New rules have applied since July 1, 2026, for British people employed in liberal professions and service providers who work on a contract basis. This scheme, under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom, replaces the temporary workaround, under which both groups used the existing single permit application for paid employment.
Service providers who work on a contract basis will continue to be covered by the single permit. People employed in liberal professions can apply for a permit which is subject to the restriction ‘professional within the meaning of the applicable Trade Agreement’.
The key changes are as follows:
- The Employee Insurance Agency (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemers Verzekeringen, UWV) will check whether the role requires a qualification that is at least at higher vocational education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO) or university (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) level.
- Service providers who work on a contract basis, or people employed in a liberal profession, can submit a declaration from their client to demonstrate that they hold a qualification, or possess knowledge, at higher vocational education (HBO) or university (WO) level.
- Residence permits cannot be extended beyond the maximum period of 12 months for the purpose of carrying out the same work for the same employer.
- The income of someone employed in a liberal profession must be at least equal to the minimum wage.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.