What are the consequences of Brexit?
On December 24, 2020, 4 years after the Brexit referendum, the United Kingdom and the European Union finally reached an agreement: the transition period has ended and the United Kingdom has left the European single market January 1, 2021.
With the implementation of new migration measures, Brexit and the effective exit from the European Union for the United Kingdom have a strong impact on the job market for European nationals: new European workers and students in the UK must now obtain a new points visa.
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Traveling to the UK after Brexit
Since January 1, 2021, for a stay of less than 6 months in the United Kingdom, European nationals do not need a visa - a valid identity document (identity card or passport) is sufficient.
From October 1, 2021, only the passport will be accepted.
For European residents in the United Kingdom with pre-settled status or settled status, the identity card remains sufficient until 2025.
Consider subscribing to private medical insurance, as European health insurance is no longer valid.
Living in the UK after Brexit
You are an European national and:
You arrived in the UK before January 1, 2021
If you resided in the UK before January 1, 2021, you are eligible for the pre-settled status or settled status (EU Settlement Scheme) and subject to European laws.
You can live, work, study and receive social benefits like before Brexit.
You arrived in the UK after December 31, 2020
If you arrived in the UK after December 31, 2020, you are subject to the new law and the new point-based immigration system.
Working in the UK after Brexit
Since January 1, 2021, new workers - or residents for more than 6 months - European in the United Kingdom must obtain a work visa with points.
To obtain this visa, you must:
- speak English (intermediate level B1)
- have a promise of employment for a qualified job (baccalaureate level) with a employer sponsored by the UK Home Office
- have a minimum annual salary of £25,600 (29,446€)
The visa process is faster for healthcare professionals.
The Global Talent visa allows highly qualified people in the fields of university research, art and culture or digital technologies, to reside in the UK for 5 years - with no promise of employment.
The point-based work visa does not allow you to come and work for low-skilled jobs.
Studying in the UK after Brexit
Since January 1, 2021, European students wishing to follow a course at a British university must obtain a student visa with points.
To obtain this visa, you must:
- speak English (intermediate level B1 or B2 depending on European executives)
- be enrolled in a institution sponsored by the UK Home Office
- be able to justify the financial resources necessary to meet your needs: £1334 / month in London and £1023 / month outside
- have the real intention of coming to study
You must also have a valid passport and pay for access to the UK healthcare system (£624 / year).
The visa application is chargeable (£348) and can be made from 6 months before the start of the course.
European students already settled in the United Kingdom are not affected by these new measures.
In the UK, the Erasmus + program will soon be replaced by the Alan Turing program.
From August 1, 2021, preferential rates European students in the UK will be removed. Indeed, until now European students in the UK have paid the same tuition fees as UK students - they will now be considered international students and will experience a significant increase in their tuition fees.
Driving in the UK after Brexit
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the application of Brexit does not affect the possibility of driving in the United Kingdom with a valid European driving license.
If your vehicle is not insured in the UK, remember to contact your insurance company before you leave!
You must be under 70 years old to drive in the UK with a European license.