Providing services to EEA and EFTA countries after EU Exit

Guidance for UK businesses on EU service provision if the UK leaves the EU with no deal.

If the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020) with no deal, the UK will no longer operate under the European Economic Area (EEA) regulations for  the cross-border trade in services.

This means that the rights and protections provided by the EU Directives and EU Treaty rights of Freedom of Movement and Freedom of Establishment will no longer apply to the UK.

UK businesses will no longer be treated as if they were local businesses, and UK businesses and professionals providing services in the EEA will be regarded as originating from a ‘third country’.

UK firms and service providers may face additional legal, regulatory and administrative barriers as a result.

Cross border trade regulations

If you’re a UK business or professional providing services in the EEA, you’ll need to check the national regulations to understand how best to operate.

You can find out more in the relevant country guide.

Establishing and structuring your business

If you’re a UK service provider or business, you may face restrictions on your ability to own, manage or direct a company registered in an EEA state.

You can find out more in the relevant country guide.

Business travel and visa requirements

If you’re a UK national, you’ll need to check whether you need a visa and/or work/residence permit if you’re:

  • providing services to an EEA country
  • on a placement based in the EEA

You should comply with the immigration controls in the country where your service is being provided.

You can find out more in the relevant country guide.

Recognition of professional qualifications

If you’re seeking recognition of a UK qualification in an EU member state, you’ll need to check:

  • the European Commission’s guidance
  • each individual member state’s rules for work on a permanent, temporary and occasional basis

You can find out more in the relevant country guide.

EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland)

The UK has reached agreements on citizen’s rights with the 4 EFTA countries, which will apply if the UK leaves the EU with no deal. Included in these agreements are specific arrangements for the recognition of professional qualifications held by these countries’ nationals and UK nationals:

  • the EEA EFTA No Deal Citizens’ Rights Agreement covers Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway
  • the Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement covers Switzerland

Data protection

UK businesses will need to continue to comply with data protection laws if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

To ensure continued compliance you may need to make changes if your business:

  • operates across the EU and/or the EEA
  • exchanges personal data with partners in the EU and/or the EEA

You can find out more in the relevant country guide.

Country guides

  1. Austria: providing services after EU Exit
  2. Cyprus: providing services after EU Exit
  3. Denmark: providing services after EU Exit
  4. Finland: providing services after EU Exit
  5. France: providing services after EU Exit
  6. Germany: providing services after EU Exit
  7. Greece: providing services after EU Exit
  8. Hungary: providing services after EU Exit
  9. Malta: providing services after EU Exit
  10. The Netherlands: providing services after EU Exit
  11. Poland: providing services after EU Exit
  12. Portugal: providing services after EU Exit
  13. Slovakia: providing services after EU Exit
  14. Sweden: providing services after EU Exit

Contact McMahon Legal 

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