One of the consequences of Brexit is that Britons who wish to retire to an EU Member State will be required to obtain a resident’s permit or visa prior to relocating, as they are now regarded as ‘third country’ nationals.
The application for a permit or visa will require retired UK nationals to satisfy specific conditions including a minimum level of income and/or capital as well as medical insurance, so as not to be a burden to the EU Member State. These requirements are different for each EU country.
To meet the demand for advice from Britons planning to move to Portugal, France, Spain, Malta and Cyprus, specialist expatriate advisory firm Blevins Franks has launched a new European Emigration Advisory Service covering:
• An understanding of the specific requirements of the country they plan to move to;
• Advice on the most suitable form of permit or visa, depending on their circumstances;
• Guidance on the procedures to be followed both in the UK (which will normally include a visit to the country’s embassy or consulate) and locally in each of the EU Member States in which Blevins Franks has offices.
Jason Porter, director of Blevins Franks, said: “When the UK was part of the EU, Freedom of Movement meant Britons would normally apply for any residence permit after they had moved. And with no restriction on the number of days they could be present, they could do this locally, at their leisure.
“Now the UK is a ‘third country’ from an EU perspective, it is necessary for Britons to apply for and obtain a visa in advance and from the consulate or embassy in the UK, as well as understand the local complexities once they arrive in country – areas in which we can help.
“We pride ourselves in helping our clients through all the tax and financial aspects of relocating, but now that the issue of emigration has come to the forefront of the whole relocating process, we feel it is essential we are able to assist our clients in this way as well.
“The requirements in terms of application forms and support documentation can be daunting, so we have decided to launch a new European Emigration Advisory Service designed to take customers through this whole process, as well as point them towards local specialists in their country of choice, which will be important once they have made the move.”
The service is now available from Blevins Franks’ London office and supported by advisers and local professionals via Blevins Franks offices in the Algarve and Lisbon, as well as France, Spain, Cyprus and Malta.
