EU and EEA nationals
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
People from the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) may be able to get help from the council if they become homeless. However, your rights will depend on when your home country joined the EU/EEA.
Your rights to work, claim benefits and apply for social housing will also depend on which EU/EEA country you came to the UK from. This section contains information on some jargon you might need in order to work out what you're entitled to, and also where you can find more information on housing rights for new arrivals.
Living and working in the UK
All EU/EEA nationals share the same basic rights - this includes rights to free movement, and rights to seek medical attention.
Eligibility for housing and benefits
Only some people from the EU/EEA are eligible to apply for social housing, get help if they become homeless and/or claim social security benefits.
Rights of A8 nationals
Rights of people from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia (otherwise known as the 'A8' nations).
Rights of A2 nationals
Rights of Bulgarian and Romanian nationals - the 'A2' nations.
Other housing options for EU/EEA nationals
If you are from the EU or EEA, you have many of the same housing options as British citizens.
EU and EEA jargon
Definitions for some of the words and acronyms used when talking about European countries. Includes a list of A8 and A2 nations.
