working and living in the EU. In January 2020, the Withdrawal Bill was pushed through Parliament, which stated the transitional end date for Brexit to be 31 December 2020.

During the transition period until 31 December 2020, EU free movement rights continued.

  • What Happened Next?

    EU Citizens in the UK

    EU citizens arriving in the UK before 31 December 2020 had until 30 June 2021 to register, through the EU Settlement Scheme.

    Family members in a relationship with the EU citizen before the end of the transition period will be able to join those with settled status at any future date.

    New immigration rules have been implemented which apply to EU nationals arriving from 1 January 2021. EEA nationals and their family members will be treated the same as non-EEA nationals under the new system.

    Family members of an EU citizen arriving after 31 December 2020 will be subject to a future immigration scheme.

    Newland Chase understands that it is vital to our clients to ensure the continued rights of their EU nationals in the UK and offers a comprehensive, tailored set of services to support and minimise the impact of Brexit.

    UK Nationals in the EU

    The rights of UK nationals resident in the EU before the end of the transition period, and of their family members, are similarly protected, although registration schemes vary between member states.

    The deadline to apply for a residence document in several EU member states was 30 June 2021, however some countries have announced an extension to the 30 June 2021 deadline. For details on the residence procedures for UK national in all EU member states under the Withdrawal Agreement, view our comprehensive guide.

    Employers are encouraged to review their UK business traveller and cross-border commuter population in the EU, as their current activities may be considered work after Brexit and may require a work permit.

    Newland Chase has developed an extensive end-to-end service offering to assist employers in supporting their UK national employees in the EU. Contact your Newland Chase account manager to discuss how we can best assist you to protect the right to reside and work in the EU of your UK national employees and their families.

Our People

With the complex, fast-changing nature of Brexit, and the potential impact on our clients – Newland Chase has formed a dedicated Brexit Team to address our client’s concerns and support them throughout this turbulent time. Newland Chase’s team of qualified consultants possess industry-leading expertise in the complexities of the laws and processes for visas and immigration both in the UK and the various EU member states.

Our professionals offer bespoke solutions for businesses of every size and every industry. Our specialists will work with you to ensure that you, your business, and your workforce receive fully tailored services designed for your particular needs.

Ray Rackham

Managing Director

London, United Kingdom

Jason Rogers

Vice President, Senior Global Immigration Counsel

Texas, United States

Carlijn Langeveld

Senior Strategic Advisor

Toulouse, France

Raquel Gomez Salas

Global Immigration Counsel

London, United Kingdom

Rowen Edy

Director, Operations & Advisory

United Kingdom

Jaana Alliku

Immigration Manager

London, United Kingdom

Gurjinder Hothi

Senior Immigration Manager

London, United Kingdom

Claire Lathrope

Senior Immigration Manager

London, United Kingdom

Anton Zykin

Immigration Manager

London, United Kingdom

What is the UK Settlement Scheme for EU Nationals?

The EU Settlement Scheme launched in full on 30 March 2019. From that date, EU nationals exercising the right to reside and work in the UK will need to apply for updated status under the new scheme.

We understand that it is vital to our clients to ensure the continued rights of their EU nationals, and that navigating this new system is no small undertaking. Newland Chase therefore offers a comprehensive set of services to support and minimise the impact of Brexit for both corporate and private clients alike.

We’ll work with you to tailor our services to your needs so that you can approach the new scheme with confidence and clarity. For businesses of every size, in every sector – from those looking to outsource the process from start to finish, to those who just require the occasional guiding hand – we’ll find the right settlement solution for you:

