Frontier Worker Permit UK Guide

The Frontier Worker Permit is a post-Brexit immigration document designed for certain EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who were working in the UK while living abroad before 31 December 2020. This guide explains what the permit is, who qualifies, the application process, rights and limitations, renewal rules, and what alternatives exist for those not eligible.

Section A: What is the Frontier Worker Permit?

The Frontier Worker Permit was introduced following the UK’s departure from the European Union to preserve the rights of individuals who had already established a cross-border work pattern before the end of the Brexit transition period. It allows eligible nationals of EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland to continue working in the UK while residing primarily in another country.

The scheme reflects the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, ensuring that those who had begun working in the UK before 11pm on 31 December 2020 can retain their rights, provided they obtain and maintain a permit. Irish citizens are exempt under the Common Travel Area arrangements and do not need to apply.

The permit does not amount to leave to enter or remain under the UK Immigration Rules. It is not a visa, nor does it provide a pathway to settlement. Instead, it evidences a specific legal status derived from the Withdrawal Agreement, confirming that the holder can enter and work in the UK without needing to apply under the post-Brexit points-based immigration system.

Key features of the permit

• Free to apply, with no Immigration Health Surcharge payable.
• Valid for up to five years for employed or self-employed workers.
• Valid for up to two years for those with retained worker or self-employed status.
• Renewable indefinitely, provided eligibility continues to be met.
• No provision for dependants and no route to indefinite leave to remain.

Because the permit is tied to the continuation of cross-border work, any change in work or residence arrangements can affect eligibility. Applicants and existing permit holders must therefore maintain careful records and ensure that their working pattern continues to qualify.

Section Summary: The Frontier Worker Permit is a unique post-Brexit arrangement for non-UK resident EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who worked in the UK before 31 December 2020. It provides legal recognition of their right to continue cross-border work but does not create long-term immigration status in the UK.

Section B: Eligibility Criteria and Residence Rules

To qualify for a Frontier Worker Permit, applicants must show that they meet specific conditions set out in the Withdrawal Agreement and supporting UK legislation. These requirements ensure that only those with an established cross-border work pattern before the end of the Brexit transition period can continue to benefit from the scheme.

Nationality requirement

The applicant must be a national of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Irish citizens are exempt from this scheme because of their separate rights under the Common Travel Area.

Work before 31 December 2020

Applicants must demonstrate that they began genuine and effective work in the UK before 11pm on 31 December 2020. ‘Genuine and effective’ excludes minor, incidental or one-off activities such as attending an interview, signing a contract or participating in a single competition or audition.

Continuing cross-border work

Applicants must continue to work in the UK while primarily residing outside the UK. The frontier working pattern must still be in place at the date of application and must be maintained for renewal. If there has been a break of up to 12 months without work in the UK, applicants may still qualify if they retained their status due to reasons such as illness, accident, pregnancy, involuntary unemployment, vocational training, or COVID-19 disruption.

Not primarily resident test

Applicants must show that they are not primarily resident in the UK. This can be demonstrated in one of two ways:

• They spent fewer than 180 days in the UK in the 12 months prior to 31 December 2020, or
• They returned to their country of residence at least once in the previous six months or twice in the last 12 months, unless exceptional circumstances prevented this.

The not primarily resident test must continue to be met on an ongoing basis. Evidence of residence abroad, such as utility bills or tenancy agreements, may be required when applying or renewing.

Retained status

Applicants may hold a Frontier Worker Permit even if they are not currently working in the UK, provided they meet the conditions for retained worker or self-employed status. This includes:

• Temporary inability to work due to illness, accident, pregnancy or childbirth.
• Periods of involuntary unemployment while seeking work or undertaking vocational training.
• Periods of voluntary unemployment where vocational training is directly related to the last occupation.
• Inability to work in the UK due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Section Summary: Eligibility for the Frontier Worker Permit depends on nationality, genuine cross-border work in the UK before 31 December 2020, and continued compliance with the not primarily resident test. Special provisions exist for those temporarily unable to work, but applicants must keep clear evidence of their ongoing eligibility to maintain their status.

Section C: Application Process and Required Documents

The Frontier Worker Permit application process is free and designed to protect the rights of those who had already established cross-border work arrangements before Brexit. While straightforward in principle, success depends on providing accurate evidence to prove eligibility.

Where and how to apply

Applications must be made online through the official UK government service. They can be submitted from either inside or outside the UK. Most applicants can verify their identity using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. Others may be required to upload their documents via the government website.

Identity documents

Applicants need to provide a valid passport or a national identity card. These must be in date at the time of application. Irish citizens do not need a permit, but nationals of other EU, EEA and Swiss countries must prove their identity with an accepted travel document.

