Definition
The European Economic Area (EEA) was established in 1994 and comprises all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. EEA nationals benefit from free movement rights, including the right to live and work in any EEA country without a work permit. Switzerland is not an EEA member but has bilateral agreements granting equivalent free movement rights. When immigration rules refer to EEA nationals or require evidence that no EEA candidate was available (labour market test), they generally include all three non-EU EEA members.
Official name
European Economic Area
Official sources
Related terms
Labour Market Test
A requirement for employers to demonstrate they could not find a suitable EEA candidate before hiring a non-EU worker for a specific position.
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Schengen Area
A zone of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and border controls at their mutual borders, allowing free movement of people.
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Third-Country National
TCN
A person who is not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland — the primary applicant group for European work and residence permits.
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