Rights of non-EU nationals

Restrictions on free movement of persons
Where a country belongs to the European Economic Area generous rights of free movement are available to the citizens of these countries, together with their family members.

EEA citizens do not yet have an absolute right to live in other EEA states. At the very least, they must be able to support themselves without need for public funds and they must have sufficient medical insurance to cover themselves against all risks.

Governments of EEA states are also entitled to refuse entry to, or to deport, EEA nationals in a narrow range of circumstances. This can done when, but only when, the person in question is a threat to public policy, public security or public heath. The legal provision allowing for this is EEC Directive 64/221.

Please note that there are currently restrictions in place for nationals of eight of the ten new EU countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia). For further details please ask for our information note on Accession Country Nationals.

Citizens of Central & Eastern Europe
The European Union has concluded pre-accession agreements with certain countries of central and eastern Europe. Broadly speaking, the Agreements entitle citizens of these countries to live in the European Union so long as they are self-employed or they have set up and are managing a company. The countries concerned are Bulgaria and Romania. There is also an Association Agreement in place with Croatia, which is not as yet in force.

Interested persons are invited to contact the AIRE Centre for a guide on applying to the Home Office for leave to remain in the United Kingdom under an Agreement.

Citizens of Turkey
In 1963 the European Union (then called the EEC) signed an agreement with Turkey. This Agreement affords Turkish citizens certain rights to live in the European Union as ‘workers' or as self-employed persons. Interested persons are invited to contact the AIRE Centre for guidance on utilising this Agreement.

Moving around the European Union

Providing services in the European Union

Buying Goods and Trading in the European Union

Living in another European Union country

Getting your qualifications recognised in another European Union country

Rights of non-EU nationals

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