Brexit and TEFL: What It Means for Teaching English in Europe

For years, British TEFL teachers had a distinct advantage in Europe: the freedom to hop between countries, pick up teaching gigs, and stay long-term without worrying about red tape. That freedom ended with Brexit. The days of landing in Spain or Italy and walking into a language school job are gone — at least for most UK passport holders.

But that doesn’t mean the door is closed. Far from it. While the path to teaching English in Europe is now more complex, there are still ways in — if you’re prepared, flexible, and open to new routes. In fact, for some global TEFL teachers, the post-Brexit shift may have evened the playing field.

Let’s unpack what’s changed and how you can still build a rewarding TEFL career on the continent, even without EU status.

What Changed After Brexit?

The biggest shift was legal: British citizens lost their automatic right to live and work across the EU. UK nationals are now considered “third-country” citizens — just like Americans, Canadians, or Australians. That means every teaching job in the EU now comes with visa requirements, paperwork, and extra steps.

Gone are the days when British teachers could relocate on a whim and start job hunting the next day. Now, each EU country decides independently whether — and how — to issue work permits to UK citizens. In practice, this means some countries have tightened their hiring processes, while others remain relatively open but require more planning.

Do British Teachers Now Need a Visa?

In nearly every case: yes. If you want to teach English legally in Europe, you’ll need a visa or residence permit that authorizes paid work. Here’s what that usually involves:

• Step 1: Get a Job Offer. Most countries won’t let you apply for a work visa unless you’ve already secured a teaching job.
• Step 2: Apply for a Work Visa. This often means submitting documents to an embassy or consulate, either in the UK or once you’re in-country.
• Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents. These might include:
  • Apostilled TEFL certificate and degree
  • Proof of funds or income
  • Health insurance or medical clearance
  • Criminal background check
  • Translations of official documents

Each country has its own quirks. For example, Germany and the Czech Republic offer freelance teaching routes, while Spain and Italy are more rigid and often require school sponsorship. Be prepared for a slower and more paperwork-heavy process than before — but one that’s still very doable for the right candidate.

What Are the Visa Options?

Even though UK citizens no longer have automatic work rights in the EU, there are still a few viable visa options depending on your goals and the country you're heading to.

• Work Visas
  This is the most direct — and most bureaucratic — option. You’ll need a confirmed job offer from a school willing to sponsor you. Requirements include a signed contract, background checks, and often proof that no EU candidate could fill the role. Some schools are willing to go through this process, especially if you have experience or specialized skills (like business English).

• Student Visas
  One of the most flexible and popular options, especially in Spain and France. By enrolling in a language or university course, you can legally stay in the country and often work part-time (usually 15–20 hours/week). Many TEFL teachers take a Spanish or French language course while teaching part-time — it’s a great way to stay legal, improve your skills, and immerse yourself in the culture.

• Freelance Visas
  Countries like Germany and the Czech Republic allow foreign nationals to register as self-employed teachers. You'll need to submit a business plan, prove financial stability, and often show letters of intent from potential clients. It’s more paperwork upfront, but offers long-term flexibility and independence — ideal for those who plan to teach private students or work with multiple schools.

• Working Holiday Visas
  While rare, the UK has youth mobility agreements with a few EU countries — such as Austria and Portugal — that allow young Brits (usually under 30 or 35) to live and work for up to a year or two. These visas aren’t TEFL-specific, but they do allow you to teach while you're there. Slots are limited and can fill up fast.

What If You’re Already Living in the EU?

If you were already living in an EU country before Brexit, you may have a much easier time. The Brexit withdrawal agreement granted residency rights to many British citizens who registered in time. If you hold legal residency:

• You can usually stay, work, and travel freely within your host country.
• You won’t need a new visa to teach.
• You’ll be prioritized by employers, since no sponsorship is required.

However, these rights aren’t automatic — each country had its own application deadlines and conditions. If you were already abroad but haven’t formalized your status, it’s worth checking whether late applications are still possible.

Is It Still Possible to TEFL in Europe Without a Visa?

It’s tempting to think you can teach for a few months on a tourist visa — but the reality is more complicated.

• Tourist Stays
  British citizens can stay in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Outside of that, you’ll need a visa.

• Teaching on a Tourist Visa
  In most cases, this is not legal. Even if it’s just a summer school gig, working on a tourist visa puts you — and your employer — at risk. If caught, you could face fines, deportation, or future visa bans.

• Volunteering
  Some TEFLers join volunteer programs that offer room and board in exchange for teaching. While these don’t provide income, they’re a legal way to get experience and enjoy cultural immersion. Just make sure the organization helps you obtain the correct volunteer or cultural exchange visa — don’t assume you can do this on a tourist stamp.

Alternative Entry Routes for UK Citizens

While standard work visas may be harder to come by, there are still creative and legal ways for UK teachers to enter the European TEFL market.

