Your rights in the UK if you are from an A8 country

This guide is for people from eight of the ten countries who became part of the European Union in May 2004: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.

These countries are known as the accession countries (often abbreviated to A8).

We explain your rights to live and work in the UK, and offer advice on some of the problems you might encounter.

There are different rules for people from other parts of the European Economic Area including the other two new countries Cyprus and Malta. See our guide Your rights in the UK if you are from the EEA.

If you were living and working in the UK before May 2004 there may be different rules that apply to you. If you need advice, contact a local advice agency. See Useful organisations in the menu on the right.

In April 2009, the British Government is due to review its rules for A8 nationals and they may change then.

July 2009

With thanks to the Aire centre, Coventry Law Centre, East European Advice Centre, Federation of Poles, Nicola Rogers and the Roma Support Group.