Six million British people live abroad with 1.2 million of them living elsewhere in the EU.
Some people move to Europe for work while others are looking for better weather or a bit of culture. While the UK remains a member of the EU, British people have the right to live and work in other member states.
But if voters opt to leave Europe in next month’s EU referendum, it is not known what rights British people will have when it comes to living in countries like Spain, France or Ireland.
Europe minister David Lidington told the Observer: “Everything we take for granted about access to the single market, trade without customs checks, or paperwork at national frontiers, the right of British citizens to go and live in Spain or France: all those would all be up in the air.”
If you’re currently planning a move to Europe, there’s a lot to think about. Here are our top tips for ensuring your relocation goes as smoothly as possible:
Moving abroad is a big step and you need to do your homework. It’s easy to fall in love with a place you visit on holiday but you need to make sure you are making an informed choice. Visit the area first and consider renting so you are not committed to one place until you are certain you want to stay there, as buying abroad can be much more complicated than in the UK. Speak to a legal advisor who understands the law in the country you are moving to and start learning the local language if you don’t already speak it.
Talk to other British citizens living in the area to find out about their experiences and any challenges they may have faced. Online forums are a great way of connecting with people before you move and getting advice on issues which may be concerning you.
Make sure you know exactly what you will be expected to pay in tax in your new country. Look into how any income you have will be affected by the move and make sure you have a realistic idea of the exchange rate and the cost of living.
Find out about the healthcare system in the country you are moving to and what you will be expected to pay for. Take out health insurance to cover you in case you get ill before you get registered with the state system.
Emigrating is a big task and using a professional removals firm with a track record in international relocations can make the process easier and less stressful. Andrew Porter Limited has years of experience handling European removals and our expert staff can help you every step of the way.
We know you’ll make sure your family and friends know you’re moving abroad but it’s also important to tell the authorities too. Notify your GP before you go as well as HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Social Security Office.
