Citizens from the EU who arrive in Britain during the Brexit transition period will have the right to stay indefinitely.

After intense talks in Brussels, it was agreed that freedom of movement can continue until the end of 2020. EU citizens and their families will be able to claim residency.

Speaking in Brussels, Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said that people from the EU who arrive in the UK during transitions “will receive the same rights and guarantees as those arriving before Brexit”.

David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, said: “Just as we’re giving certainty to businesses, we’re also providing the same for citizens.”

The same will apply to British citizens who move to the EU.

Barnier referred to the deal as “a decisive step” for Britain and the EU.

“We were able to agree this morning on a large part of what will make up an international agreement for the ordered withdrawal of the UK,” he added.

Not all were happy with the progress. Nigel Farage, the former UKIP leader, said May was backing down to Brussels and called her an “appease”.

“After vaunting her so-called red lines she quickly rubs them out under EU pressure,” he said, “She’s like the Duke of York marching the troops to the top of the hill to march them down again.”

Iain Duncan Smith also criticised the government, saying: “there does seem to be a real concern … It appears that at least through the implementation period nothing will change and I think that will be a concern and the government clearly has to deal with that because a lot of MPs are very uneasy about that right now.”

A joint withdrawal deal was published on Monday, which is 75 percent is agreed on.

According to the report, the UK will keep the benefits of the single market and customs union for “near enough to the two years we asked for”, said Davis.