Work in an EU country
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1. Overview
You’ll need a work permit to work in most EU countries if you’re a UK citizen.
In most cases, you’ll need a job offer from your chosen country so that you can get a visa to move there.
Check with the UK-based embassy of the country you want to work in to see what you need to do.
If you want to work in an EU country, check the country’s living in guide for updates.
If you moved to the EU before 1 January 2021
If you were legally living in an EU country before 1 January 2021, your right to work will be protected as long as you carry on living there. This is because you are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
You’re also protected by the Withdrawal Agreement if you started working in one EU country and living in a different EU country or the UK, before 1 January 2021.
You’ll have the same rights as nationals of the country you’re working in when it comes to working conditions, pay and social security (for example, benefits).
2. Healthcare and insurance
You may be eligible to use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you’re both:
- planning on working temporarily in the EU
- still making National Insurance contributions
Your EHIC or GHIC gives you access to free or cheaper treatment that’s considered to be medically necessary by the state providing it - this means it cannot wait until you return to the UK.
Find out more about the EHIC and GHIC, including who can get them, where they’re valid and how to apply.
Check if you should pay National Insurance in the UK or social security contributions in the EU.
Take out travel insurance to cover health costs that are not covered by an EHIC or GHIC, for example private medical treatment or being flown back to the UK.
If you’re planning to work abroad long term or permanently, or temporarily for an employer that’s no longer based in the UK, you may need to:
- register as a resident and pay social security contributions to use the state healthcare system in that country
- take out private health insurance for any period in which you are not covered by the state healthcare system
- check if you’re eligible for an S1 form if your employer will remain UK-based - an S1 form shows that your state healthcare is paid for by the UK
3. Working abroad for a UK employer
If you are sent to work abroad temporarily, your employer must follow some of the employment rules of the country you’re sent to work in.
Find out about the employment rules for a country by contacting its UK-based embassy.
You can also read guidance for business travellers visiting Europe.
4. Tax
You might still have to pay UK Income Tax, depending on what your ‘residency status’ will be in the country you’re going to (for example, if you’ll be a temporary or permanent resident).
Fill in form P85 to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that you’ve left or are about to leave the UK to live or work abroad. Fill in the form and send it to HMRC.
HMRC will tell you how your tax will be affected.
National Insurance
You might be able to pay National Insurance while you’re working abroad, depending on where you’re working and how long for.
If you’re eligible, you can keep paying National Insurance to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits.
Your circumstances change
Contact HMRC if your circumstances change when you’re abroad, for example if you move house or your marital status changes. You’ll need your National Insurance number.