Evidence of work

The evidence required depends on whether the applicant is employed, self-employed, or applying under retained status. Examples include:

• Employment contracts and payslips for employees.
• Invoices, business accounts or tax returns for self-employed applicants.
• Medical certificates confirming illness or accident where work has been interrupted.
• Copies of recent job applications or proof of vocational training for those unemployed.
• Documents showing inability to work in the UK due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Proving residence abroad

Applicants must demonstrate that they are not primarily resident in the UK. Acceptable documents include tenancy or mortgage statements, council tax records, utility bills, or other official correspondence confirming residence abroad. Evidence of regular travel back to the country of residence may also be required.

Application decision

Once an application is approved, the applicant will receive either a digital status (for those using the ID Check app) or a physical Frontier Worker Permit card. This status can be used by employers to complete right to work checks through the Home Office online service.

Section Summary: Applying for a Frontier Worker Permit involves an online application supported by evidence of nationality, work, and residence abroad. While the process is free, the Home Office applies strict evidential requirements, making it important to provide full and accurate documentation at the point of application.

Section D: Rights, Limitations and Renewal

The Frontier Worker Permit evidences a protected status under the Withdrawal Agreement. It enables eligible EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who live primarily outside the UK to enter and work in the UK without applying under the points-based immigration system. This section explains what the permit allows, what it does not, and how renewal works.

1. Rights conferred by the permit

Holders may enter the UK for the purpose of carrying out their established cross-border work and may work for an employer or on a self-employed basis in line with their established pattern. Employers can complete right to work checks using the Home Office online service with the holder’s digital status or Frontier Worker Permit card. The permit can support multiple UK engagements, provided the work remains genuine and effective and the individual remains not primarily resident in the UK.

2. Key limitations

The permit is not a visa under the Immigration Rules and does not grant leave to enter or remain, nor a route to settlement (ILR). It does not provide dependent routes; family members must qualify independently under other provisions. The status is contingent on the continuation of frontier working and the not primarily resident test. In-country “switching” to other immigration categories is generally not available; applicants typically need to apply from overseas if moving to a different route. The permit should not be relied upon for non-work travel; visits for tourism or other purposes should be made under the visitor rules, where eligible.

3. Validity and renewal

Permits are granted for up to five years for employed or self-employed frontier workers, and up to two years for those holding retained worker or self-employed status. They are renewable indefinitely while eligibility continues. For renewal, applicants must evidence that they have maintained their qualifying working pattern and the not primarily resident test, or that they continue to meet the retained status conditions (for example illness, pregnancy or childbirth, involuntary unemployment while seeking work, vocational training, or COVID-19 disruption).

4. Revocation, refusal and misuse of rights

Status can be curtailed or renewal refused where eligibility is no longer met, including cessation of frontier working or failure to satisfy residence requirements. Applications may also be refused on public policy, public security or public health grounds, or for misuse of rights, which includes conduct intended to artificially create the conditions for eligibility. Accurate, consistent evidence and clear explanations for any gaps in work or residence are critical to mitigate refusal risk.

5. Practical compliance tips

• Keep contemporaneous evidence of UK work (contracts, payslips, invoices) and overseas residence (tenancy, utility bills, tax records).
• Track days spent in the UK and retain travel records to demonstrate the not primarily resident test.
• Document any periods of interruption and the basis for retained status (medical letters, job search evidence, training records).
• Align right to work evidence with the online checking service before starting new engagements.
• Start renewal preparations well in advance to avoid lapses in work entitlement.

Section Summary: The Frontier Worker Permit confirms a right to enter and work in the UK tied to a continuing cross-border pattern and residence outside the UK. It does not grant leave, dependants or settlement. Maintaining rigorous evidence of work and overseas residence is essential for renewals and to avoid refusal or revocation on eligibility or misuse grounds.

Section E: Using the Permit in Practice (Entry, eGates, Right to Work, Travel)

This section explains how Frontier Worker Permit holders use their status at the UK border, how employers complete right to work checks, and what to do for non-work travel. The permit evidences a specific right to enter the UK for work in line with an established cross-border pattern; it is distinct from a visa under the Immigration Rules.

1. Entering the UK and eGates

Eligible nationals with biometric passports may be able to use eGates for entry when travelling to the UK to carry out frontier work. Where eGate use is not available or appropriate, present your valid travel document and your digital status or permit card to a Border Force officer. Always carry documentation consistent with your purpose of entry (for example, evidence of engagements or contracts) in case further questions are asked.

2. Right to work checks for employees and contractors

Employers should use the Home Office online right to work checking service with the share code generated from the worker’s digital status or by inspecting the physical Frontier Worker Permit card where applicable. Checks must be completed before employment starts and repeated where the permission is time-limited. For self-employed engagements, clients should keep appropriate due diligence records consistent with their compliance obligations.