  • Start-to-Finish Support – A fully-managed service to assist your EU national employees and family members navigate through the Settlement Scheme. Newland Chase will contact, assess, and provide a recommendation to each applicant, provide instruction on the process and required documentation, and assist with the application. To ensure your employees are fully compliant, Newland Chase’s immigration management technology platform will also track and report the progress for each employee, group, or the employee population as a whole and retain the documentation confirming the updated settled status for your access.
  • Application Preparation – Newland Chase consultants will assess, prepare, and process the application from start to finish for an EU national and their family members.
  • One-to-One Assistance – Direct access to our EU specialists and application support team at your location. Visiting your sites to hold one-to-one sessions with your employees, we will provide personalised consultation and in-person assistance with the submission of settlement applications.
  • Sponsor Licence Evaluation – From 1 January 2021, organisations must be a Home Office licensed sponsor to recruit anyone from outside the UK (including EU citizens). We offer a full range of services to prepare you for the application process, including full system audits and recommendations tailored to your business. Schedule a consultation now.
  • Instructional Seminars and Webinars – Our live workshops guide your employees through the process of submitting an application and the standard documentation required for both Settled and Pre-settled status, as well as for those already holding Permanent Residence. Workshops can be tailored to the requirements of your EU national employees and can be easily paired with one-to-one assistance for additional consultation. For clients who want maximum instruction but with minimal disruption, our workshops can be presented in an online webinar format, allowing your employees to join at a time and place convenient for them.

Contact your Newland Chase account manager to discuss how we can best assist your EU national employees and their families update their status and protect their rights to work and reside in the UK.

With the end of freedom of movement for UK nationals in the EU at the end of the transition period, obtaining permission to live and work in an EU member state has become much more complicated.

Immigration rules for UK nationals vary depending on the host member state, the date of arrival in the EU, and the terms of the future relationship eventually agreed between the EU and the UK.

Affected employers can protect the right to live and work of their UK national employees currently residing in EU member states, by assisting them in fulfilling the new national requirements applicable to them.

Employers are encouraged to review their UK business traveller and cross-border commuter population in the EU, as their current activities may be considered work after Brexit and may require a work permit.

How Can Newland Chase Help?

Newland Chase has developed an extensive end-to-end service offering to assist employers in supporting their UK national employees in the EU.

  • UK Nationals Residing in the EU: Employee Due Diligence
    Employee audit – addressing all affected populations, including EU residents and regular cross-border commuters in EU countries;
    Employee status check;
    Review of current residence and registration documents of staff located in the EU;
    EU country-specific templates for employee impact.
  • Pre-Assessment of UK Business Traveller Activity
    Identification of the most common roles and activities of commuters and business travellers in the EU;
    Assessment of which activities require a work permit after Brexit;
    Check that relevant departments and the impacted employees are aware of the 90/180 days Schengen.
  • Immigration Application Management
    End-to-end management of business visa and work and residence permit applications.
  • Training and Communication
    HR training sessions, business-wide webinars or seminars;
    Interactive employee Q&A sessions (“clinics”);
    Q&A documents;
    Communication to employees;
    Country requirements overviews.

Contact your Newland Chase account manager to discuss how we can best assist you to protect the right to reside and work in the EU of your UK national employees and their families.

Since 1 January 2021, organisations must be a Home Office licensed sponsor to recruit anyone from outside the UK (including EU citizens). Schedule a consultation now.

Employers must register with the Home Office for a sponsor licence before they are permitted to employ skilled foreign national workers under the UK immigration system.

With an increasingly mobile workforce, the sponsor licence is a crucial tool and is key to attracting and retaining truly top global talent. Once obtained, the licence is an endorsement by the Home Office that an organisation has the necessary systems, policies and processes in place to effectively manage and monitor its UK-based, non-EEA national workforce. In return for access to the SMS and ability to sponsor foreign talent, the sponsoring company must continuously comply with comprehensive and ongoing duties and responsibilities in respect to those foreign employees.

Given the complexities of obtaining and maintaining a sponsor licence, it is vital that employers approach the sponsor process with as much knowledge and support as possible to acquire and retain the licence, and unlock its full potential as a critical business tool.

Newland Chase has an unrivalled understanding of the sponsor licence process. We offer a full range of services to prepare you for the application process, including full system audits and recommendations tailored to your business. Our team of experts will support you through the entire application process and, once the licence is in place, provide tailored assistance with visa applications and immigration management of your employees, ensuring a fully compliant programme.

Newland Chase appreciates how important it is to have the right people and partners in place to maximise your company’s potential. Like your organisation, our strength is built on the skills, experience, and expertise our of team members – we welcome you to contact our experts today to learn how having Newland Chase as your trusted business advisor can help your business succeed in the United Kingdom.

