Registration Certificates (EEA & Swiss nationals)

EEA Registration Certificates allow EEA/EU/EC nationals to live and work in the UK.

If you are a national of an old EEA country or Switzerland then you can enter the UK freely with the minimum of documentation. You are not required to apply for entry clearance. You may still be asked to show some evidence and you will need your passport or national identity card.

On arrival in the UK we would advise any national of an old EEA country, to make an application for an EEA Registration Certificate. This certificate confirms your right of extended residence in the UK. Registration Certificates are particularly useful if you are married to a non-EEA national or have children who are not EEA nationals who may also want to come and live with you here. They are useful if you decide to stay in the UK to work or study, or if you need to access welfare benefits.

EEA Registration Certificates grant EU/EC nationals the right of residence within the UK. According to European Community law, the right of residence allows EEA nationals the right to live and work in the UK.

If you fall into this category you are can accept offers of employment, set up a business, manage a company, or set up a local branch of a company without a UK Work Permit.

Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) member states may qualify for a five year registration certificate.

If you are from the EEA it is possible to apply for an EEA Registration Certificate, however it is not essential. This is because a residence permit merely confirms that EEA nationals have the right of residence in the UK under European Community Law. A registration certificate is usually valid for five years. You will not be given a residence permit in the following circumstances:

1. If you are in the United Kingdom for a short visit;
2. If you are looking for work;
3. If you will work and live in the United Kingdom for less than three months; or
4. If you do not work in the United Kingdom and cannot support yourself without help from public funds

If you are an A8 national and you will work in the UK, you may be required to register under the Worker Registration Scheme prior to applying for an EEA registration certificate.

If you hold an EEA registration certificate, you do not need to work while you are in the UK but you must be able to support yourself without relying on public funds.