It is important to remember that there are strict rules and legislation governing those wishing to work in the UK from overseas. We have extensive experience in helping candidates to successfully complete UK Entry requirements.


European Community law grants EEA nationals a right to live and work in the UK. This is called a right of residence. Nationals from the following countries automatically qualify to enter and take up employment in the UK:

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden


This enables you to live and work in the UK for any amount of time. Most people in this category are Commonwealth citizens who are:

• British Citizens by birth, adoption or registration
• Descended from a mother or father in the UK

If either of your parents were born in the UK, you could qualify for a British Passport, or, if you have a British born grandparent, you can apply for a UK Grandparent Entry Certificate which allows you to stay for up to 4 years.

• If you do not have any of the above and wish to work in the UK, you may do so if you hold a qualification in a profession that is in short supply in the UK. Examples of these are Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychiatrists, Anesthetists, Paediatricians, Social Workers and Scientists.
• If you are a Doctor and do not have a passport allowing you to work in the UK, you will need a Work Permit or a Permit Free Training Stamp.

If you do not have a passport allowing you to work in the UK, you will need a work permit for a permanent position. We will organise this for you. You will not be allowed to work in the UK on a Working Holiday Visa and will not be able to change this when you arrive.

You may need an exit visa before you leave to work in the UK. This can be obtained from the British Commission. Please remember that we are here to help you. If you need advice on any of these issues please contact one of our consultants.

To qualify for a Work Permit in the UK an overseas trained doctor must:

• Have Full GMC Registration
• Have a confirmed job offer (in a position that has been unsuccessfully filled/advertised to EEA resident workers)

To qualify for Permit Free Training in the UK an overseas trained doctor must satisfy the Immigration Authorities upon arrival in the UK that:-

• He/she intends to undergo postgraduate training in a hospital
• He/she is currently registered, or is eligible to apply for registration with the GMC (having already passed or been exempted from the PLAB test)
• He/she intends to leave the UK after completing their training
• He/she can support him/herself and any dependant without recourse to public funds

The length of Permit Free Training is related to the training programme of the individual doctor. It is usually granted for 4 years. You can apply for UK Training Free Visa Visas through the British High Commission in your country.

For further information regarding UK visas and entry requirements, please refer to the Home Office web site on our Useful Links page.