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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.
To qualify as a frontier worker, you must:
⚠️ 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.
You must be a citizen of an EU member state, an EEA country (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), or Switzerland.
You are regarded as “not primarily resident in the UK” if:
Exceptions can apply for illness, pregnancy, or other compelling circumstances preventing travel.
Your work in the UK must be:
Self-employed applicants must show proof of UK-based clients, contracts, or other business activity.
You may keep your status even if you stop working in the UK, if it was due to:
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.
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.
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:
The Frontier Worker Permit is not a substitute for permanent relocation or full employment rights in the UK.
Holders of a valid Frontier Worker Permit may:
They cannot:
⚠️ 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.
To enter the UK, you must show your valid Frontier Worker Permit either:
If applying from outside the UK and unable to use the app, you will need to attend a visa application centre.
All applications must be submitted online. The application is free of charge.
The online system will guide you depending on whether you are employed, self-employed, or claiming retained status.
No. This permit does not provide a direct route to settlement. However, you may still qualify for ILR under other pathways, such as:
If permanent relocation is your goal, you should plan early to switch into a visa category that leads to settlement.
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:
Depending on their own residence history, they may also qualify for Pre-Settled or Settled Status.
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:
Contact LawSentis today to secure your status and continue your cross-border work with confidence.
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.
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