UK FRONTIER WORKER PERMIT FOR SWISS (AND EU/EEA) CITIZENS

The Frontier Worker Permit is available to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who work or are self-employed in the UK but do not primarily reside there. This permit is mandatory for all Frontier Workers, except Irish citizens, to enter the UK.

You must have started working in the UK (while residing outside the UK) before 1 January 2021. If you are not eligible for a Frontier Worker Permit, you should apply under a different route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa route.

Family members of Frontier Workers can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit.

Requirements for a Frontier Worker Permit

To qualify for a Frontier Worker Permit, you must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: You are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen.

• Residence: You are not primarily resident in the UK.

• Employment: You are working or self-employed in the UK, or have retained this status.

• Continuity: These conditions were met before 31 December 2020 and have been maintained since.

The exact requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consulting a UK immigration law firm in Switzerland is advisable for personalised guidance on your UK visa application.

Not Primarily Resident in the UK

You are considered not primarily resident in the UK if:

• Less than 180 Days: You have been in the UK for less than 180 days in any 12-month period from 1 January 2020 to the application date.

• Frequent Returns: You have been in the UK for over 180 days in any 12-month period but returned to your primary residence at least once every 6 months or twice every 12 months.

• Exceptional Reasons: You were unable to meet the travel requirements due to circumstances beyond your control or other compelling reasons.

Each day spent in the UK counts as a full day.

Worker or Self-employed Person

To qualify as a Frontier Worker:

• Work History: You worked or were self-employed in the UK at least once in the 12 months before 31 December 2020.

• Continuity: You continue to work or be self-employed in the UK at least once every 12 months.

• Genuine Employment: Your work must be genuine and effective, not marginal or ancillary to your life in the UK.

If you have not worked in the UK for over 12 months since 1 January 2020, you may still qualify as a retained worker or self-employed person if:

• Unemployment: You became unemployed due to illness, accident, involuntary unemployment, vocational training, or temporarily unable to work due to pregnancy or childbirth.

• Job Seeking: You have registered as a jobseeker with an unemployment office or recruitment agency in the UK.

If you do not begin working or job seeking after 12 months, you lose your retained status.

Frontier Workers from 1 January 2021

If you plan to start working in the UK while residing outside the UK but begin after 1 January 2021, you are not eligible for a Frontier Worker Permit and must apply under a different route, such as the Skilled Worker route.

Entry to the UK as a Frontier Worker

A valid Frontier Worker Permit is required to enter the UK as a Frontier Worker, except for Irish citizens.

Validity Period of Frontier Worker Permits

• Current Frontier Workers: Permit valid for 5 years.

• Retained Worker Status: Permit valid for 2 years.

Extending a Frontier Worker Permit

You can renew your Frontier Worker Permit as long as you continue to meet the criteria.

Frontier Worker Permit and ILR

This permit does not lead directly to settlement. To pursue long-term status, consider applying for Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme or the Skilled Worker route.

Application Fees

There is no application fee for the Frontier Worker Permit, and you do not need to pay the Immigration Health Charge.

Family Members of Frontier Workers

Family members can apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit to join or accompany a Frontier Worker in the UK. They may also apply for Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

The regulations and guidance for the Frontier Worker Permit Scheme require specific documentation. Consulting an immigration lawyer can ensure your application is professionally presented and accurate.

Our experienced team assists employers and skilled workers across various industries. We can help you plan to meet your start date and align your career progression with your immigration goals.

We are dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice as part of a professional and friendly service. Contact us at +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.