The immigration rules for British expats changed with Brexit and many feel that this has meant that it is more difficult or impossible for Brits to retire abroad to Europe. In reality there is still plenty of scope for people to retire to the sun.
As this exceptionally sunny Summer continues we all become acutely aware of how the UK is as prepared for hot weather as it is for snow and ice in the Winter. Inevitably many people’s thoughts turn to the attractions of retiring to southern Europe, with typically over 300 days of sunshine a year. In Southern European countries the facilities are there to make the best use of the weather with the ability to plunge into private or shared pools, air-conditioning in villas and apartments and with bars and restaurants lining streets and beaches. Add to that the fact that the sunshine stretches later into the year followed by mild winters and you can see why retiring to Southern Europe remains popular.
Requirements to Retire Abroad
So what is required to retire abroad? In Spain, the most popular destination in Europe for retiring Brits, a Non Lucrative Visa is the popular option for those wishing to retire there. Provided you can demonstrate that you have at least €27,793 income a year (€34,731 for a couple) this allows you to become resident in Spain.
This cuts out many with lower incomes but Portugal is an option for them as the equivalent D7 visa in Portugal only requires you to demonstrate an income of €8,460 (€12,690 for a couple). Portugal also has the attraction of its Non-Habitual Residence Scheme which allows you to tie in 10% tax rate on pension income and zero tax on foreign investment income for ten years. This makes Portugal a popular choice for those with those with larger pension and investment funds.
France Is An Option
France is another popular option with many very different regions of the country from Normandy in the North, the Dordogne and Provence being popular destinations for Brits retiring abroad. The visa for those looking to retire to France is a ‘Visitor’ Long-Stay Visa and this requires you to show you have income of €15,192 a year.
Cyprus, Italy and Florida in the USA are other popular destinations for retirees with each having its own attractions.
Retire Abroad Roadshow
The Expat Network has announced the first Retire Abroad Roadshow will take place on 5th November 2022 at Epsom Racecourse in Surrey.
The roadshow is the first of its kind dedicated purely to retiring overseas. A specialist group of companies have been selected to provide a step-by-step guide to what you need to do to retire abroad.
The event will run from 08:30 – 15:30 followed by the option of one-to-one meetings with advisors able to answer your questions between 15.30 and 17.30.
Tickets are currently available at the early bird price of £18 for a single ticket and £30 for a couple and include attendance at the event, the opportunity to arrange a one-to-one meeting with members of the expert panel as well as a buffet lunch and all refreshments throughout the day.
