Worker Registration

The Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) was introduced in 2004 when 10 new countries joined the European Union. The scheme allows the Home Office to monitor where citizens of these countries (with the exception of Malta and Cyprus) are coming into the UK labour market, the type of work they are doing, and the impact this has on the UK's economy.

Eligibility
Applicants are normally required to register under the Worker Registration Scheme if they wish to work for an employer in the United Kingdom for more than one month and are a citizen of one of the following countries:

• Czech Republic;
• Estonia;
• Hungary;
• Latvia;
• Lithuania;
• Poland;
• Slovakia; or
• Slovenia.

Once an applicant has completed 12 months work with no more than 30 days break, they will no longer need to register on the Worker Registration Scheme. If they wish, they can then obtain a registration certificate confirming their right to live and work in the United Kingdom, although they are not obliged to do so.

Exemptions
Individuals are not required to register if they meet any of the following exemptions:

• are self-employed;
• have been working legally in the United Kingdom for 12 months without a break in employment;
• are providing services in the United Kingdom on behalf of an employer who is not established in this country;
• have dual citizenship of the United Kingdom, another country within the European Economic Area (EEA) that is not listed above, or Switzerland;
• are the family member of a Swiss or EEA citizen (except the countries listed above) and that person is working in the United Kingdom; or
• are the family member of a Swiss or EEA citizen who is living in the United Kingdom as a student, or a retired or self-sufficient person.

Self-employed individuals are not required to register under the Worker Registration Scheme, but must contact HM Revenue & Customs immediately to register for tax purposes. There is a £100 fine for late registration.

Making an Application
WRS applications can only be made inside the UK.  Applications to register under the Worker Registration Scheme should be submitted within one month of commencing employment with the UK.  If an application to register has not been made within this time the employment will be deemed illegal after than date.  The individual's status will thereafter be deemed illegal until a Worker Registration Scheme certificate has been issued.  Employment during this period would be expected to cease.

 To apply inside the UK please send the following documents to us:
-    a copy of the photo page from your current passport
-    a copy of your entry stamp in the passport following your entry to the UK
-    a copy of your job offer letter
-    a copy of your current CV