Working abroad
Working in the United Kingdom: visas after Brexit and basic rights
Since Brexit, EU citizens also need a visa to work in the UK unless they hold EUSS status. Here are the main routes and the minimum rights.
Who this is for
People who want to work in the UK as employees, whether EU citizens or nationals of other countries. It does not cover study, asylum or self-employment. Immigration rules change often: always check gov.uk.
In short
- Since 2021 EU citizens need a visa to work unless they have status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). Irish citizens are an exception.
- The main route is the Skilled Worker visa: you need a job offer from an employer with a sponsor licence.
- From 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage is £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over.
- You are entitled to 5.6 weeks' paid holiday and a written statement of terms from day one.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change and have exceptions. Always check the official text in the sources below and, for your own case, talk to a trade union, a qualified lawyer or the competent public authority.
EU citizens after Brexit
Free movement with the EU ended on 31 December 2020. People already living in the UK could apply for EUSS status (settled or pre-settled), which lets them keep living and working there. [1] Anyone arriving now needs a visa that allows work, like nationals of other countries. You cannot work on a standard visitor entry.
The main routes
- Skilled Worker visa: you need a job offer from an employer approved by the Home Office (a sponsor), a certificate of sponsorship, an eligible job, a salary above the applicable threshold and English language skills. [2] [3] Salary thresholds and skill levels have been raised several times: check them on gov.uk before you apply.
- Global Talent visa: for leaders or potential leaders in fields such as research, technology, arts and culture, with an endorsement from an approved body or a major award. [4]
- Youth Mobility Scheme: up to 24 months for people aged 18-30 or 18-35, only from certain countries and territories listed on gov.uk. [5] At present no EU country is on the list: check for updates.
Visa applications are made online on gov.uk. Nobody can sell you a certificate of sponsorship: sponsors are not allowed to charge workers for sponsorship. See fair recruitment.
Right to work checks
Before employing you, the employer must check that you have the right to work in the UK. With a digital immigration status (eVisa) or EUSS status you usually give a share code generated on gov.uk. [6]
Minimum wage
From 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage (age 21 and over) is £12.71 an hour; the minimum rate is £10.85 for ages 18-20, and £8.00 for under-18s and apprentices (under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship). [7] Rates change every 1 April.
Hours and holiday
Average working time cannot exceed 48 hours a week (normally averaged over 17 weeks), unless you sign a written opt-out, which you can cancel. [8] You are entitled to 5.6 weeks' paid holiday a year: for a 5-day week that is 28 days, and bank holidays can be included. [9]
Written terms and dismissal
From day one you are entitled to a written statement of your main terms: pay, hours, holiday, duties. [10] Protection against unfair dismissal currently usually requires 2 years' service. [11] The Employment Rights Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, will cut this to 6 months for dismissals from 1 January 2027, according to the government's timeline. [12] Some protections (for example against discrimination) apply from day one.
Who to contact
- Acas: free advice and mandatory early conciliation before an employment tribunal claim (acas.org.uk). Since 1 October 2026 the time limit for bringing a claim has increased from 3 to 6 months. [12]
- Fair Work Agency: since 7 April 2026 it handles, among other things, minimum wage enforcement. [12]
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for safety.
- Trade unions and Citizens Advice.
Checklist
- Check whether you have EUSS status; if not, find the right visa on gov.uk.
- Check the employer is on the public register of licensed sponsors.
- Do not pay anyone for sponsorship.
- Ask for your written statement by day one.
- Compare your hourly pay with the National Living Wage.