Moving to the UK from Eastern Europe: Complete Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Since Brexit (1 January 2021), Eastern Europeans need a visa to live and work in the UK.
- •Over 5 million EU citizens applied to the EU Settlement Scheme before and after the deadline.
- •The Skilled Worker visa is now the main route for new Eastern European workers.
- •No Eastern European country requires a TB test for UK visa applications.
- •English language testing is required for all Eastern European applicants.
- •Polish nationals are the largest EU-born community in the UK, with over 700,000 people.
- •Settled status under EUSS is equivalent to ILR and leads to citizenship after 12 months.
Eastern Europeans are the largest immigrant communities in the UK, but the rules have changed dramatically since Brexit. New arrivals need work visas. Those already here may have settled or pre-settled status. This guide covers both situations and explains the path forward for Eastern Europeans in 2026.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.
The Post-Brexit Shift
For decades, Eastern Europeans moved to the UK freely under EU freedom of movement. Poland's accession to the EU in 2004 triggered one of the largest migration flows in British history. Romania and Bulgaria followed in 2007, with full labour market access from 2014. By 2020, an estimated 3.7 million EU citizens were living in the UK, with Eastern Europeans making up a substantial majority.
Brexit ended freedom of movement on 31 December 2020. Since 1 January 2021, Eastern Europeans who want to move to the UK must apply for a visa, just like nationals of any non-EU country. This was a seismic shift that affects everyone from skilled professionals to seasonal workers.
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
If you were living in the UK before 31 December 2020, the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) protected your right to stay. Over 5 million people applied, and the scheme granted two types of status:
- Settled status: Granted to those with 5 or more years of continuous residence. This is equivalent to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and gives you the permanent right to live and work in the UK.
- Pre-settled status: Granted to those with less than 5 years of residence. Valid for 5 years. You can apply to convert to settled status once you reach 5 years of continuous residence.
The main application deadline was 30 June 2021, but the Home Office continues to accept late applications where there are reasonable grounds for the delay.
Converting Pre-Settled to Settled Status
If you have pre-settled status, you should apply for settled status as soon as you have completed 5 years of continuous residence. The application is free. You must demonstrate that you have not been absent from the UK for more than 6 months in any 12-month period, with limited exceptions for military service, serious illness, or other compelling reasons.
From Settled Status to British Citizenship
Settled status under the EUSS is treated the same as ILR for citizenship purposes. After holding settled status for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation. You must:
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Meet the English language requirement at B1
- Meet the good character requirement
- Meet the residence requirements (not have been absent for more than 450 days in the 5 years before application, and not more than 90 days in the final 12 months)
For EU nationals considering citizenship, see our dedicated guide on British citizenship for EU nationals.
Visa Routes for New Arrivals
If you are an Eastern European citizen who was not living in the UK before the Brexit deadline, you must now apply through the same visa routes as any other non-UK national.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is the most common route for Eastern European professionals. You need a job offer from an employer with a sponsor licence, and the job must meet the minimum salary threshold and skill level requirements.
This is a significant change from the pre-Brexit era, when any EU citizen could take any job in the UK without restriction. Now, the job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels or a skilled trade), and the salary must meet the going rate for the occupation.
Student Visa
Eastern European students must now apply for a Student visa and pay international tuition fees — another significant post-Brexit change. Before Brexit, EU students paid the same fees as UK students and did not need a visa.
After completing studies, the Graduate route allows 2 years of post-study work (3 years for PhD graduates) without needing a sponsor.
Spouse and Family Visas
If your partner is a British citizen or has settled status, you can apply for a Spouse visa. The financial requirement, English language requirement, and other conditions apply in the same way as for any other nationality.
Other Routes
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.
Eastern Europeans can also use the Global Talent visa (for exceptional talent in science, arts, digital technology, etc.), the Youth Mobility Scheme (not currently available for EU countries), and the Seasonal Worker visa for agricultural work.
Country Profiles
Poland
Polish nationals are the largest EU-born community in the UK, with over 700,000 people. The Polish community is well-established across the UK, with concentrations in London, the Midlands, and East Anglia. Most Polish residents hold settled status under the EUSS. New arrivals typically use the Skilled Worker visa, with construction, logistics, and healthcare being common sectors.
Romania
Romania is the second-largest source of EU-born UK residents. The Romanian community is concentrated in London, the South East, and the Midlands. Like Poland, most residents hold settled status. New arrivals use Skilled Worker visas across a range of sectors including healthcare, technology, and hospitality.
Hungary, Bulgaria, Czech Republic
These countries have smaller but significant communities in the UK. The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for new arrivals. Hungary and the Czech Republic have well-educated workforces with growing numbers in professional services and technology.
Lithuania and Latvia
The Baltic states have well-established communities in the UK, particularly in the agricultural regions of Eastern England. Most residents hold settled status. New arrivals face the same Skilled Worker visa requirements as other Eastern Europeans.
Practical Considerations
No TB Test Required
No Eastern European country is on the UK's TB testing list. This is one fewer requirement compared to applicants from Africa, South Asia, and other regions.
English Language
All Eastern European applicants must meet the English language requirement for their visa route. No Eastern European country is classified as majority English-speaking. You must take an approved SELT test or hold a degree taught and examined in English from a recognised institution.
Document Requirements
Documents in Polish, Romanian, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Czech, Lithuanian, or Latvian must be accompanied by certified English translations. Most Eastern European countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, which simplifies document legalisation.
Costs Overview
- Visa application fee: 284 GBP to 1,846 GBP depending on the route
- Immigration Health Surcharge: 1,035 GBP per year (776 GBP for students)
- English language test: approximately 150 to 200 GBP
- Document translation: varies, typically 20 to 50 GBP per document
- EUSS applications: free
- Citizenship application: 1,580 GBP
For a full breakdown, see our UK visa fees guide.
Next Steps
Your next step depends on whether you are already in the UK or planning to move:
- Already in the UK with EUSS status: Consider applying for British citizenship if you have held settled status for 12 months.
- Pre-settled status: Apply for settled status as soon as you reach 5 years of continuous residence.
- Planning to move: Identify your visa route and start the application process. The Skilled Worker visa guide is the most relevant for most working professionals.
For official information, visit the GOV.UK EU Settlement Scheme page and the GOV.UK visa checker.
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.