British Immigration For European Citizens

By Jon Rose


Across Europe many governments are trying to turn away immigrants in the hope that they will save jobs for their own citizens. This is not just bad economics, because immigrants often help stimulate economic growth and create jobs, it is often illegal. In Britain the country is bound by regulations it has agreed to along with the rest of the European Union giving free movement to members of all countries in the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA). It does not always apply these laws property so it pays to know your rights.
Your right to visit Britain for Three Months
Any person who is a citizen of a country in the EEA has the right to visit Britain for up to three months without any formalities. All they have to do is present themselves at the border with a valid passport or identification document. If border officials try to put additional obstacles in the way then they are breaking the law.
Your right to live and work in Britain
Citizens of all of the EEA countries also have the right to live in Britain for more than three months if they are doing what is known as exercising treaty rights. In effect this means they are working, in which case they can stay with no further formalities. They could also be studying or simply retiring but in that case they would have to show that they have sufficient money to support themselves. They could also be asked to prove that they have their own health insurance. So the easiest way to stay in the UK is to find a job.
Your family's right to visit Britain
If you have family members who are also citizens of EEA countries then you have nothing to worry about since they can just come in on their own passports. But if your spouse or children are citizens of another country then they get the right to visit and live in Britain from you. If you are visiting for less than three months you technically only have to show your passports and a marriage certificate. In fact Britain forces people to get a family visa before they leave. This is against European law but it is hard to argue the point at the immigration line in Heathrow airport so it is best to get the free visa before you leave.
Your family's right to live in Britain
As long as you have the right to be in Britain because you are working or exercising treaty rights in some other way then your spouse and other dependent family members have the right to live and work with you. They need to apply to the British government for a permit but by law this cannot be denied as long as you are exercising your rights correctly and are either working or have sufficient money to support them all.
Click here to learn more about British immigration rules because if you know your rights then you can use them.

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