EU, EEA AND SWISS NATIONALS
Securing your future in the Isle of Man, in a changing Europe.
In this section
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals
The Isle of Man was never in the EU, but Brexit has still brought about major changes to the lives of EU, EEA and Swiss nationals and their families living and working in the Isle of Man. Kinley Legal is well-placed to assist them.
As a small trading nation, the Isle of Man has become a home to people from Britain, Ireland and all over Europe over the centuries. While the Isle of Man never became a member of the European Union, it has maintained these European links. During the UK’s EU membership, the Isle of Man was part of the EU’s customs territory, with freedom of movement of goods. As a result, many EU, EEA and Swiss nationals live and work in the Isle of Man.
Residents prior to 1 January 2021
Isle of Man-resident EU, EEA and Swiss nationals and their families who were resident in the Isle of Man or UK prior to 1 January 2021 may apply under the settled status schemes. These enable them to secure a document showing their Indefinite Leave to Remain or Limited Leave to Remain. This proof of status should be applied for as soon as possible, and in any event before 30 June 2021. After then, you may need this document to be allowed to enter the Isle of Man or UK. The application is not complicated, and Kinley Legal can assist with completion of the formalities.
The close family members of EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who were in the Isle of Man prior to 1 January 2021 can apply for Family Permits to enable them to join their Isle of Man-resident family member.
New residents from 2021 onwards
For EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who had not moved to the Isle of Man or UK before 1 January 2021, the normal immigration system applies. The Worker visa will in most cases be required to come to the Isle of Man for employment, although eligible Cypriot and Maltese citizens can potentially benefit from the five-year British Ancestry visa. The Innovator visa is very attractive for entrepreneurs considering a move to the Isle of Man, allowing a fast track three years to complete the British immigration system and be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain, rather than the usual five years. The Investor visa is the best option for those considering retirement or who need flexibility in their working arrangements.
Irish citizens
Kinley Legal in particular has experience and expert knowledge in relation to supporting Irish citizens in the Isle of Man. This can include work to safeguard their immigration or work permit status. We can also help you consider whether naturalisation as a dual British citizen is a desirable step to take.
Common Questions
I'm an EU/EEA/Swiss national. Can I visit the Isle of Man?
Yes, you can still visit the Isle of Man without special immigration permission. However, in order to stay long term or to work you will need immigration permission.
I'm an EU/EEA/Swiss national already in the Isle of Man. Can I get a job?
You should apply to the settled status scheme to confirm your entitlement to stay in the Isle of Man long term and to work. You may also need to obtain an Isle of Man work permit. However, there are many exemptions from the work permit requirement. Whether or not a work permit is required will depend on the job you intend to do, and your personal circumstances. Kinley Legal can help assess whether or not a work permit is required.
I'm an EU/EEA/Swiss national, but not yet resident. If I want to work in the Isle of Man, how good does my English need to be?
English language requirements apply across the immigration system. The English level you will need to demonstrate will depend on which immigration route you choose. For instance, to be employed with a Worker visa, you will potentially need to pass a prescribed English test such as an IELTS for UKVI SELT test at CEFR level B1 across all four subjects.
I have limited leave in the settled status scheme. Can this lead to ILR and British citizenship?
Yes, you and your dependants may apply for ILR after five years in the Isle of Man, and for British citizenship typically after a further one year. Under certain limited circumstances you may be to apply earlier for British citizenship. Nationality applications can be complicated, but Kinley Legal can advise on the options based upon your circumstances.
Do I need to demonstrate my English language ability and pass the Life in the UK and Islands Test in order to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain under the Settled Status Scheme?
Unlike for non-Europeans, these are not currently requirements. If you want to proceed to apply for British citizenship, you will need to pass the Life in the UK and Islands Test and demonstrate your English language ability, for instance by passing the IELTS Life Skills SELT test at CEFR level B1 in speaking and listening.
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