smiling woman working at a laptop

Brexit has introduced several hurdles for UK residents seeking remote jobs, particularly with companies based in the European Union (EU). While there are no explicit restrictions preventing UK citizens from securing remote jobs with EU employers, several factors may influence the ease and legality of this.

Of course there are ways around every obstacle, it just takes a little extra patience and dedication for finding your ideal job.

Post-Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU’s single market and customs union. This change affects the freedom of movement and may have implications for employment laws and tax obligations. For instance, UK citizens working remotely for EU companies need to consider:

  • Work Authorization: While remote work typically doesn’t require a work visa if the employee remains in the UK, the situation may differ if extended stays in the EU are involved. It’s essential to understand the specific requirements of the host country.

  • Tax Residency: Working remotely for an EU-based company may affect your tax status. It’s crucial to determine where your tax liabilities lie and ensure compliance with both UK and EU tax regulations.

Professional Qualifications

The mutual recognition of professional qualifications between the UK and the EU has become more complex post-Brexit. A proposed agreement to facilitate the movement of professionals is unlikely to effectively address existing mobility issues, according to the European Court of Auditors. This means UK professionals may face additional hurdles, such as extra exams, legal documentation, and fees, to have their qualifications recognized in the EU.

Source: Financial Times

Practical Considerations

Despite these challenges, many UK residents continue to engage in remote work with EU companies. For example, some individuals have adopted a “work from Alps” lifestyle, blending remote work with mountain living. However, Brexit constraints limit extended stays in the EU for some, necessitating careful planning regarding visa requirements and the permissible duration of stays.

Source: The Times & The Sunday Times

Visa Options and Right-to-Work Considerations

Since the end of free movement, UK citizens no longer have the automatic right to live and work in EU countries. However, several pathways remain open for remote workers:

  • Digital Nomad Visas: A growing number of EU countries now offer digital nomad or remote worker visas. Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, and Estonia all have schemes that allow non-EU nationals to live in the country while working remotely for a foreign employer. These typically require proof of income and health insurance, but they provide a legal framework for long stays.

  • The 90/180-day rule: UK citizens can still travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This can work for short-term remote working arrangements, though it does not grant the right to formal employment in the host country.

  • Employer of Record (EOR) services: Companies like Xolo or Remote.com can act as a local employer on behalf of an EU company, handling payroll, tax, and compliance. This means the EU employer does not need to set up a legal entity in the UK, which removes one of the biggest barriers.

  • Freelance or contractor arrangements: Some UK professionals choose to register as self-employed and invoice EU clients directly. This can simplify the relationship, though it requires careful structuring to avoid misclassification issues.

Where to Look for Remote Roles

The good news is that remote job boards are increasingly international in scope, and many EU companies actively recruit UK-based remote talent. Some strong starting points include:

  • EU Remote Jobs — focused specifically on European remote opportunities
  • We Work Remotely and Remote OK — large global boards with strong EU listings
  • LinkedIn — setting your location preference to remote and targeting EU-based companies
  • Sector-specific boards in tech, marketing, and customer support, where remote hiring is most common

It also helps to be upfront in your applications about your UK location and your understanding of the cross-border considerations. Employers who have already hired internationally will appreciate a candidate who has done their homework.

While Brexit has introduced additional considerations for UK residents seeking remote work with EU-based companies, it is definitely not impossible. The landscape is evolving, and new legal frameworks and service providers are making cross-border remote work more accessible every year. Just remember to ask the experts before you dive into anything, to make sure your bases are covered, to avoid future complications. If in doubt, get in touch with our remote work UK legal partners at K&K Legal Consulting.