Are you an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen working or self-employed in the UK, but not primarily residing here? If so, the Frontier Worker Permit may be essential for you. Highwood Solicitors, your trusted partner in legal matters, is here to guide you through the process.

Requirements for a Frontier Worker Permit

To be eligible for a Frontier Worker Permit, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You hold citizenship in the EEA, EU, or Switzerland.
2. Your primary residence is not in the UK.
3. You are either actively employed or self-employed in the UK, or you were a worker or self-employed person in the UK immediately before December 31, 2020, and have maintained this status continuously since.

The specific requirements may vary based on your unique circumstances. For personalized advice, consult our expert immigration solicitors.

Not Primarily Resident in the UK

To be considered not primarily resident in the UK, you must meet one of the following conditions:

1. You’ve spent fewer than 180 days in the UK during any 12-month period from January 1, 2020, to your application date.
2. You’ve spent more than 180 days in the UK during any 12-month period from January 1, 2020, to your application date but have returned to your primary residence at least once every 6 months or twice every 12 months.
3. You’ve spent more than 180 days in the UK during any 12-month period from January 1, 2020, to your application date, and there are exceptional reasons preventing you from traveling back to your primary residence.

Highwood Solicitors can assist you in demonstrating these exceptional reasons to the Home Office.

Worker or Self-employed Person

To qualify as a Frontier Worker, you must have worked or been self-employed in the UK for at least one month within the 12 months preceding December 31, 2020. You must also continue to work or be self-employed in the UK for at least one month within each rolling 12-month period starting from your initial work or self-employment in the UK in 2020.

Your work or self-employment should be substantial and integral to your life in the UK, not merely marginal or ancillary. If you’ve been absent from the UK for 12 months or more since January 1, 2020, you may still be eligible for a Frontier Worker Permit as a retained worker or self-employed person.

For retained status, you must have become unemployed for specific reasons within 12 months of your last period of work in the UK. Highwood Solicitors can provide further details on these circumstances.

Frontier Workers Arriving in the UK After January 1, 2021

If you plan to commence employment in the UK while residing outside it, but your work begins on, or after, January 1, 2021, you won’t be eligible for a Frontier Worker Permit. Instead, you must apply under the new points-based immigration system, including the Skilled Worker route.

Entry Requirements

A valid Frontier Worker Permit is required for admission to the UK as a Frontier Worker (except for Irish citizens).

Validity Period

Your Frontier Worker Permit’s validity depends on your situation:

• 5 years if you meet current Frontier Worker eligibility criteria.
• 2 years if you have retained worker status.

Extending Your Permit

As a Frontier Worker, you can apply to renew your permit as long as you remain a Frontier Worker in the UK.

Settlement and Fees

Please note that the Frontier Worker Permit Scheme does not lead to settlement in the UK directly. If you seek settlement, consider applying for Pre-Settled Status, Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or another relevant route. Highwood Solicitors can guide you through the process.

The application for a Frontier Worker Permit is free, and there is no Immigration Health Charge for applicants under this scheme.

Family Members

For family members of Frontier Workers, there is no specific immigration category. They should apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit or consider Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Highwood Solicitors is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of Frontier Worker Permits and other immigration matters. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing clear and reliable advice to ensure your immigration goals are met. Contact us at +44 (0) 1206523714 or complete our inquiry form below to discuss your Frontier Worker Permit application.