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The Frontier Worker permit is designed for individuals who are not primarily resident in the UK but work in the UK while living elsewhere. This visa route is aimed at EEA and Swiss nationals who were employed or self-employed in the UK but reside outside the UK. The main purpose of this permit is to allow these individuals to continue their work activities in the UK without needing to apply for a more traditional work visa, facilitating cross-border employment while maintaining their primary residence in another country.
Other Routes
The Frontier Worker permit is designed for individuals who are not primarily resident in the UK but work in the UK while living elsewhere. This visa route is aimed at EEA and Swiss nationals who were employed or self-employed in the UK but reside outside the UK. The main purpose of this permit is to allow these individuals to continue their work activities in the UK without needing to apply for a more traditional work visa, facilitating cross-border employment while maintaining their primary residence in another country.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for the Frontier Worker permit, including detailed requirements, step-by-step application process, required documents, costs, timeline, and expert tips for a successful application.
Varies by application type
Immigration Health Charge
Paid by employer
To prove you worked in the UK before 31 December 2020, you should provide evidence such as payslips, employment contracts, or tax documents like P60s or P45s. If you're self-employed, tax returns and invoices can demonstrate your work history. Ensure these documents clearly indicate your work location within the UK.
FeaturedTo prove you started working in the UK before 1 January 2021, you can provide employment contracts, payslips, or tax records. These documents should clearly indicate the start date of your employment or self-employment activities within the UK. If you are self-employed, invoices or contracts with UK clients can also serve as evidence. Ensure all documents are dated and clearly show your name and the details of your work engagement.
FeaturedYes, you must provide evidence that you reside primarily outside the UK. This could include utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements from your home country. The documents should demonstrate that you spend more than 180 days per year outside the UK.
FeaturedTo demonstrate continued work in the UK at least once every 12 months, you should gather evidence such as employment contracts, payslips, or invoices for self-employed work. Documentation showing regular entry into the UK for work purposes, such as travel records or boarding passes, can also be useful. Ensure these documents cover the entire period since you started working in the UK, up to your application date.
FeaturedOngoing work can be demonstrated through current employment contracts, recent payslips, or ongoing client contracts if self-employed. These documents should show continuous engagement with the UK labor market since 1 January 2021.
FeaturedYes, you need to prove that you are primarily resident outside the UK. This can be done through travel records, such as entry and exit stamps in your passport, or flight itineraries. Additionally, documents like utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements showing your address outside the UK can further substantiate your claim of non-residence.
FeaturedIntroduction of additional documentation requirements to verify employment status and cross-border activity more rigorously.
8/16/2025
Consideration of a pathway to settlement for long-term frontier workers who have been contributing to the UK economy over a significant period.
8/16/2025