Local Registration Requirement Reminder for UK Nationals as Brexit Approaches
January 23, 2020
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At a Glance
- UK nationals in EU countries should complete any requisite national registration requirements to demonstrate their legal stay (which are voluntary in some EU countries and mandatory in others) before Brexit (January 31, 2020), if possible.
- Although the Withdrawal Agreement has been ratified by the UK Parliament, and under the terms of that deal, any registrations not complete before Brexit would not negatively affect UK nationals in the European Union or their employers, completed registrations should make it easier for UK nationals to claim their rights protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. Registrations also ensure compliance with national no-deal provisions, in the event that circumstances change.
- This proactive approach is suggested since the Withdrawal Agreement is not yet through its final stages of approval and because registration appointments are difficult to obtain in most EU countries.
The situation
The United Kingdom will leave the European Union on January 31, 2020. If the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified by the UK and EU governments, current entry, work and residence rights for UK nationals in the European Union and vice versa will be maintained until December 31, 2020.
Action suggested before Brexit
- In preparation for Brexit, UK nationals in EU countries should complete any requisite national registration requirements to demonstrate their legal stay (which are voluntary in some EU countries and mandatory in others) before Brexit (January 31, 2020), if possible.
- Although the Withdrawal Agreement will likely be ratified by all parties, and although any registrations not completed before Brexit should not negatively affect UK nationals in the European Union or their employers, completed registrations should make it easier for UK nationals to claim their rights protected by the Withdrawal Agreement.
Impact
- Benefits of proactive approach. This proactive approach is suggested since the Withdrawal Agreement is not yet through its final stages of approval and because registration appointments are difficult to obtain in most EU countries.
- Get ahead of delays. Some EU countries’ registration processes take an extended amount of time.
- Schedule appointments. Some EU countries’ registration processes require an advance appointment, which may require scheduling an appointment on an online system or in some cases, in person, and visiting an immigration or other specified office to complete the requirement.
- Specific impacts vary by country. Access this website from the EU Commission, which contains summaries of each member state’s registration requirements and links to the appropriate local government websites for further information and guidance, or contact a Fragomen immigration professional to plan for registration completion.
Looking ahead
UK nationals arriving in EU countries (other than Ireland) on or after January 1, 2021 may be subject to the standard immigration rules for non-EU foreign workers, which vary from country to country. Similarly, business travelers will have to comply with the specific restrictions in each country they visit.
Brexit continues to be an incredibly complex and uncertain political issue that carries risks to your business. Please contact a Fragomen immigration professional for assistance in planning contingency arrangements.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
