No-Deal Brexit Plans for UK Nationals Published

The situation

The Luxembourg government has published plans for the treatment of UK nationals residing in Luxembourg, to take effect after March 29, 2019 in case of a no-deal Brexit scenario.

A closer look

The published plans include the following details:

• Transition period. There would be a 12-month transition period, commencing on March 30, 2019, during which time UK nationals and their non-EU family members would be able to continue to work and stay in Luxembourg.

• Application deadline. Applications for a national residence permit must however be filed before December 31, 2019, for both UK nationals and their non-EU family members.

• Non-EU family members. Non-EU family members of UK nationals holding a corresponding residence permit would similarly be able to continue staying in Luxembourg until March 30, 2020, provided that they file an application for a national permit before December 31, 2019.

• Long-term stays. It is not yet clear whether UK nationals residing in Luxembourg for five years or longer would be able to apply for a permanent residence permit.

• New arrivals. UK nationals and their non-EU family members arriving after March 29, 2019 would immediately be required to apply for residence and work authorization. 

Impact

UK nationals who continue to work and reside in Luxembourg past March 29, 2019 should ensure that they take the necessary steps to obtain any documents required to register or apply for immigration status. UK nationals should also contact their local immigration offices to see if they are able to register or apply for their proper immigration status prior to Brexit Day.

Background

The plans are a part of the government’s contingency planning in case no Brexit deal is concluded between the European Union and the United Kingdom before March 29, 2019.

Other EU Member States, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia and Spain have also announced contingency plans, with more expected soon.

Looking ahead

Further details of the government plans have yet to be announced. Fragomen will provide updates on the situation as they become available.

Please contact a Fragomen immigration professional for assistance in planning contingency arrangements in a single project.

For more information, please visit Fragomen's dedicated Brexit site, which contains news, FAQs, and analysis/commentary in the form of blogs, videos, webcasts and events.

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].