Key Points

  • A Trade and Cooperation Agreement is approved governing post-Brexit relations between the EU and UK
  • The agreement has provisions for intra-company transferees, business travelers, independent professionals, and contractual service suppliers
  • The agreement directs the Partnership Council to develop arrangements for recognizing professional qualifications

Overview

A Trade and Cooperation Agreement has been approved governing post-Brexit relations between the EU and UK.

Who is Affected?

The agreement provides clarifications for intra-corporate transferees, business travelers, independent professionals, and contractual service suppliers.

Intra-Corporate Transfers (ICTs)

ICTs from the UK will be allowed to work in the EU for three years (managers and specialists) and one year (trainees). The same provision will apply for EU ICT holders working in the UK. Under current UK law, ICTs can stay in the country for five years in a six-year period.

Business Visitors

Business travelers originating in the UK can visit the EU visa-free for 90 days in a six-month period. EU business visitors will also be allowed to visit the UK for at least 90 days. Currently, the UK allows EU nationals to visit the country on business trips for up to six months out of a 12-month period without a visa.

A separate provision applies for business visitors for establishment purposes. UK and EU senior level employees can visit either the EU or UK to establish a corporate presence. They can stay for up to 90 days in a six-month period.

What Should Employers and Applicants Know?

Along with the provisions above, the agreement directs the Partnership Council, which will oversee the agreement's implementation, to develop arrangements for recognizing professional qualifications.

Originally published 22 January 2021

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.