  • Live Brexit Guides and White Papers

    Brexit and the UK’s
    New Immigration System

    08 August 2020

    1 January 2021 marks the end of free EU movement rights, meaning both EU and non-EU nationals will be covered by the same immigration rules and requirements when entering the UK. These changes are some of the most significant amendments to UK immigration law in decades, and as a result, businesses may need to adjust their operational requirements, recruitment policies, and how best to support their current and prospective employees.

    Business After Brexit: Visas and
    Immigration Explained

    21 February 2020

    After more than three years of negotiations, political division, speculation, and uncertainty – the United Kingdom officially exited the European Union on January 31 at 11pm. For all the anticipation, February 1 saw virtually no noticeable change from January 31.

    Live Brexit Guide: Brexit Overview – What Happens Next?

    31 January 2020

    Under the withdrawal agreement, free movement rights will continue until the end of the transition period (31 December 2020 unless extended).

    Current Status for EU and UK Nationals in the Event of Either an Orderly or
    Disorderly Brexit

    15 February 2019

    With the United Kingdom’s Parliament now handing the Prime Minister’s proposed Brexit withdrawal deal three significant defeats, and attempts to renegotiate with the European Union seemingly going nowhere – a “no-deal” Brexit on 29 March 2019 is now becoming an increasing possibility.

    Prepare to Brexit: 78 Days and Counting…

    10 January 2019

    With the vote in the UK Parliament on the controversial Brexit withdrawal deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union now slated for the week of 14 January, chances of its passage look slim, and chances of a no-deal Brexit are rapidly increasing. The withdrawal of the UK from the EU is now expected on 29 March 2019 – unless the UK’s Article 50 notice is extended.

    Racing to Brexit: Six Months to Go

    1 October 2018

    Six Months to Go Where We Are, What We Know, and What You Should Do… Six Months from Brexit Day. With the 29 March 2019 Brexit Day just six months away, Newland Chase gives this quick snapshot of where we are, what we know, and what you should do when it comes to immigration and mobility.

  • Brexit Webinars

    Business After Brexit: Visas and Immigration Explained

    22 July 2020

    Join Newland Chase’s UK Managing Director Tony Butterworth, Minister for Immigration Kevin Foster MP, Philippa Rouse, Director of Immigration and Border Policy Directorate, Dan Petriello, and Carrie Golding from the UK Home Office as they present a special virtual town hall for employers.

    This one-of-a-kind, 75-minute webinar will provide:

    • An explanation of the new UK immigration system
    • Information on the future landscape of the Tier 2 immigration route
    • Guidance on the EU Settlement Scheme
    • Clarification on EU nationals in the UK – changes beginning January 2021
    • Answers to your questions directly from the highest authorities in the UK

    Watch Now

    Business After Brexit: Visas and Immigration Explained

    13 February 2020

    Join our UK and EU immigration experts for this deep dive into the current status and guidance on visas and
    immigration for companies and employees during the transition period and beyond. In this interactive, 60-minute
    on-demand webinar, you’ll get:

    • Updates on the state of UK and EU visas and immigration policies during 2020;
    • Current information and insight on where UK and EU visas and immigration policies likely are
      headed after December 31, 2020;
    • Concrete steps that companies and their UK and EU citizen employees should be taking now to
      protect their rights to live, work and travel;
    • Guidance for companies on plotting HR and mobility strategy to ensure access to needed talent
      and markets in a post-Brexit Europe.

    Watch Now

  • Glossary of Brexit Terms
    • Article 50

      Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon outlines the process for a member state to withdraw from the EU. Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 on 29 March 2017, launching a two-year period for the UK to leave the EU.

    • Brexit Day

      Originally 29 March 2019. On 21 March 2019, the Prime Minister and the EU agreed an extension of the Article 50 period, until 22 May 2019 if the withdrawal agreement was approved by Parliament by 29 March 2019 (it was not approved); or until 12 April 2019, by which the UK had to present the EU with a way forward or leave with no deal. On 10 April 2019, the EU and the UK agreed a new extension, until 31 October 2019.

    • European Economic Area (EEA)

      The EEA was formed on 1st January 1994, amalgamating the (then) 25 independent states of the European Union and the European Free Trade Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).

    • European Union (EU)

      The EU is the political and economic union of 28 countries.

