Asylum seekers in the UK need to wait longer than in EU countries before being allowed to work
Waiting period before asylum seekers can take up employment, and any sectoral restrictions, by country
| Country | Waiting period | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 12 months | Only high-skilled jobs. |
| France | 6 months | Limited sectors, varies by region. |
| Germany | 3 months if outside initial reception centre, 6 months if still living in one. | No self-employment. |
| Italy | 2 months | No restrictions. |
| Spain | 6 months | No restrictions. |
| Greece | 60 days. | No self-employment. |
| Netherlands | 6 months | No restrictions. |
| Belgium | 4 months | No restrictions. |
| Austria | 3 months | Only if labour-market test is met (job cannot be filled by another resident). |
| Denmark | 6 months | No restrictions. |
| Sweden | Can apply immediately. | Limited sectors (unskilled). |