What is it like living in Norfolk

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

I guess it depends on what you want from this, your expectations, and why you chose Norfolk over the adjoining counties (Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and Suffolk).  You say you'd be moving back, so where did you live before, do you have family here?

Other things you need to consider are your residency (are you UK citizens), and do you have jobs sorted out?

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team

I'm British so no issues with residency. My wife is American but I do not believe being granted a spouse visa will be an issue.  I do have family in the UK but not in East Anglia. I do have an attachment to the area as my father had family near Norwich and we spent time in the area back in the day. Unfortunately, he and they are no longer alive. There are other factors coming into play all of which are driving our discussion.  As to employment, we are both heading towards retirement and in the short term this is not a factor but some sort of income might be necessary at some point.  We do have a reasonable nest egg and other investments but not in anyway an excessive amount.

Hi again.

Your wife can use the Visitor visa entry, and then apply for her family visa on arrival, this gives her 6 months to get it sorted.  The details are on the UKGov website; this link will take you straight to it.

Norwich is as good a place as any; my advice would be to visit the UK, stay at something like an AirBnb to make sure you have the right place and can afford to do it.

I'd advise you to speak to a US tax advisor with experience of the UK system as well before you leave.

I'm assuming you have your US pensions sorted out, as you will not be entitled to the UK State pension (it's contribution-based).  There is a dual tax treaty between the UK and the USA; you can download a copy from the IRS website; this link will take you straight to it.

Medical insurance - as a UK citizen, who is resident in the UK, you will be entitled to use the NHS, part of the fees your wife will pay also includes NHS coverage; however, if your Social Security includes Medicare/Medicaid with provision for overseas residency, then you may wish to consider this as well.  You should note that the NHS does not extend to free Dental cover, even if you can find an NHS dentist, they still charge; details are here.  If you have any existing medical conditions, bring a letter of introduction from your US doctor and enough medication to last you the first few months; it may take longer than you think to find a doctor.

Job-wise; my advice is to join LinkedIn, and then reach out to your peers who are already living/working in the UK, they will tell you who is hiring and where.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team