    • EU Referendum

      A voting procedure held on 23 June 2016 in which voters were asked “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?” 51.89% of voters voted to leave the EU.

    • EU Settlement Scheme

      This scheme opened on 30 March 2019. In the event of an exit with a withdrawal agreement, EU citizens resident in the UK before 31 December 2020 will need to apply by 30 June 2021 to continue living in the UK. Their family members in a relationship by the same date, will be able to join them at any time in the future.

      In the event of a no-deal exit, EU citizens resident in the UK by Brexit Day will need to apply by 31 December 2020 to continue living in the UK. Their family members in a relationship by Brexit Day will be able to join them within three years.

      A successful application under the scheme will result in either “Settled” or “Pre-settled” status.

    • Freedom of Movement

      EU citizens are permitted to live, work and study in any EU member state without requiring permission to work or study in that member state.

    • Implementation Period

      See Transition Period.

    • No Deal

      “No-deal” Brexit means the UK’s withdrawal from the EU without a Withdrawal Agreement in place.

    • Pre-settled Status

      Under the EU Settlement Scheme, EU nationals living in the UK, who do not yet qualify for Settled Status, may be granted Pre-Settled Status. Successful applicants will be permitted to remain in the UK until they are eligible to apply for Settled Status, usually five years.

    • Schengen Area

      A free travel area comprising 26 European countries that have abolished internal borders and have a common visa policy, allowing travelers to move freely within the Schengen Area. The Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

    • Settled Status

      Under the EU Settlement Scheme, EU nationals living in the UK may apply for settled status. This is a grant of indefinite leave to remain in the UK and retains the same access to work, study, healthcare and other benefits as the rules currently permit.

    • Transition Period

      A period from Brexit day up to and including 31 December 2020, the transition (or implementation) period is intended to allow both the UK and the EU time to make final agreements on their relationship. There would be no transition period as a result of a no-deal Brexit.

    • Withdrawal Agreement

      The separation agreement negotiated between the UK and the EU, this covers three main areas of the UK’s departure from the EU:
      • The UK’s financial settlement with the EU;
      • The post-Brexit rights of EU citizens in the UK and of UK citizens in the EU;
      • A so-called ‘backstop’ to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, if alternative arrangements preventing such a hard border have not been agreed between the UK and the EU before the end of the transition period.

Keeping a keen eye on Brexit developments, and ensuring that they are equipped with the very latest breaking news on what Brexit means for migration, our immigration specialists are frequently invited to speak about Brexit at industry events and working groups. Newland Chase also hosts regular events for our clients delivering the most up to date information and guidance – this includes live interactive webinars which are available on-demand below.

Our analysts have also published a number of white papers and guides; please download these below.

  • Live Brexit Guides and White Papers

    Brexit Impacts on the UK Oil and Gas Industry

    16 March 2021

    With the end of free movement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and the introduction of new UK immigration rules, what immigration options are available for workers and employers in the oil and gas
    sector?

    Residence Procedures for UK Nationals in EU Member States Under the Withdrawal Agreement

    4 March 2021

    EU member states may require resident UK nationals to register or apply for a residence document. Details vary between countries. Please see the requirements and procedures for each country in our comprehensive
    guide.

    Business Visitors After Brexit: Immigration Impacts Explained

    13 January 2021

    How will Brexit affect business travel between the EU and the UK? Download our helpful white paper for the most up-to-date information that companies and their business travellers across the EU and the UK need to be aware of.

    Business Visitors After Brexit: Immigration Impacts Explained

    08 January 2021

    Following our recent webinar, Business Visitors After Brexit: Immigration Impacts Explained, Newland Chase experts answer the most pressing questions on UK and EU immigration post-Brexit.

    Brexit: End of Transition Period

    09 October 2020

    Freedom of movement between the UK and the EU will end on 31 December 2020. The UK has opened the EU Settlement Scheme for EU residents to carry on residing and working in the UK post-transition period, and the rights of UK nationals resident in the EU before the end of the transition period will be similarly protected until at least June 2021.

    Brexit and the UK’s New Immigration System

    08 August 2020

    1 January 2021 marks the end of free EU movement rights, meaning both EU and non-EU nationals will be covered by the same immigration rules and requirements when entering the UK. These changes are some of the most significant amendments to UK immigration law in decades, and as a result, businesses may need to adjust their operational requirements, recruitment policies, and how best to support their current and prospective employees.

