Brexit has changed how freelance professionals work between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). Since January 2021, freelancers have faced new challenges with visas, taxes, insurance needs, and client relationships across borders. These changes have forced many freelancers to change their business plans, rethink who they work with, and deal with new rules that are still evolving as everyone adjusts to life after Brexit.
At Professional Saver, we know what freelancers are going through in this new environment. With 20 years of experience providing insurance for self-employed professionals, we’ve helped many freelancers protect their businesses. That’s why we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how Brexit affects freelance professionals. We want to help you stay updated and compliant.
How Has Brexit Changed Visa Requirements for UK and EU Freelancers?
The end of free movement between the UK and EU is perhaps the biggest change for freelance professionals. Before Brexit, UK freelancers could work freely in all EU countries without visas or work permits. Now, things are more complicated.
UK Freelancers Working in the EU
Rules vary by country, but most EU nations now require visas or permits for extended stays:
| Country | Short-term work permit-free stays | Requirements for longer stays |
| France | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period | Work permit needed for longer stays |
| Germany | Up to 90 days for certain activities | Freelance visa (‘Freiberufler’) needed |
| Spain | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period | Must apply for self-employed work visa |
| Italy | Limited professional activities for up to 90 days | Self-employment visa needed |
| Netherlands | Some professional activities allowed short-term | Dutch American Friendship Treaty may offer options |
While short-term business travel (e.g., meetings) often remains visa-free, freelancers requiring extended stays must comply with local regulations.
EU Freelancers Working in the UK
For EU nationals wanting to freelance in the UK, the rules are just as strict:
- The right to work freely has been replaced with a points-based immigration system
- EU freelancers must now usually apply through routes such as:
- Global Talent visa (for leaders in specific fields)
- Innovator visa (for business founders with investment)
- Skilled Worker visa (for roles meeting salary thresholds and skill criteria)
EU freelancers in regulated professions may need extra qualifications. Alternatively, they may have to partner with UK-based professionals.
What Tax Issues Must Self-Employed Individuals Cope With?
Brexit has brought new tax complications for freelancers working across UK-EU borders. These changes affect everything from VAT to social security payments.
VAT Changes for Cross-Border Services
Before Brexit, UK freelancers could use the EU’s Mini One-Stop Shop (MOSS) system to easily handle VAT on digital services to EU consumers. Now, freelancers must either:
- Registering for VAT in each EU country where services are provided.
- Using the Non-Union VAT MOSS scheme (if available in an EU country).
- Letting marketplace platforms handle VAT obligations.
The reverse charge system often applies to B2B services (business-to-business). However, the rules vary by country and service type. This has created extra costs and paperwork for many smaller freelance businesses.
Social Security and Pension Issues
Brexit has complicated social security for UK freelancers working in the EU. You might now have to pay social security contributions to the UK and the EU countries where you’re working. The UK-EU Trade Agreement tries to prevent double payments, but the rules are different in each country.
Pensions have also become trickier. If you’ve been paying into pension schemes in different EU countries, it might be harder to combine them or access your money. This makes long-term financial planning more difficult for many freelancers.
Which Freelance Sectors Have Felt the Impact of Brexit the Hardest?
Freelance sectors have experienced the effects of Brexit differently:
Creative Industries
The UK’s creative sectors have been hit hard by Brexit changes. Freelancers in music, film, theatre, and other performing arts face new obstacles:
- Taking equipment across borders now requires costly carnets (temporary import/export documents).
- Touring performances need work permits in many EU countries for extended stays.
- Copyright protections remain largely unchanged due to international treaties. However, EU trademarks require separate registration post-Brexit.
Many creative freelancers have lost work opportunities in Europe or are earning less from EU clients since Brexit.
Digital Services and Tech
For digital freelancers, the impact has been mixed:
- Working remotely is still relatively straightforward
- Data transfer issues create compliance challenges
- Fewer EU talent in UK tech hubs affects collaboration
- Some UK-based clients have smaller budgets due to broader Brexit impacts
Even so, IT consultants and digital marketers have adapted better than industries that need travel or on-site work. But they still deal with extra tax rules and contract challenges.
Professional Services
Consultants, accountants, lawyers and other professional service freelancers have seen various impacts:
- Professional qualifications aren’t automatically recognised anymore
- Following regulations has become more complex
- Some UK qualifications aren’t valid for work in EU countries
For freelancers in regulated industries, Brexit often means getting extra qualifications. Others team up with EU-based professionals to keep working there.
Insurance Considerations for a Post-Brexit Freelancer
With these new cross-border complexities, having the right insurance is even more important. Professional Saver offers specialised coverage for freelancers dealing with post-Brexit challenges:
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Professional indemnity insurance has become essential for freelancers working with EU clients. The policy’s territory and jurisdiction clauses matter more post-Brexit. Many standard UK policies may not cover work done in or for EU clients without specific provisions.
Our professional indemnity cover can include EU countries where you work. You’re protected against negligence claims, breach of confidentiality, or professional errors across borders.
Public Liability Insurance
For freelancers who still travel to the EU for client meetings or work, public liability insurance is essential. Our policies offer up to £5 million in public liability coverage. You’re covered if you accidentally damage property or cause injury during your work.
Financial Loss Cover
With Brexit creating new contracts and operational risks, financial loss cover is more valuable. This protects against claims where clients suffer financial losses due to your services, even without physical damage or injury occurring.
How Can Freelancers Adapt to Post-Brexit Realities?
Despite the challenges, many freelancers have successfully adapted to the post-Brexit world:
- Work remotely where possible – Change your services to be delivered online, reducing the need to travel across borders.
- Look into EU setup options – Some freelancers have created EU-based companies to maintain easy access to European markets.
- Partner strategically – Working with EU-based professionals can help overcome regulatory barriers.
- Spread your client base – Reducing dependence on any single market gives you more security.
- Keep up with changes – The UK-EU relationship continues to develop, with potential for better arrangements in specific industries.
Freelancing After Brexit: Adapt, Protect, and Thrive
Brexit has brought lasting changes for freelancers working between the UK and EU. From complex visa rules to new tax and insurance requirements, freelancers have had to rethink how they operate. These shifts haven’t just affected individuals. They’re part of broader changes to the UK economy as businesses and professionals adjust to new trading relationships and cross-border restrictions.
While some sectors have been hit harder than others, many professionals are finding ways to adapt. This includes working remotely, forming new partnerships, or expanding into different markets. Staying informed and flexible is key to continuing success in this evolving landscape.
Protect Your Freelance Business with Professional Saver
At Professional Saver, we understand the unique challenges freelancers face post-Brexit. That’s why we offer tailored insurance solutions designed to protect your business. From professional indemnity to public liability cover, we help you stay protected as you navigate this new reality. Get a quote today and secure peace of mind for your freelancer career.
