Moving to Europe:
Post Brexit
As the dust settles from the monumental shift of Brexit, many individuals and families find themselves contemplating a move across the Channel. Whether it’s for work, the lifestyle, or a bit of an adventure, relocating and moving to Europe after Brexit presents a unique set of challenge and opportunities. In our latest International Moving Guide, we delve into the intricacies of Moving to Europe post-Brexit, offering insights, tips and guidance to ensure a smooth transition for those embarking on this exciting journey.
Post-Brexit Immigration
Understanding Residency Requirements
Since Brexit, the landscape of immigrations regulations has changed dramatically, resulting in a new understanding of residency requirements for those considering moving to Europe. With the end of free movement between the UK and EU, UK citizens now face a more complex process to become a European resident. Each European nation has its own set of rules and procedures that govern residency permits. Therefore it’s essential that you examine the requirements for the specific country in Europe you’d like to move to.
To get started navigating the residency requirements, you’ll need to look into the visa and permit options available in your desired European country. There are several factors to consider that may enable different residency pathways. Things like employment status, family ties or financial stability all come into play when applying for a residency visa in any European country. Some European countries place an emphasis on skilled workers, whereas others have family reunification programs in place.
European Residency Requirements
| Country | Residence Permit | Permanent Residence | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | 1-3 weeks | 5-6 months | 1 year |
| Cyprus | 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 6 months |
| Latvia | 1-3 months | 5 years | 10 years |
| Montenegro | 3 weeks | 3 weeks | 6 months |
| Portugal | 2-6 months | 5 years | 6 years |
| Spain | 2-3 months | 5 years | 10 years |
It’s not just enough to get a quick visa or residency permit either. Most of these visas or permits will come with an expiry date, and can be extended if you meet certain criteria, like an income threshold. So please be extra careful when applying for residency and ensure you’ve met the criteria for that specific European country.
Another unfortunate and unexpected consequence of Brexit, is the changes in rights. Whilst existing residents may have their acquired rights protected under the withdrawal agreement, newcomers moving to Europe post-Brexit will face different conditions and limitations. Keep yourself up to date with immigration policies and agreements between the UK and Europe before taking the next step.
Economic Considerations:
Impact of Brexit on Employment & Financial Planning
You’ve thought about the residency requirements for moving to Europe, but it’s best to assess the economic landscape and its political implications on employment and financial stability before taking the next step.
Unfortunately, Brexit has ushered in a new era of uncertainty, particularly when looking at jobs and income stability when moving to Europe from the UK. While freedom of movement within the EU has undergone significant changes, with every UK citizen no longer enjoying the same unrestricted access to job markets, opportunities still exist for those willing to navigate the evolving rules and regulations.
What should be your foremost consideration when moving to Europe, is the impact of Brexit on employment opportunities within Europe. Due to the end of of the free movement of labour between the UK and EU, you may encounter heightened visa requirements, work permits and residency permits. As a result, it’s essential for prospective expatriates to conduct proper research on immigration and work procedures of your desired country.
Additionally, you may need to invest in language training or professional certifications to enhance your employability in this new European market and help you adapt to the local culture and customs. Moreover, financial planning takes on added significance in light of the Brexit-induced uncertainties. Things like currency fluctuations, changes to tax treaties, and alterations to pensions are all things that need to be considered before moving to Europe.
As such we would recommend anyone relocating to Europe to seek professional financial advice in order to reduce risks, optimise investments strategies to safe guard your long-term financial security amidst this truly uncertain time. By proactively addressing these economic considerations, individuals and families can embark on their European journey with greater confidence and resilience.
Logistics of Moving to Europe
Customs, Duties and Documentation Essentials
The logistics of Moving to Europe play a crucial role, particularly when it comes to navigating customs, duties, and the essential documentation. Understanding these aspects is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding potential pitfalls along the way.
First and foremost, anybody that is planning a move to Europe must familiarise themselves with the customs regulations of their destination country. This includes knowing exactly what items are allowed to be brought into your chosen country as part of a household move, some may even be subject to duty, which must be paid before you arrive at your destination. However, many countries offer exemptions or reduced rates for personal belongings being brought into the country as part of a house move.
Therefore we’d always suggest calculating any potential duty costs and budgeting accordingly to avoid any unexpected financial burdens and minimise potential delays. It’s very common for items to be confiscated and destroyed if they’re on the banned list for that country and not declared correctly.
Documentation is probably the most overlooked aspect of moving to Europe. Many get caught up on what not to bring, they forget about the basic documentation. From passports (must be in date by at least 6 months!) and visas, to inventory lists and custom declarations, ensuring that all the documentation is present and correct is a tricky task.
That’s where a Professional Removal Company like Purdie Worldwide can help! Not only can we do all the heavy lifting, we can do the majority of the paperwork for you! Using our completely bespoke digital inventory software, all of your goods are photographed, graded and professional loaded, before being shipped. We can also help out with all the custom declarations, leaving you to sort out the all important visas and work permits.
Don’t forget, you should be prepared to provide some additional documentation as needed. Proof of employment, or proof of financial means are both pretty standard documentation you will be asked too provide when moving to any country in Europe. You don’t need to worry though, with an approved international moving company like Purdie Worldwide, we’ll help you through the process to ensure the smoothest move you’ll ever experience!
Moving to Europe: Conclusion
When Moving to Europe, there are certain things you need to research and prepare before making the move. Research your chosen country and understand the differences in laws along with the residency requirements.
Be sure to have a complete inventory on hand to avoid issues with customs. Check that all your items are allowed into your chosen country. Many European countries have bans on things like drones or even high heels!
With the help of a European mover like Purdie Worldwide, you can rely on them to ensure that all the correct custom declarations are correct along with all the relevant documentation for your chosen country.
So what are you waiting for?
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