    Business After Brexit: Visas and
    Immigration Explained

    21 February 2020

    After more than three years of negotiations, political division, speculation, and uncertainty – the United Kingdom officially exited the European Union on January 31 at 11pm. For all the anticipation, February 1 saw virtually no noticeable change from January 31.

    Live Brexit Guide: Brexit Overview – What Happens Next?

    31 January 2020

    Under the Withdrawal Agreement, free movement rights will continue until the end of the transition period (31 December 2020 unless extended).

    Current Status for EU and UK Nationals in the Event of Either an Orderly or Disorderly Brexit

    15 February 2019

    With the United Kingdom’s Parliament now handing the Prime Minister’s proposed Brexit withdrawal deal three significant defeats, and attempts to renegotiate with the European Union seemingly going nowhere – a “no-deal” Brexit on 29 March 2019 is now becoming an increasing possibility.

    Prepare to Brexit: 78 Days and Counting…

    10 January 2019

    With the vote in the UK Parliament on the controversial Brexit withdrawal deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union now slated for the week of 14 January, chances of its passage look slim, and chances of a no-deal Brexit are rapidly increasing. The withdrawal of the UK from the EU is now expected on 29 March 2019 – unless the UK’s Article 50 notice is extended.

    Racing to Brexit: Six Months to Go

    1 October 2018

    Six Months to Go Where We Are, What We Know, and What You Should Do… Six Months from Brexit Day. With the 29 March 2019 Brexit Day just six months away, Newland Chase gives this quick snapshot of where we are, what we know, and what you should do when it comes to immigration and mobility.

  • Brexit Webinars

    Brexit Case Study: Post-Brexit Business Travel at Saga Holidays

    18 Aug 2021

    Join us for a discussion with Saga Holidays’ Michelle Kent, Head of Destination Services, on how they manage post-Brexit business travel.
    Watch Now

    Post-Brexit Compliance: Dutch Immigration, Tax and Social Security Consequences

    18 May 2021

    During this Netherlands-focused webinar experts from CIBTvisas, Newland Chase and DRV Accountants and Adviseurs examine post-Brexit immigration, tax and social security processes for UK nationals on assignment or traveling for business to the Netherlands and Dutch nationals on assignment or traveling for business to the UK.
    Watch Now

    Brexit Trade Agreement: The Movement of Goods Explained

    21 Jan 2021

    Join CIBTvisas experts live from the UK as they discuss the Brexit Trade Agreement and what traders need to know.
    Watch Now

    COVID 19: Quels changements sur le voyage d’affaires en France et l’impact du Brexit sur l’Immigration d’affaires

    14 Jan 2021

    Rejoignez les équipes Newland Chase et CIBT France pour un webinar de 30 minutes. Nos experts vous présenteront les dernières mises à jour en matière de mobilité, voyages d’affaires et immigration au départ de, et à l’arrivée en France, ainsi que de l’impact du Brexit.
    (French language webinar)
    Watch Now

    Brexit Impacts on the Movement of Goods

    17 Dec 2020

    All traders will need to consider certain actions before they move goods after 11 pm GMT on 31 December 2020. Join CIBTvisas experts live from the UK as they discuss what actions traders should prepare for before Brexit takes place at the end of the month.
    Watch Now

    Brexit: Impacto en inmigración y viajes de negocios entre el Reino Unido y España

    3 Dec 2020

    A un mes del Brexit analizaremos su impacto en las estrategias de movilidad y viajes corporativos.
    (Spanish language webinar)
    Watch Now

    Business Visitors After Brexit: Immigration Impacts Explained

    17 Nov 2020

    Join our UK and EU immigration experts for this deep dive into the actions that businesses should be taking before the transition period ends and looking ahead to how this will impact business travelers and employees moving between the EU and the UK.

    Watch Now

    Business After Brexit: Visas and Immigration Explained

    22 Jul 2020

    Join Newland Chase’s UK Managing Director Tony Butterworth, Minister for Immigration Kevin Foster MP, Philippa Rouse, Director of
    Immigration and Border Policy Directorate, Dan Petriello, and Carrie Golding from the UK Home Office as they present a special virtual town hall for employers.

