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Working in Europe on a Tier 1 Visa
If you hold a Tier 1 Visa you will only have permission to work freely in the United Kingdom, not other areas of the European Union. As an individual your hands are tied, however as part of a large established organisation you may be able to broaden your horizons and deliver services compliantly in countries including Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium & the Netherlands via alternative employment related visas.At Commonwealth Contractors we partner with UK based Consultancies who regularly take on project based assignments throughout Europe. If you have a potential project of more than £250 per day for at least 3 months in duration please get in contact to see how we can arrange quick, temporary work rights to allow you to deliver services abroad.
By using Commonwealth Contractors you will benefit from:
- The ability to take on temporary assignments in Germany, The Republic of Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands
- Quick turnarounds (2 days to 2 weeks required depending upon circumstances)
- Market leading retention rates
- Dedicated Account Managers
- Stamped & Signed Payslips
- Claimable Business Expenses:
- Accommodation
- Travel & Subsistence
- 2 Flights Home each year
- Visa Costs
- Computer Supplies
- Business Telecoms
- Memberships & Journals
- Postage & Stationary
- UK Contracting Solutions specifically for Tier 1 General Visa holders
- Regular Immigration Updates (e.g. Tier 1 Immigration Cap updates, Tier 1 Criteria Changes)
Considerations for those interested in Contracting in Europe
Billing in Euros rather than SterlingMost European Clients will pay in Euros which means that a currency conversion must be applied to a payment. This can be good or bad depending upon the exchange rate at the time. Please be aware that banks charge for currency conversions (normally £30). Any charges relating to currency conversions come out of professional billings.
Tax Implications
If you are Consulting in another European country for more than 6 months you may incur a foreign tax liability. Please investigate tax implications fully before agreeing to a long term assignment.
UK Permanent Residence
Permanent Residence in the UK (otherwise known as Indefinite Leave to Remain) is normally secured after completing 5 full years on a qualifying visa (e.g. Tier 1 Visa, Tier 2 Visa). If you are outside the UK for more than 90 days in any one year your Permanent Residence run may be reset. However, it may be possible to argue against this depending upon the circumstances.
Consulting in Switzerland
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). If you hold a UK Tier 1 visa you will not be able to consult in Switzerland. Please see the following link for information on Swiss Immigration (www.eda.admin.ch/london).
