WORK RIGHTS

FRONTIER WORKER PERMIT

Protecting cross-border work rights for people who began working in the UK before the end of the transition period.

OVERVIEW

The Frontier Worker permit is for certain people who work in the UK but live mainly in another country. It was created to protect qualifying cross-border workers following the UK’s departure from the EU.

The application is most suitable where the worker can show a clear history of UK work before the relevant deadline and continuing work in the UK while maintaining primary residence overseas.

WHO MAY QUALIFY

  • EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic or Liechtenstein citizens.

  • People who live outside the UK and meet the primary residence requirement.

  • Workers who began working in the UK by 31 December 2020.

  • Employed or self-employed frontier workers who continue to work in the UK.

LIVING PRIMARILY OUTSIDE THE UK

The residence test is important. Some applicants qualify because they spend less than 180 days in the UK in a 12-month period. Others may still qualify if they return to their country of residence regularly enough or can explain exceptional circumstances.

  • Travel records should be reviewed carefully.

  • Evidence of overseas residence is usually important.

  • Work patterns should show continuing UK work rather than UK residence.

  • Exceptional circumstances may need supporting evidence.

WORK EVIDENCE

  • Employment contracts, payslips and employer letters.

  • Self-employment records, invoices, tax records and client contracts.

  • Evidence of UK work before 31 December 2020.

  • Evidence of continued UK work at least once every 12 months, where relevant.

HOW WE CAN HELP

  • Review eligibility and residence patterns.

  • Prepare a clear schedule of UK travel and UK work.

  • Gather employment or self-employment evidence.

  • Advise on renewal and retained worker status issues.

Evidence focus

Documents often matter most.

Every case is different, but these are common evidence themes for this route.

PASSPORT

TRAVEL RECORDS

OVERSEAS PROOF OF RESIDENCE

EMPLOYMENT EVIDENCE

INVOICES OR TAX RECORDS

UK WORK HISTORY