    This one-of-a-kind, 75-minute webinar will provide an explanation of the new UK immigration system; information on the future landscape of the Tier 2 immigration route; guidance on the EU Settlement Scheme; clarification on EU nationals in the UK – changes beginning January 2021; and answers to your questions directly from the highest authorities in the UK

    Watch Now

    Business After Brexit: Visas and Immigration Explained

    13 Feb 2020

    Join our UK and EU immigration experts for this deep dive into the current status and guidance on visas and immigration for companies and employees during the transition period and beyond. In this interactive, 60-minute
    on-demand webinar, you’ll get:

    • Updates on the state of UK and EU visas and immigration policies during 2020;
    • Current information and insight on where UK and EU visas and immigration policies likely are headed
      after December 31, 2020;
    • Concrete steps that companies and their UK and EU citizen employees should be taking now to protect
      their rights to live, work and travel;
    • Guidance for companies on plotting HR and mobility strategy to ensure access to needed talent and
      markets in a post-Brexit Europe.

    Watch Now

  • Glossary of Brexit Terms
    • Article 50

      Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon outlines the process for a member state to withdraw from the EU. Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 on 29 March 2017, launching a two-year period for the UK to leave the EU.

    • Brexit Day

      Originally 29 March 2019. On 21 March 2019, the Prime Minister and the EU agreed an extension of the Article 50 period, until 22 May 2019 if the withdrawal agreement was approved by Parliament by 29 March 2019 (it was not approved); or until 12 April 2019, by which the UK had to present the EU with a way forward or leave with no deal. On 10 April 2019, the EU and the UK agreed a new extension, until 31 October 2019.

    • European Economic Area (EEA)

      The EEA was formed on 1st January 1994, amalgamating the (then) 25 independent states of the European Union and the European Free Trade Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).

    • European Union (EU)

      The EU is the political and economic union of 28 countries.

    • EU Referendum

      A voting procedure held on 23 June 2016 in which voters were asked “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?” 51.89% of voters voted to leave the EU.

    • EU Settlement Scheme

      This scheme opened on 30 March 2019. In the event of an exit with a Withdrawal Agreement, EU citizens resident in the UK before 31 December 2020 will need to apply by 30 June 2021 to continue living in the UK. Their family members in a relationship by the same date, will be able to join them at any time in the future.

      In the event of a no-deal exit, EU citizens resident in the UK by Brexit Day will need to apply by 31 December 2020 to continue living in the UK. Their family members in a relationship by Brexit Day will be able to join them within three years.

      A successful application under the scheme will result in either “Settled” or “Pre-settled” status.

    • Freedom of Movement

      EU citizens are permitted to live, work and study in any EU member state without requiring permission to work or study in that member state.

    • Implementation Period

      See Transition Period.

    • No Deal

      “No-deal” Brexit means the UK’s withdrawal from the EU without a Withdrawal Agreement in place.

    • Pre-settled Status

      Under the EU Settlement Scheme, EU nationals living in the UK, who do not yet qualify for Settled Status, may be granted Pre-Settled Status. Successful applicants will be permitted to remain in the UK until they are eligible to apply for Settled Status, usually five years.

    • Schengen Area

      A free travel area comprising 26 European countries that have abolished internal borders and have a common visa policy, allowing travellers to move freely within the Schengen Area. The Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

    • Settled Status

      Under the EU Settlement Scheme, EU nationals living in the UK may apply for settled status. This is a grant of indefinite leave to remain in the UK and retains the same access to work, study, healthcare and other benefits as the rules currently permit.

    • Transition Period

      A period from Brexit day up to and including 31 December 2020, the transition (or implementation) period is intended to allow both the UK and the EU time to make final agreements on their relationship. There would be no transition period as a result of a no-deal Brexit.

    • Withdrawal Agreement

      The separation agreement negotiated between the UK and the EU, this covers three main areas of the UK’s departure from the EU:
      • The UK’s financial settlement with the EU;
      • The post-Brexit rights of EU citizens in the UK and of UK citizens in the EU;
      • A so-called ‘backstop’ to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, if alternative arrangements preventing such a hard border have not been agreed between the UK and the EU before the end of the transition period.