Since Brexit, a French citizen can no longer freely settle in England to work. As of August 2026, several visas still allow for building a sustainable project in the United Kingdom, but most require skilled employment, an approved employer, sufficient resources, or a family connection.
The ETA does not allow one to work or to settle down.
Since February 25, 2026, French citizens must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom without a visa. This authorization costs £16 and is valid for two years, or until the passport expires. It allows for multiple stays, generally limited to six months, for tourism, family visits, or certain short-term business activities. It does not grant residency rights and does not allow the holder to work in the UK. Therefore, someone entering as a visitor cannot settle in London, work for a delivery platform, or wait indefinitely for employment. The British government reminds French travelers that they must now obtain this authorization before their departure.
European citizens who have obtained "settled" or "pre-settled" status under the EU Settlement Scheme retain their right to live and work in the United Kingdom. This scheme primarily concerns individuals who were residing there before December 31, 2020, as well as certain family members. For a French citizen wishing to settle there for the first time in 2026, European citizenship no longer offers a particular advantage: a visa must be obtained before starting work. Entering the UK with an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and then engaging in paid employment risks a loss of residency rights, refusal of future applications, and a ban on entry.
The "Skilled Worker Visa", the main entry point
The Skilled Worker Visa remains the most common route. Applicants must first secure a job offer from a company approved by the Home Office. The employer then provides a sponsorship certificate corresponding to an eligible occupation. Since the reforms that came into effect on July 22, 2025, the job must, in principle, reach qualification level RQF 6, comparable to a bachelor's degree, except where specifically listed in the shortage lists. The salary must normally be at least £41,700 per year or the occupational reference wage if higher. Some recent graduates, researchers, and PhD holders may qualify for a lower threshold, but their remuneration must generally remain above £33,400. Since January 2026, new applicants for multiple professional visas must also demonstrate a B2 level of English. The updated requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa are detailed by the Home Office.
From abroad, the fees reach £819 for a visa valid for up to three years and £1,618 for a longer stay. A health surcharge, usually set at £1,035 per year, must be added, and proof of £1,270 in savings is required if the employer does not guarantee relocation expenses. A five-year visa can therefore cost several thousand pounds even before accommodation and moving costs are factored in. Furthermore, the holder remains dependent on their sponsoring employer: a change of position or company may require a new authorization. The official fee schedule should be consulted immediately before submitting an application, as the amounts are regularly revised.
The "Scale-up Worker" visa: a more flexible option
The Scale-up Worker visa is for professionals recruited by a fast-growing UK company approved by the Home Office. Applicants must have a job offer for a skilled position, receive a sponsorship certificate, and earn at least £39,100 per year, or the reference salary for their profession if higher. The visa is granted for two years and requires a minimum of six months' work for the sponsoring company. The cost is £937, plus the annual health surcharge and any necessary relocation funds.
After the first six months, the holder can change employers, hold multiple jobs, or become self-employed without needing to re-sponsor. The visa can then be extended for three years, subject to income requirements. After five years of eligible residence, it can lead to an Indefinite Leave to Remain visa. This option therefore offers more freedom than the Skilled Worker Visa, but it remains reserved for qualified individuals recruited by a company recognized as a scale-up. The updated conditions are specified by the UK government.
From permanent residence to British citizenship
A family visa is another option for individuals living with a British, Irish, or long-term UK spouse or partner. The couple must demonstrate the legitimacy of their relationship, have suitable accommodation, and meet the financial requirements. As of August 2026, the required combined annual income is typically £29,000. Permanent residency can be applied for after five consecutive years on the standard family route. Official rules also provide for a ten-year route for certain individuals who do not meet all the financial requirements, particularly when leaving would disproportionately disrupt their family life. A student visa, on the other hand, allows work within specific limits but normally prohibits self-employment. It is therefore not a suitable option for working as a freelance courier.
As the law stands on August 20, 2026, a Skilled Worker Visa holder can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years of qualifying residence, provided they comply with absence limits, maintain eligible employment, and pass the Life in the UK test. The official rule remains five years , although the government has consulted on a future system based on a ten-year reference period and reductions linked to contribution or integration. The reform has not yet replaced the currently published rules. For a French citizen wishing to live permanently in England, the most realistic strategy is therefore to obtain a sought-after qualification, target employers with a sponsor license, and secure the visa before departure. Delivery work can then be a supplementary activity where the status allows, but it cannot be the basis for the right to remain.
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