• Spain’s Language Assistant Programs
  Programs like Meddeas and ECA remain open to UK citizens, typically under student or residency visa schemes. These placements offer a modest stipend, cultural immersion, and school-based teaching experience — perfect for first-time teachers or those wanting to test the waters in Spain.

• Enrolling in Language Schools
  In countries like Spain and Italy, many teachers pair part-time TEFL work with enrollment in a local language course. This student visa route allows legal residency while opening up work opportunities (usually up to 20 hours/week). It’s a smart way to build local networks, gain teaching experience, and enjoy day-to-day life in Europe — all without relying on employer sponsorship.

• Freelance Setup in Czech Republic or Germany
  If you’re more entrepreneurial, consider registering as a self-employed teacher. The Czech Republic’s živnostenský list or Germany’s freelance visa (Freiberufler) both allow you to legally work with schools, businesses, or private students. While the paperwork is heavy and may require a local address, financial planning, and letters of intent, the long-term benefits — flexibility, independence, and residency — can be well worth it.

• Short-Term Private Tutoring
  If you’re legally registered as a freelancer, short-term tutoring may be a way to supplement income or test a new market. Just make sure all paperwork is in order — even casual lessons require the correct registration to avoid legal issues.

Brexit’s Surprising Upside for Non-British Teachers

While Brexit has added hurdles for UK citizens, it has also reshaped the European TEFL landscape — and not all in a negative way.

• A More Level Playing Field
  Before Brexit, UK passport holders had a distinct advantage in the European job market. Now, schools need to process paperwork for British teachers just like they would for Americans, Canadians, South Africans, and others. That means employers may start considering a broader range of nationalities — especially if the teacher brings strong credentials, experience, or native-level fluency.

• Irish Passport Holders Gain Value
  Ireland remains an EU member, and Irish citizens still enjoy full freedom of movement and work rights. If you hold dual UK/Irish nationality — or are eligible for Irish citizenship — this is a golden opportunity. An Irish passport now provides access to teaching roles across the continent without the Brexit complications.

Making Yourself a Competitive Candidate Post-Brexit

Whether you’re a British teacher navigating new visa rules or a non-EU applicant looking to take advantage of shifting dynamics, it’s never been more important to stand out.

• Get Certified
  A solid 120-hour TEFL certificate is a must. Consider adding specialized modules — like teaching young learners, business English, or exam prep — to make your application stronger and more versatile.

• Build Experience
  Every bit counts. Volunteer teaching, online platforms, and local tutoring jobs all help pad your CV and show initiative. Schools value real classroom time, even if it’s unpaid or part-time.

• Stay Open-Minded
  The most popular cities (Barcelona, Rome, Paris) are also the most competitive. Look to under-the-radar locations like Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, or Romania, where demand for English teachers is growing and competition is lighter.

• Apply In Person Where Possible
  Many European schools still hire face-to-face — especially for freelance and part-time roles. If you can enter visa-free for 90 days, consider using that window to scout out jobs, meet directors, and land a role before applying for a visa.

Other Regions to Consider If Europe’s Too Complex

Europe is enticing, but if visa headaches and bureaucracy feel overwhelming, other parts of the world may offer a smoother path — and just as much adventure.

• Asia
  Countries like Vietnam and Thailand are TEFL hotspots for a reason: high demand, welcoming expat communities, and relatively straightforward visa processes. If you're open to something more structured and competitive, South Korea offers generous salaries, benefits, and organized programs like EPIK and GEPIK — though a bachelor’s degree is required.

• Latin America
  If you're drawn to warm cultures, dynamic cities, and a lower cost of living, Colombia, Ecuador, and Argentina are all worth considering. While salaries may be lower than in Asia, visa barriers tend to be lighter, and many countries are happy to hire native speakers with a TEFL certificate and some classroom confidence.

• Middle East
  For those with a few years of experience and higher-level qualifications, the Gulf region — including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman — offers some of the highest TEFL salaries in the world. Contracts often include housing, flights, and end-of-contract bonuses. It’s not for everyone, but if income is a priority, the rewards can be substantial.

Conclusion

Brexit may have thrown a few curveballs into the plans of UK TEFL teachers, but the door to Europe hasn’t closed — it just requires a little more planning to push open. Whether you're eyeing the cobbled streets of Prague, the tapas bars of Seville, or a seaside town in Portugal, there are still pathways to teach legally and meaningfully across the continent.

From student visas and assistant programs to freelance setups and short-term opportunities, the options are there — if you're willing to be flexible, persistent, and proactive. And if Europe proves tricky? The world is wide open, with incredible teaching destinations waiting in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Don’t let paperwork stop you. With the right mindset and a bit of strategy, you can still make your TEFL dream in Europe (or beyond) a reality.