We can help you work and live a better life in the UK
Our team is happy to provide information and advice to all EU citizens that either want to relocate to the United Kingdom, either live here. In our role of community supporter, we are committed to improving the lives of our fellow expats.
We understand your plans and desire to change your destiny and enjoy a better life abroad. Because we are just like you. We understand your concerns and needs. Last year, our money transfers services stepped-up from good to great by launching a new version of Opal Transfer App, modern and innovative. Specially designed to make your life in the UK easier, the new Opal Transfer App is free, easy to download, and use on any mobile phone. Opal Transfer App allows you to make faster, easier, and cheaper money transfers to 41 countries from Europe and Asia.
Soon, you will be able to open a UK account with no proof of address and order your contactless Opal Debit Card powered by MasterCard® for quicker money transfers. With an Opal Debit Card, your salary in the UK and money transfers will be in one safe and easy-to-manage place. You will use the Opal Transfer app and Opal Card for paying your bills, setting Direct Debits for monthly rent and bills, withdraw cash, make faster transfers home, and save money. Opal Card will assist you to make contactless payments everywhere you shop and go, either in the UK or abroad. Contact us now and find out how you can enjoy all Opal Transfer benefits while living and working in the UK.
Apply for the ‘pre-settled’ or ‘settled’ status in the UK before June 2021
Starting with 2021, new Brexit-related rules came into force in the UK and the European Union (EU). The new rules apply to things like travel and doing business with Europe. Furthermore, they will have a big impact on immigration and travel, including on how people will be able to move to the UK for living, working, and studying.
If you started living in the UK before 31 December 2020, the immigration rules will not change until June 2021. However, after this date, you may have to apply for the European Union settlement scheme to remain in England.
European citizens benefit from the European Union settlement scheme, which means that they are allowed to apply for getting British citizenship after one year. It’s a two-stage process meaning that you will be first granted the ‘pre-settled’ status and, after living and working in the UK for 5 consecutive years, you are entitled to apply for the ‘settled’ status, respectively for becoming a UK citizen. Applications are free and the deadline for applying is 30 June 2021.
What status you should apply for:
You will need proof of your identity and residence, according to the status you will apply for. Find what documents you will need on Gov.uk - Stay in the UK: step by step.
Citizenship applicants must demonstrate that they have at least a B1 level of English proficiency, or a degree taught or researched in English. In this regard, you can prove your knowledge of English by having a recognised English test qualification from an approved test centre. You need to have a certificate to prove you have the qualification, or be able to view your results online.
The UK Government offers detailed information on their website and further assistance each step of the way. For people coming from the EU, EEA (includes European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), or Switzerland, there is a line for calls at 0300 790 6268, and other details can be found on Gov.uk.
All citizens planning to visit and stay in the UK in 2021 need a valid passport
If you plan to arrive and travel in the UK now or any time this year, you will need a valid passport for the whole time you are in this country. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa.
You will not be able to use an EU, EEA, or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK from 1 October 2021 unless you:
In these cases, you can continue to use your national ID card to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025. However, you must provide the right documents to show at the UK border if you’re traveling to the UK.
You cannot stay in the UK longer than 6 months without a visa. If you want to work or study in the UK, you will need to apply for a visa. Check more about your status or if you need a visa on Gov.uk.
We are prepared to assist you with information in your language on our Helpline at: +44 20 7022 6444.
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