Spain Forum

OldPro
Joined 2016
Posts: 704

7 years ago

Brit moving to Spain after Brexit

7 years ago

I have been surprised to see quite a few post on this and other forums where Brits are still talking about moving to Spain (or any other EU country) as if nothing has changed. I've also been surprised to see people responding to them as if they also believe nothing has changed and giving them reassurances like, 'don't worry, if you are established in country before the exit date, you will be fine'. I'd like to know where they are getting this apparent knowledge from.

The politicians in the UK and in the EU have already started back-pedaling on assurances even to those who are ALREADY living in one or the other. To suggest that if someone moves between now and the official exit date, they will be OK, becomes even more of a stretch in imagination.

We are already hearing from politicians like Theresa May, "But I think what’s important is there will be a negotiation here as to how we deal with that issue of people who are already here and who have established a life here, and Brits who’ve established a life in other countries within the EU.” That word 'negotiation' means there is no guarantee and the outcome is unknown even for those who have "already" made the move.

Planning based on a best case outcome is never a good idea. You plan for worst case while hoping for a best case outcome.

I would say worst case is that if you have not already been in a country for 5 years before the official exit date, you may not be allowed to stay. Plan on that basis and it can only work out better. Plan on being allowed to stay if you move between now and the official exit date and you may get a nasty surprise. Even those who have moved in the last year or two may find they have a problem.

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