EU Immigration Law
Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom, this is called the right of residence. You will only have the right of residence in the UK if you are a “qualified person”.
As an EEA or Swiss national you are able to freely travel to the UK and accept offers of work, start a business, manage a company, or set up a local branch of a company. These privileges may be undertaken without the need for a UK work permit. However, in some circumstances, you may need to register under the Worker Registration Scheme.
If you have a right to live the in the UK, your family may join you.
EEA Family Permit
Family members who are not EEA or Swiss nationals and who wish to come and live in the UK permanently or on a long-term basis, will need to apply for an EEA Family Permit before coming to the UK.
Residence Cards
Residence cards are issued to non-EEA national family members if they are switching in-country from a different category or have entered the UK on a Family Permit and now require to extend their stay. The card confirms a person’s right of residence under European law and is issued for a 5 years period.
Settlement
You are entitled to apply for confirmation of permanent residence once you have lived in the United Kingdom for a continuous period of five years.
Workers Registration
The Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) was introduced in 2004 when new countries joined the European Union with a view to controlling the number of entrants. The scheme applies only to those who have recently moved to the UK wish to work for an employer for more than one month and who are  citizens of one of the A8 countries (The Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia).
When you have completed 12 months of continuous employment under the WRS you can gain full European rights and you stay in the UK will count towards permanent residency.
Family member residence stamps
Non-EEA national family members can apply for a family member residence stamp to confirm their right of residence under European law.
We hope that the above information proves useful as an initial overview of this particular visa category. In the event that you require more specific information in respect of this matter, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.
