Important Updates
Important Updates
May 19, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaAn Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)
May 20, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomResearch Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity
May 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: April/May 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
May 19, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaAn Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)
May 20, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomResearch Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity
May 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: April/May 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
May 19, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaAn Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Brexit: EU Nationals Living in Limbo

March 2, 2017

Marco Deutsch

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Sara Fekete

EU nationals residing in the UK have been living in limbo, in the aftermath of the EU referendum. We had to wait almost half a year, until UK Prime Minister Theresa May's last speech on January 17, to see whether Brexit would be happening, and if so when and how. The vote of the House of Commons a few weeks later, in favour of triggering the Article 50 bill, reconfirmed that Brexit will indeed happen and we had better prepare for it.

But What will Brexit Look Like?

Since June 2016, EU nationals living in the UK, including myself, have been wondering what will Brexit mean in everyday practice. What Brexit will ultimately look like is a question that we still cannot answer with certainty. In her speech setting out the plan for Britain, the Prime Minister hinted she would support a hard, rather than soft Brexit, seeking a new and equal partnership with the EU, and not a partial membership or an associate membership. To achieve this, she is ready to re-negotiate the great principles forming the basis of Britain's EU membership, including the free movement of people across the borders. This deeply affects EU citizens’ right of free travel and right to live in the UK. Of course, these reforms will not take place immediately, but day after day we are getting closer to the actual exit.

Should We Fear Brexit?

Reforming Britain's immigration system is PM May's 5th priority (out of the 12 set out in her plan). Once Article 50 is triggered, and exit negotiations are completed, the UK's immigration system may be quite different from the one we know today. From my understanding, Brexit or not, the UK will continue to facilitate the flow of highly skilled individuals into the country to fill in the job shortage requiring both practical and theoretical experience. But what happens if you do not belong to the brightest and the best who would like to work or study in Britain?

Be Smart -- Secure Your Legal Stay!

As EU nationals, there is currently little we can do to demonstrate that we are legally residing in the UK.There are no compulsory town hall registrations to complete upon arrival in the UK, and we EU nationals end up wandering around with lots of council letters and utility bills, should we ever need to demonstrate our permanent address in the UK. We are so aware of our right to free movement that most of us do not even know that there is a way to formally prove our right to live in the UK.

The citizens of a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland are currently eligible for one of the following certificates, issued by the UK Government:

  • Registration certificate if you have lived in the UK for less than 5 years
  • Permanent residence document if you have lived in the UK for 5 years or more

 

By obtaining these documents, claiming certain benefits and services might be easier for eligible EU nationals, and most importantly, they can prove your right to live in the UK. With Brexit coming, registering yourself as a qualified EU national is one of the steps you can take today to prove the legal grounds of your status in an uncertain environment.

Learn more about our London office. 

 

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

AMCHAM Luxembourg: Interview – Virginie Todesco, Fragomen

Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: H-1B Visa Cap Results: 65% Rejected, Immigration Fees Prompt Decline

Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognised at Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025

Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

AMCHAM Luxembourg: Interview – Virginie Todesco, Fragomen

Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: H-1B Visa Cap Results: 65% Rejected, Immigration Fees Prompt Decline

Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognised at Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025

Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.