Important Updates
Important Updates
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
October 30, 2025 | ChinaChina: Physical Social Security Card to Continue to Be Issued
October 30, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Work Permit and Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System
October 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, United StatesGames Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
October 30, 2025 | ChinaChina: Physical Social Security Card to Continue to Be Issued
October 30, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Work Permit and Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System
October 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, United StatesGames Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • 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
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

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
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

European Union: No Deal Brexit – Contingency Measures in the Area of Social Security Coordination

April 4, 2019

brexit flags

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Paris
  • Sheffield

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Paris
  • Sheffield

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Paris
  • Sheffield

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Wim Cocquyt

To prepare for a No Deal Brexit scenario, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU have adopted an EU Regulation to protect the social security rights of UK and EU citizens who have exercised their right to free movement to work before Brexit. These European measures represent an additional layer of protection to the contingency measures already adopted on a unilateral basis by a number of EU Member States, at a national level.

Key Points

One of the most severely impacted areas in case of a β€˜hard’ Brexit is social security coordination in case of cross-border work. As we informed previously, with β€˜Regulation (EU) 2019/500 of 25 March 2019 establishing contingency measures in the field of social security coordination following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union’ (hereafter: the Regulation), the EU wishes to protect, unilaterally, both the nationals from the UK and the Member States, the social security rights they have built up before the day Brexit comes in. The new Regulation will become applicable as from the day after UK's withdrawal from the EU and only in the event of a No Deal Brexit.

The Regulation ensures that the social security rights and entitlements of the above-mentioned nationals are protected as to facts or events that occurred, and periods of insurance, (self) employment or residence completed, before the withdrawal date, meaning that that EU Member States will unilaterally continue to apply the core principles of EU social security coordination, like  equal treatment, assimilation and totalisation.

Important to note is that the Regulation:

  • only contains measures limited in scope (access to social security rights or benefits);
  • does not cover any periods of insurance or events occurring after Brexit;
  • does not automatically guarantee payment of benefits (pensions) abroad;
  • does not rule on the applicable legislation, after Brexit, giving rise to potential double social security liabilities;
  • does not automatically ensure continued provision of medical care;
  • does not cover cross-border workers that are Third Country Nationals.
 
As things now stand, and although both the UK and the EU officially expressed the intention and goodwill to cooperate in this area, there is no real initiative between the EU and the UK covering social security coordination post-Brexit.
 

Next steps

Considering the significant impact of a No Deal Brexit on the social security position of the global mobility workforce, including short term travellers, in terms of potentially higher social security costs and/or loss of social security entitlements (e.g. pension rights, health care coverage), companies need to re-visit the current cross-border work arrangements with UK and ensure appropriate contingency plans are set up to counter any negative impact of a No Deal Brexit.

Fragomen can help in this respect, through the integration of our contingency planning initiatives and deliverables in the area of both immigration and social security.

 

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Paris
  • Sheffield

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Paris
  • Sheffield

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Frankfurt
  • London
  • Paris
  • Sheffield

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its β€œVoice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napΕ‚yw cudzoziemcΓ³w do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA β€œBest Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the β€œBest Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana MartΓ­nez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its β€œVoice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napΕ‚yw cudzoziemcΓ³w do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA β€œBest Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the β€œBest Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana MartΓ­nez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

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

Β© 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.