You are a cross-border worker (also called ‘frontier’ worker) if you work on one side of a border but live on the other, and return home at least once a week.

On 31st December 2020 the Brexit transition period came to an end which will affect some frontier workers.

Irish, British & EU citizens

If you are an Irish, British or EU citizen and you started a cross-border job on or before 31st December 2020 the Withdrawal Agreement applies to you;  EU frontier worker rights and EU social security coordination will continue to apply to you.

EU citizens, living south and working north will need to apply to the UK’s Frontier Workers Permit Scheme. Irish citizens, who are not also British citizens, can also apply to the scheme but they do not need to.

EU citizens, living north and working south as an EU citizen you have an automatic right to work in Ireland, an EU member state.

British citizens, living north and working south can continue to work in Ireland, they do not require any documentation to do so but may request it under the Withdrawal Agreement if they wish.  We’re currently unsure if this option is also available to Irish citizens born in Northern Ireland (many of whom are automatically deemed British or dual British-Irish citizens by the UK Home Office). We’ll add clarification when it becomes available.  If you have any queries please email the following address: burghquayregoffice@justice.ie and state Frontier Worker in the subject line.

Irish & British citizens

If you are a British or Irish citizen, you can work in either jurisdiction, including on a self-employed basis, without needing any permission from the authorities.

In support of this, the UK government is committed to ensuring that provisions continue to be in place for the recognition of professional qualifications obtained in Ireland.  The Irish government has also committed to working to ensure the provision of arrangements with the UK to recognise professional qualifications. (Source: Gov.uk)

See also: Border People: Frontier workers – Irish and British citizens (CTA)

EU citizens after 31st December 2020

EU citizens, living south and working north who did not work across the border in Northern Ireland before 1 January 2021 and now wish to work there, will need to apply to the UK’s points-based immigration system. Your residence in Ireland will not be affected as you will remain living in an EU member state.

EU citizens, living north and working south will be employed in an EU member state so your right to work there is protected by EU rules.

Page last checked on 27 January 2021

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.