3. Using the permit for non-work travel

The permit should not be relied on for non-work visits. For tourism or other non-work purposes, eligible nationals may enter as visitors, subject to the visitor rules. If your travel involves both work and non-work purposes, ensure that your primary purpose for entry and your documentation are consistent with frontier worker status, or make a separate visit in line with the visitor route.

4. Evidence to carry

• Valid passport (and, where relevant, your physical Frontier Worker Permit card).
• Evidence of ongoing UK work (contracts, payslips, invoices) and of overseas residence (tenancy, utility bills).
• Records of travel demonstrating the not primarily resident test.
• Documentation for any interruption period relied on for retained status (medical letters, job search evidence, training details).

Section Summary: Use your Frontier Worker Permit (or digital status) to enter for work. Employers must complete online right to work checks. Do not use the permit for non-work entry; rely on the visitor route where applicable. Carry evidence supporting your cross-border work and non-UK residence.

Section F: Alternatives to the Frontier Worker Permit

Individuals who cannot meet the Frontier Worker Permit criteria or who wish to change their UK immigration position should assess alternative routes. In most cases, moving to a different route requires applying for entry clearance from outside the UK.

1. Skilled Worker

For paid employment with a Home Office–approved sponsor, typically at RQF Level 3 or above, meeting English language and salary thresholds. This route provides a path to settlement if continuous residence and other requirements are met.

2. Global Business Mobility (GBM)

Temporary routes for business assignments linked to overseas employers, including senior or specialist workers and expansion-related categories. These routes do not generally lead to settlement but can facilitate intra-group mobility.

3. Global Talent

For leaders or potential leaders in qualifying fields (e.g., academia, research, arts, digital technology), often endorsed by a designated body. Provides flexible work permission and a route to settlement.

4. Student and Graduate

Student permission for study with a licensed sponsor, followed by the Graduate route allowing work at any skill level for a limited period after successful completion of eligible courses.

5. Visitor

Short stays for tourism, business visits, and other permitted activities. Work in the UK is generally prohibited under the visitor route except for specific, narrowly defined activities.

Section Summary: Where Frontier Worker status is unavailable or no longer suitable, consider Skilled Worker, GBM, Global Talent, Student/Graduate, or Visitor routes. Assess skill level, sponsorship availability, English language, salary, duration, and settlement objectives before selecting a route. Applications to move routes are usually made from outside the UK.

Frontier Worker Permit: FAQs

1. Who qualifies for a Frontier Worker Permit?

Nationals of EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who began genuine and effective work in the UK before 31 December 2020 and who remain primarily resident outside the UK. Irish citizens are exempt and do not need a permit.

2. How long is the permit valid?

Up to five years for employed or self-employed frontier workers; up to two years for those with retained status. It is renewable while eligibility continues.

3. Does the permit lead to settlement (ILR)?

No. The permit is not a route to settlement and does not grant leave under the Immigration Rules.

4. Can family members apply as dependants?

No. There is no dependant route under the Frontier Worker scheme. Family members must qualify under other provisions where relevant.

5. Can I switch to another visa from inside the UK?

Generally, no. Switching in-country is not typically available from Frontier Worker status. You would usually apply from overseas for a different route.

6. What evidence is needed for renewal?

Evidence that you have maintained your cross-border work pattern and remain not primarily resident in the UK, or that you continue to meet retained status conditions.

7. Can my permit be refused or revoked?

Yes. Grounds include failing eligibility, public policy/security/health reasons, or misuse of rights (e.g., artificially creating eligibility). Keep thorough, consistent records.

8. Can I enter the UK for tourism using my permit?

No. Use the visitor route for tourism and other non-work activities. The permit evidences entry for work consistent with frontier status.

9. Do I pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

No. There is no application fee and no Immigration Health Surcharge for the Frontier Worker Permit.

10. How do employers check my right to work?

By using the Home Office online right to work checking service with your share code (digital status) or by inspecting your valid Frontier Worker Permit card alongside the required process.

Section Summary: The FAQs clarify eligibility, validity, settlement, dependants, switching, evidence for renewal, refusal risks, visitor travel, fees, and right to work checks. Always align your documents and travel purpose with the rules to avoid issues.

Conclusion

The Frontier Worker Permit preserves the pre-Brexit position for eligible EU, EEA and Swiss nationals whose working lives span the UK border. It confirms a right to enter and work that is tied to an ongoing cross-border pattern and residence outside the UK. It is not a visa under the Immigration Rules, does not grant leave, and does not offer a settlement route or dependants. Compliance rests on maintaining genuine and effective work in the UK, meeting the not primarily resident test, and keeping robust evidence for applications and renewals. Where long-term residence or a broader set of work rights is required, assess alternative routes early and plan any transition carefully.

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Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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