Unlike nationals of other EU member states and Switzerland, Croatian nationals are subject to restrictions meaning that they cannot benefit from the UK labour market. Croatian nationals must, therefore, get permission to work in the UK by applying for a Registration Certificate, depending on the type of employment. From 30 June 2018, restrictions on Croatian Workers will come to an end and they will then be allowed to enjoy the same benefits as other EU and Swedish nationals in the UK.
Current Restrictions for Croatian Workers in the UK
Under current regulations, Croatian nationals, like the other EU member states and Switzerland, are able to move and live freely in the UK. This means that they do not need permission to reside legally in the UK and they will have a right of residence in the UK for first 3 months. They will further be able to remain legally resident provided they will be exercising Treaty rights as either:
- a student;
- a self-employed person; or
- a self-sufficient person.
However, Croatian nationals do not have an automatic right to reside as a worker or a jobseeker in the UK and they will need to apply for a Croatian National Registration Certificate. There are 3 Registration Certificates available for Croatian nationals depending on the type of work:
Blue Registration Certificate – Is for highly skilled Croatian nationals who have a degree, teaching qualification or higher national diploma. Blue Registration Certificate shows the right to work in the UK without restrictions and the employer requires no additional documents to be shown.
Yellow Registration Certificate – Is for Students, Self-employed and Self-sufficient Croatian Nationals. Students will be allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, unless the work is part of vocational course, which included work placement and is vital to the study. Self-employed and self-sufficient people may wish to apply for a Yellow Registration Certificate to prove their right to be self-employed or self-sufficient in the UK.
Purple Registration Certificate – Is for Croatian nationals who are subject to work authorisation in the UK. Purple Registration Certificates are issued to workers after they have received a job offer from an employer who is listed on the register of sponsors. Some jobs may also require a good level of English. There are certain exemptions from work authorisation.
Home Office update on Croatian Workers Restrictions
When Croatia joined the EU in 2013, the UK and other EU member states were able to restrict the access that Croatian citizens had to their labour markets for a maximum of 7 years. The UK is one of a few EU countries along with Austria, Slovenia and the Netherlands which applies such measures. The Immigration Minister, Caroline Nokes has said:
“This decision has not been taken lightly, but after careful consideration, we have concluded that there is not enough evidence to satisfy the legal requirements to extend the controls for the final 2 year period”.
Croatian partners and spouses of British nationals or other nationals settled in the UK are exempt, as are Croatian citizens who have worked in the UK for 12 months with the UK’s current measures.
Therefore, from 30 June 2018, the above restrictions relating to Croatian workers in the UK will expire and Croatian nationals will then be able to enjoy the same benefits as other EU and Swedish citizens.
Using Legal Representation to submit an Application for Croatian Workers in the UK
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a Croatian Registration Certificate.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Croatian Registration Certificate application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your Croatian Registration Certificate application application meets the necessary rules.
Successful Applications for Croatian Workers in the UK
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your Croatian Registration Certificate application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your Croatian Registration Certificate application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Croatian Registration Certificate application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.