European Economic Area or short EEA includes most countries in Europe. The European Economic Area was established on January 1, 1994. The European Economic Area is an expansion of the previous agreement between the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Community (later the European Union).

The following countries are members of the European Economic Area:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria [1]
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic [2]
• Denmark
• Estonia [2]
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary [2]
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia [2]
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania [2]
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland [2]
• Portugal
• Romania [1]
• Slovakia [2]
• Slovenia [2]
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland [3]
• United Kingdom

European Economic Area comments

Green
    = EFTA member countries
      (except Switzerland)

Blue
    = European Union member-states
      (see here EU member states)

[1] Romanian and Bulgarian nationals intending to remain and work in the UK need permission to work before starting any job. More information is available at the UK Border Agency website.

[2] Nationals of these countries who come to reside and work in the UK need to register as Workers under the Worker Registration Scheme.

[3] Under the Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2006, Swiss nationals are included in the definition of "EEA nationals". Their family members are considered as if they were family members of EEA nationals.

More information about European Economic Area

You can find more information about the European Economic Area in the AGREEMENT ON THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (OJ No L 1, 3.1.1994, p. 3). You are also welcome to discuss European Economic Area in this discussion forum.



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