UK Plans to Extend Settlement Requirement for EU Migrants to Over 10 Years
UK to Extend Settlement Requirement for EU Migrants to Over 10 Years
The UK government is moving forward with proposals to tighten immigration and settlement rules, including extending the residency requirement for EU and non-EU migrants to over 10 years before becoming eligible to apply for settlement. If approved, the change will impact thousands of European nationals who had planned to make the UK their long-term home.
EU Migrants to Face Stricter Residency Requirements
According to The Financial Times, the proposed changes are part of a broader immigration overhaul that reflects the government’s goal of reducing long-term migration. Migrants will need to spend more than a decade in the UK to qualify for settlement, a significant increase from the current five-year requirement.
In addition, updates are being made to the skilled worker visa system. While employers will still have temporary access to visas for lower-skilled roles in sectors facing labour shortages, that access may be restricted in the future.
Fewer Care Workers Expected to Arrive
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that the proposed measures would make it increasingly difficult for care workers to migrate to the UK, estimating that the changes could lead to a reduction of around 50,000 arrivals annually—a major shift, especially given the UK’s continued reliance on migrant labour in social care and healthcare.
Government Committed to Cutting Net Migration
The push to tighten settlement rules is aligned with the UK government’s ongoing efforts to bring down net migration, which reached record levels in 2022 and 2023. According to data from the Office for Budget Responsibility, net migration stood at 728,000 by mid-2024. Government officials anticipate this number will fall significantly in the coming years as tighter visa rules take effect.
EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme in Discussion
In an effort to balance restrictions with future cooperation, the UK and the European Union are currently negotiating a youth mobility scheme. The program would allow young citizens from both the UK and EU countries to live and work in each other’s territories without applying for visas.
The initiative is seen as a step toward restoring mutual movement freedoms post-Brexit, and potentially rebuilding economic and diplomatic relations.
“It is so important that we rebuild those trading relationships with our nearest neighbours in Europe, and we’re going to do that in a way that is good for British jobs and British consumers,”
said UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Migrant Demographics in the UK and EU
According to the House of Commons Library, by 2023, there were approximately 3.4 million EU nationals living in the UK, making up around 18% of the population in England and Wales. The country is also home to 11.4 million non-UK-born residents.
Conversely, as of 2024, there are about 994,000 British nationals living in EU countries, reflecting the continued importance of reciprocal migration flows between the UK and the continent.
About AtoZ Serwis
AtoZ Serwis Plus, founded in 2009 and based in Poland, is a leading B2C and B2B immigration and recruitment agency. Operating across 5+ European countries, we offer expert services to individuals, employers, and recruitment partners worldwide.
For Employers
We help companies hire international talent from CIS, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Register Here
For Job Seekers
Explore European job opportunities and apply through our Work Visa Services.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Become Our Partner
Join as a recruitment/immigration agency and get access to job markets and visa support.
Partner Registration
Important Notice
AtoZ Serwis Plus has over 14 years of experience helping job seekers and employers across Europe. While we assist with recruitment and immigration procedures, clients should always consult legal and tax advisors when necessary. AtoZ Serwis Plus does not provide legal or tax advice directly.
Disclaimer: AtoZSerwisPlus.com is a FREE visa database and marketplace for immigration experts. The content provided does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a professional before making decisions.
