How to Immigrate to United Kingdom from Romania in 2026
Guide for Romanians in the UK in 2026. EU Settlement Scheme status, Skilled Worker visa for new arrivals, and the 400K Romanian community.
Last verified: March 2026. Visa focus: EU Settlement Scheme, Skilled Worker, Post-Brexit.
1. Overview
The UK hosts approximately 400,000 Romanian-born residents, making it the fourth-largest Romanian community abroad. Brexit fundamentally changed the Romania-UK corridor: Romanians who were resident before December 31, 2020 could apply for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), granting pre-settled or settled status with full work rights. New Romanian arrivals since January 1, 2021 must apply through the UK's points-based immigration system — primarily the Skilled Worker visa. This represents a dramatic shift from free movement to employer-sponsored migration. In 2026, the Romanian community includes both EUSS holders with secure long-term status and new arrivals navigating the post-Brexit visa system.
Diaspora estimate: approximately 400,000 Romanian nationals in United Kingdom.
2. Key Visa Pathways
| Visa Pathway | Timeline | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| EU Settlement Scheme (existing residents) | Already granted | Pre-settled status (5 years) or settled status (indefinite). For those resident before 31 Dec 2020. Late applications still accepted in some circumstances. |
| Skilled Worker Visa (new arrivals) | 3-8 weeks | Post-Brexit requirement. Salary threshold GBP 41,700. Employer sponsorship. SOC code match. |
| Health and Care Worker | 3-8 weeks | Reduced fees. No IHS. GBP 23,200 threshold. For nurses, carers, medical professionals. |
| Seasonal Worker Visa | 2-4 weeks | For agricultural work. Up to 6 months. Employer-sponsored through approved scheme operators. |
| ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) | EUSS settled = already indefinite. Skilled Worker: after 5 years. | EUSS settled status holders already have indefinite leave. Pre-settled holders must apply for settled status after 5 years continuous residence. |
3. Detailed Breakdown
3.1 EU Settlement Scheme (existing residents)
Timeline: Already granted
Pre-settled status (5 years) or settled status (indefinite). For those resident before 31 Dec 2020. Late applications still accepted in some circumstances.
3.2 Skilled Worker Visa (new arrivals)
Timeline: 3-8 weeks
Post-Brexit requirement. Salary threshold GBP 41,700. Employer sponsorship. SOC code match.
3.3 Health and Care Worker
Timeline: 3-8 weeks
Reduced fees. No IHS. GBP 23,200 threshold. For nurses, carers, medical professionals.
3.4 Seasonal Worker Visa
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
For agricultural work. Up to 6 months. Employer-sponsored through approved scheme operators.
3.5 ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Timeline: EUSS settled = already indefinite. Skilled Worker: after 5 years.
EUSS settled status holders already have indefinite leave. Pre-settled holders must apply for settled status after 5 years continuous residence.