Easy tips / May 26, 2019

What is happening to British expats in Spain?

There has been a huge drop in the number of Brits living in Spain due to more stringent immigration rules, which have been brought in as a result of Brexit. Brexit is causing expats to sell their property and abandon their dreams of living in sunny Spain, according to travel experts.

Are British expats selling up in Spain?

British expats who have holiday homes in Spain are selling up over post-Brexit restrictions. British expats who have holiday homes in Spain are only allowed to spend 90 days there and are now “selling up” following post-Brexit EU restrictions.

How many British expats are in Spain?

As of 2020, there were over 360,000 UK residents living in Spain. Mainly British expats lived happily in Alicante, Malaga and the Balearic Islands.

Where do British expats live in Spain?

By far the most popular areas for moving to Spain from UK are the sun-kissed coastal regions. Alicante on the Costa Blanca is chock-full of beautiful beaches and affordable properties. Expats report adjusting to life here is made easier by friendly locals and English-speaking schools.

Can Brits move to Spain after Brexit?

Essentially Spain is still very keen to have British nationals visit and live in Spain after brexit, as long as there is a reciprocal agreement for Spanish nationals to live and work in the UK. Both countries are keen to reach an agreement that allows their citizens to continue, as before, in some shape or form.

Can Brits stay in Spain after Brexit?

Can UK citizens live in Spain after Brexit? Now that Brexit has left the European Union, British citizens no longer hold the automatic right to residence in Spain. UK citizens in Spain will be able to remain for a period of 3 months at a time, staying longer than this will require a visa.

Why are Brits moving back from Spain?

There have been reports of droves of expats leaving their homes in the country and heading back to the UK because of worries over healthcare, savings and property rights, according to the Express. Property expert and real estate managing director Robert Barnhardt said many British homeowners were now selling up.

Are Brits leaving Spain?

Now however, Brits are reported to be leaving Spain ‘in their droves’. On top of the Brexit issues, Spanish immigration rules are also making it difficult for British immigrants to stay. A significant number of Brits already live there, but many are experiencing problems with applying to stay permanently.

What happens to British expats in Spain after Brexit?

British expats in Spain after Brexit Spain is home to 1/3 of British expats in the EU. This means that unless there is an alternative UK/Spain agreement, UK citizens will be limited to visiting Spain for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.

Where do the most British expats live?

Where do British Expats Move to?

Australia. British expat population (2019): 1,262,204.
The USA. British expat population (2019): 716,260.
Canada. British expat population (2019): 531,584.
Spain. British expat population (2019): 302,020.
Ireland. British expat population (2019): 293,061.
New Zealand.
France.
South Africa.

What are the disadvantages of living in Spain?

Missing ‘Home’. Certainly a disadvantage to working in Spain is that you may miss your friends and family back home. Although they may not be too far away, in other words just a short flight, it can be hard and expensive to constantly be flying back especially if you have grandchildren back at home.

Is it cheaper to live in Spain or UK?

Spain has always been well known for generally having much lower living costs than the UK. According to Numbeo, the overall average cost of living in Spain is 18.2% cheaper than in the UK as a whole. One major area contributes to this fact, as rent is on average 33.19% lower in Spain than Britain.

How can I get residency in Spain after Brexit?

Another option is to invest €500,000 in property which will gain you and your family residency in Spain. One major snag that many British expats have faced is the closure of British bank accounts. Financial regulations in the Brexit agreement weren’t succinct enough for many banks, which has led them to cease operations in European countries.

Is Spain the best place to live in the UK?

Spain is now home to more than 380,000 expats and according to immigration figures, is the fourth most popular country for Brits to relocate to when leaving the UK. With its hot summers, mild winters and relaxed quality of life, it’s easy to see why Spain remains at the top of the list.

What do I need to move to Spain as an expat?

This will likely include photo ID, proof of address, and so on. Also, you might need to sit a Spanish driving test. As any country, Spain has its advantages and disadvantages. For expat retirees there are definitely more advantages than disadvantages in moving to Spain. What are the advantages of living in Spain? Spain offers great value for money.

Do I need a visa to move to Spain from UK?

The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and length of your trip. Another option is to invest €500,000 in property which will gain you and your family residency in Spain. One major snag that many British expats have faced is the closure of British bank accounts.