EEA nationals (including all EU citizens and Swiss nationals), who entered the UK before 31 December 2020, have their right to remain protected by the EU Settlement Scheme, which is open for applications until 30 June 2021.

EEA nationals and their family members arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021 will still be able to come to the UK for visits in much the same way as they did before but for a maximum period of six months. EU Settlement Scheme: presentation

If EEA nationals wish to come to the UK to work or to live long term, they will need to apply under the immigration rules system (primarily the Points- Based System) which entered into force on 1 December 2020. This is a "single immigration system" for skilled talent that is equally applicable to non-EU and EU migrants alike from 1 January 2021 but does not have provision for less skilled workers.

Special arrangements exist between the Republic of Ireland and the UK. Irish citizens do not have to apply for any permission to live and work in the UK, as they continue to have the right to enter and live in the UK under the Common Travel Area.

Social security: EU social security rules continue to apply to any employee posted before 31 December 2020. For workers posted afterwards, the TCA has put in place measures so that social security benefits are coordinated. Nevertheless, employers sending employees from the UK to the EU and the EU to the UK still face more difficulties than existed under the EU regulatory framework that was applicable until 31 December 2020.

For companies with employees in Europe, each EU and EEA state has its own immigration system and, therefore, UK citizens are now subject to the local requirements that might