Nationals and their immediate family members from many European Economic Area (EEA) and associate member countries can enter and work in the United Kingdom without any restrictions, just like British citizens.

To ensure that you comply with the legislation on preventing illegal migrant working, you must follow the three steps to check documentation. These steps should be followed for all job applicants. Check that you and your employees are legal.

Nationals from the following countries have full freedom to work in the UK:

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

Need to provide documents included either in List 1 OR List 2:

Nationals from these countries do not need to register with the Home Office.

Nationals from countries that require registration:

Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia

Need to provide documents included EITHER in List 1 OR List 2:

Workers from these countries must also register with the Home Office, under the Worker Registration Scheme, unless they are exempt. Employers should check whether a candidate needs to register, or if they are exempt.

Nationals from countries that require authorisation before starting work

Romania and Bulgaria

Need to provide documents included EITHER in List 1 OR List 2:

Romanian and Bulgarian nationals must get authorisation from the Home Office before starting work in the UK, unless they are exempt. Employers should check whether a candidate needs to be authorised, or if they are exempt.