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LawSentis is a Level 3 IAA immigration specialist providing clear, practical support across UK visas and ILR/citizenship, asylum and human rights protection, family and student/work routes, sponsorship licences, and Innovator Founder visas with business plan preparation. We combine legal precision with hands-on case management to maximise success and reduce delays. Book a free consultation to discuss your case today.

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Frontier Worker Permit

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Frontier Worker Permit

Frontier Worker Permit Service

The Frontier Worker Permit allows EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens to continue working in the UK while primarily living outside it. Although the UK left the EU in 2020, those who had already established a cross-border work pattern before 1 January 2021 can still work in the UK under this route — but they must hold a valid Frontier Worker Permit.

 

This route is highly specific and does not accept new applications from individuals who only began working in the UK after 1 January 2021. It is therefore essential for eligible applicants to meet strict residence and work continuity requirements and to understand how this permit functions under the 2025 UK immigration system.

who qualifies as a frontier worker?

To qualify as a frontier worker, you must:

  • Be a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland (Irish citizens are exempt)
  • Have started working or being self-employed in the UK before 1 January 2021
  • Not be primarily resident in the UK
  • Be currently employed, self-employed, or hold retained frontier worker status

⚠️ If you began working in the UK after 1 January 2021 while living abroad, you are not eligible and must apply under another visa route.

This route is designed only for individuals who live outside the UK but travel into the UK regularly for genuine, ongoing employment or self-employment.

updated eligibility criteria in 2025

nationality

You must be a citizen of an EU member state, an EEA country (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), or Switzerland.

residence requirement

You are regarded as “not primarily resident in the UK” if:

  • You have spent fewer than 180 days in the UK in any rolling 12-month period, or
  • If you exceeded 180 days in a 12-month period, you returned to your home country at least once every 6 months or twice within 12 months.

Exceptions can apply for illness, pregnancy, or other compelling circumstances preventing travel.

work or self-employment requirement

Your work in the UK must be:

  • Genuine and effective, not marginal or incidental. Occasional tasks such as attending interviews, signing contracts, or limited online work do not qualify unless they are part of ongoing, economically productive activity.
  • Ongoing, with at least one instance of work in every 12-month period.
  • Supported by evidence such as employment contracts, payslips, invoices, or tax records.

Self-employed applicants must show proof of UK-based clients, contracts, or other business activity.

retained frontier worker status

You may keep your status even if you stop working in the UK, if it was due to:

  • Accident or illness
  • Pregnancy or maternity leave
  • Redundancy or involuntary unemployment
  • Temporary inability to work due to vocational training
  • Registration as a jobseeker in the UK

If you worked in the UK for less than 12 months before becoming unemployed, retained status may only last 6 months, during which you must be actively seeking work.

Evidence (e.g. doctor’s note, redundancy letter, job search proof) is required.

how long is the permit valid for?

  • 5 years for current frontier workers
  • 2 years for retained frontier workers

The permit can be renewed indefinitely as long as the criteria are met.

⚠️ The permit does not lead to settlement (ILR). If you want to stay in the UK permanently, you must switch to a different immigration route (e.g. Skilled Worker visa) or apply under the EU Settlement Scheme if you qualify.

frontier worker permit vs other visas

This permit is not suitable for those who started working in the UK after Brexit. If you entered the UK workforce after 1 January 2021, you must apply under another visa route, such as:

  • Skilled Worker visa
  • Health and Care Worker visa
  • Innovator Founder visa

The Frontier Worker Permit is not a substitute for permanent relocation or full employment rights in the UK.

permitted activities and restrictions

Holders of a valid Frontier Worker Permit may:

  • Work for their UK employer or clients
  • Continue self-employment in the UK
  • Travel in and out of the UK freely
  • Study or volunteer in the UK

They cannot:

  • Apply for most public funds or benefits
  • Apply for ILR directly under this route
  • Begin working in the UK if they had not already been working here before 2021

⚠️ Important clarification: you can change employer or clients under this permit, provided you continue to meet the frontier worker conditions. What you cannot do is use this route to start a brand-new UK career if you were not already working here before January 2021.

entry requirements

To enter the UK, you must show your valid Frontier Worker Permit either:

  • Digitally via the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or
  • Using a physical biometric permit (if issued one).

If applying from outside the UK and unable to use the app, you will need to attend a visa application centre.

application process and required documents

All applications must be submitted online. The application is free of charge.

documents include:

  • Valid passport or national ID card
  • Evidence of employment or self-employment (e.g. payslips, contracts, invoices)
  • For retained status: evidence of illness, maternity leave, redundancy, or active job-seeking

The online system will guide you depending on whether you are employed, self-employed, or claiming retained status.

does it lead to settlement?

No. This permit does not provide a direct route to settlement. However, you may still qualify for ILR under other pathways, such as:

  • Switching into the Skilled Worker route
  • The EU Settlement Scheme (if eligible)
  • The Long Residence route (10 years lawful residence)

If permanent relocation is your goal, you should plan early to switch into a visa category that leads to settlement.

family members

Family members cannot apply as dependants under the Frontier Worker Permit itself.

However, they may be eligible under the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit if:

  • They are related to a frontier worker, and
  • The family relationship existed before 31 December 2020

Depending on their own residence history, they may also qualify for Pre-Settled or Settled Status.

how LawSentis can help

At LawSentis, we specialise in guiding EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens through the complexities of the Frontier Worker Permit. This route can be confusing, especially for those applying as self-employed or with retained status.

As an IAA-regulated UK immigration firm, we are legally authorised to represent individuals and provide expert services under strict regulatory standards.

Our services include:

  • Step-by-step application assistance for employed and self-employed frontier workers
  • Evidence preparation for retained status cases (illness, redundancy, maternity, etc.)
  • Advice on switching into immigration routes that lead to settlement
  • Ongoing support with permit renewal and UK entry questions
  • Guidance for family members applying under the EU Settlement Scheme

Contact LawSentis today to secure your status and continue your cross-border work with confidence.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.

Book a free call back

A Frontier Worker Permit is designed for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who live outside the UK but travel here regularly for work. To qualify, you must have started working in the UK before 31 December 2020 and continue to maintain your cross-border working pattern. Irish citizens do not need to apply for this permit, as their rights are protected under the Common Travel Area.

Most Frontier Worker Permits are valid for five years, though in some cases they may be granted for two years depending on your circumstances. As long as you continue to meet the requirements and provide evidence of ongoing work in the UK, you can renew the permit before it expires.

No, the Frontier Worker Permit does not provide dependent rights. It is strictly for the individual who meets the qualifying work and residence conditions. Family members wishing to live in the UK would need to apply under a separate immigration route, such as a Family Visa or another relevant category.

Unlike many UK work visas, the Frontier Worker Permit does not require applicants to meet salary thresholds or prove English language ability. The key requirement is that you were already working in the UK before the Brexit transition deadline and that you maintain your work pattern in the UK while living abroad.

At LawSentis, our IAA-regulated advisers assist with every step of the application process. We help you gather the correct evidence of your cross-border work, submit a compliant application, and deal with any issues that arise if your working pattern has changed. If your application is refused or your status is challenged by the Home Office, we can also prepare appeals and legal submissions on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure you retain your right to work in the UK while continuing to live outside the country.

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