This guide to European visas provides a clear overview of visa options for British citizens moving to Europe after Brexit, including work, digital nomad, retirement, passive-income and investment routes, plus the special case of Ireland.
Once you’ve created a shortlist of where you might like to live in Europe, it’s essential to review the shortlist against possible visa options in each country given the British citizens no longer have automatic freedom of movement within EU and Schengen countries.
This article provides an overview of the most common visa types, including digital nomad visas, retirement and passive-income routes, employment and business options and residency by investment.
It also highlights popular destinations where we can introduce you to trusted immigration specialists, as well as the important exception of Ireland under the Common Travel Area.
This article provides general guidance and is not legal, immigration or financial advice. Rules vary by country and change frequently. It’s therefore essential to get advice from a visa specialist to help ensure you are eligible for any visa you wish to apply for.
Brexit ended the automatic right for UK nationals to live and work across the EU. UK citizens are now treated as third-country nationals in most European states and must meet that country’s immigration criteria.
Short stays may still be allowed under Schengen rules (typically 90 days in any 180-day period), but this does not grant residency or permission to work. Residency in one EU country does not provide an automatic right to move to another.
Although names and rules vary, most European countries offer the following visa categories.
Used when employed by a local employer or transferred from the UK. Some countries use the EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers.
Best suited to:
Digital nomad visas are designed for people working remotely for clients or employers outside the country.
Best suited to:
For people who can support themselves without local employment, often using pensions, rental income or investments.
Best suited to:
For those planning to operate a freelance business or launch a company.
Best suited to:
Based on qualifying investments, such as property or business participation. Requirements differ widely.
Best suited to:
While every European country has its own rules, the following destinations are currently among the most popular for British citizens. These are also countries where we can introduce you to trusted immigration and tax specialists if you need personalised guidance.
Often chosen for a warmer climate, slower pace of life and attractive tax and residency options.
Visa routes that may suit you:
A favourite for coastal living, vibrant cities and large established expat communities.
Visa routes that may suit you:
Popular for culture, access to wider Europe, high-quality healthcare and diverse lifestyle choices from city to countryside.
Visa routes that may suit you:
Attractive for heritage, food, culture and a wide choice of regions offering very different lifestyles.
Visa routes that may suit you:
Appealing for English-speaking environment, favourable tax rules and a relaxed Mediterranean pace of life.
Visa routes that may suit you:
Ireland is a unique exception for British people.
Under the Common Travel Area (CTA), British and Irish citizens have the legal right to live, work, study and retire in each other’s countries without requiring a visa. Residency is typically simpler than moving to EU or Schengen countries, although it does not grant freedom of movement across the EU as a whole.
Ireland is suitable for people who:
Before applying, consider:
