EU Citizen with Non-EU Spouse: Visa/Work Permit?

[Lost in TV]

Please forgive me if the answer to this question is easily found, but I've been searching for weeks and can't seem to come across a definitive answer.

My spouse and I have talked about moving to the UK for ages, and think we may try to sometime next year.

I am a citizen of the EU and know I can work in the UK without any issues. My spouse, however, is a US citizen and does not have any EU ties.

I've looked all over and have read everything from sites saying it's no problem to get a work permit for them in this situation to ones saying it's nearly impossible.

Though I've found lots and lots of info that applies to UK citizens with non-UK spouses (for whom the process is very straight forward) and non-EU citizens with non-EU spouses (who have to start from scratch with work permits, visa, etc), info for a EU citizen with a non-EU spouse is few and far between.

So my question is: what do I need to do for my spouse to A) be able to move the UK with me and B) be able to work once we're there?

Again, I apologize if this is info that's already been covered, but I've not been able to get a clear answer.

I appreciate the help!!

[Docterror]

Are you a citizen of the 'old EU'? If you are, search for the term 'EEA Family Permit'- the solution to all your problems.

[Dawie]

Everything you need to know about a non-EU family member of an EEA (EU) citizen wanting to live and work in the UK can be found here on the UK visas website:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/UKVis ... ted+States

Be assured this is official information from a UK government website.

[Lost in TV]

Everything you need to know about a non-EU family member...

Thanks so much, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Just one line has me confused: "If you want to come to the UK independently of your EEA/Swiss family member, the normal UK Immigration Rules apply, including visa requirements."

I was under the impression that I would not need a visa or work permit to enter and work in the UK. I thought the only thing I'd need to do for a long term stay is apply for a residence permit, which I could do once already in the country. Was I correct about this?

Thanks again - this thread has already been very helpful!

[sakura]

Everything you need to know about a non-EU family member...

Thanks so much, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Just one line has me confused: "If you want to come to the UK independently of your EEA/Swiss family member, the normal UK Immigration Rules apply, including visa requirements."

I was under the impression that I would not need a visa or work permit to enter and work in the UK. I thought the only thing I'd need to do for a long term stay is apply for a residence permit, which I could do once already in the country. Was I correct about this?

Thanks again - this thread has already been very helpful!

That is for your non-EEA partner, not you. If your non-EEA partner wishes to come to the UK without you (eg. if you stayed in the US and he came here to work) then he cannot apply for the EEA permit, but will have to meet the immigration requirements for another visa, such as a work permit or skilled migrant.

If you're an EU/EEA citizen then clearly you don't need to apply for anything (unless you're from the A8/Romania, but even then, you are given full access to the UK job market).

[Wanderer]

Everything you need to know about a non-EU family member...

Thanks so much, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Just one line has me confused: "If you want to come to the UK independently of your EEA/Swiss family member, the normal UK Immigration Rules apply, including visa requirements."

I was under the impression that I would not need a visa or work permit to enter and work in the UK. I thought the only thing I'd need to do for a long term stay is apply for a residence permit, which I could do once already in the country. Was I correct about this?

Thanks again - this thread has already been very helpful!

Think that means ur non-EU spouse needs to either accompany you to UK or if not - she'll have to enter under her own rights, under UK rules.

[Docterror]

If you're an EU/EEA citizen then clearly you don't need to apply for anything (unless you're from the A8/Romania, but even then, you are given full access to the UK job market).

Romanians and Bulgarians indeed do need workpermits for most of the the jobs and are hence not considered to be given full access to the UK labour market.

[sakura]

If you're an EU/EEA citizen then clearly you don't need to apply for anything (unless you're from the A8/Romania, but even then, you are given full access to the UK job market).

Romanians and Bulgarians indeed do need workpermits for most of the the jobs and are hence not considered to be given full access to the UK labour market.

Ah so they put a limit on them! I remember now! My mistake. But I assume they can still come as 'self-employed'?

[Docterror]

Yes, indeed! They are allowed full access to the labour market to exercise treaty right as being self-employed.

[Dawie]

Don't forget that Bulgarians and Romanians are given full access to the labour market after working on a work permit for 12 months.