The short answer
If you're a UK citizen, you now need a visa or work permit to work in EU countries. The days of freely turning up and getting a job are over. But it's far from impossible, and thousands of British seasonaires still work across the Alps and Mediterranean every year.
What changed
Before Brexit, UK nationals had the right to live and work anywhere in the EU. Since January 2021, that's no longer the case. You're now treated as a non-EU citizen, which means you need permission to work in each country.
The exact requirements depend on where you're going and what type of work you'll be doing.
France
France is the most popular destination for British seasonaires, and the process is relatively straightforward. Your employer needs to apply for a work permit (autorisation de travail) on your behalf. Once approved, you apply for a long-stay visa at the French consulate in the UK.
Key points:
- Your employer handles most of the paperwork
- You'll need a confirmed job offer before applying
- Processing times vary, so start early (at least 2-3 months before your start date)
- The visa is tied to your specific employer and role
Most established chalet companies and tour operators are experienced with this process and will guide you through it.
Austria
Austria uses a similar employer-sponsored system. Your employer applies for a work permit, and you then apply for a visa. Austria tends to be slightly more bureaucratic than France, so allow extra time.
Switzerland
Switzerland was never in the EU, so it had its own bilateral agreement with the UK even before Brexit. Swiss employers can still hire UK nationals, but the quota system and permit process apply. Your employer will handle the work permit application.
Switzerland generally pays higher wages, which partly offsets the higher cost of living. The permit process is well-established and most Swiss employers know the drill.
Other popular destinations
- Italy (Aosta Valley, Dolomites): Employer-sponsored work permit required
- Spain (Ibiza, Mallorca for summer): Work visa required, can be more complex
- Greece (summer yachting): Depends on vessel flag state and your specific role
- Croatia, Montenegro: Growing seasonal markets with varying visa requirements
What you need to do
1. Secure a job first. In almost every case, you need a confirmed job offer before you can apply for a visa. This is why platforms like PeakWave exist: to connect you with employers who will sponsor your permit.
2. Check your passport. It needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay and issued within the last 10 years.
3. Gather your documents. You'll typically need passport photos, proof of qualifications, a clean criminal record check, and your contract or job offer letter.
4. Apply early. Visa processing can take weeks. Don't leave it until the last minute.
5. Get health insurance. Your GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) covers emergency treatment, but most employers and visa applications require additional coverage.
What about Irish or dual nationals?
If you hold an Irish or other EU passport, none of this applies to you. You can still work freely across the EU. If you have any claim to an EU nationality through parents or grandparents, it's worth investigating before going through the visa route.
Don't let the paperwork put you off
Yes, it's more admin than it used to be. But the visa process is now routine for most seasonal employers, and they'll support you through it. The biggest mistake is waiting too long to apply. Start looking for roles in the summer, get your job offer locked in, and your paperwork will be sorted well before the season begins.