Want to move to the UK soon!

Last activity 15 June 2020 by rustygecko

831 Views

6 replies

Post new topic

stevebirdMember16 May 2020 12:59:18

Hi all,

Brand new to this forum - I hope this is the right place! If not please let me know and I will move this post to another forum

My question is:

I'm living in Spain at the moment, and I want to move to the UK (England specifically). I want to do this before the end of the year (Brexit deadline).

I was just wondering if this is possible and what the situation will be after Brexit? It seems slightly unclear. From what I've gathered, the process is this:

- I can move to the UK and rent a place and get a job without issue since I am an EU citizen, as long as I do this before the Brexit deadline.
- I must then sign up for the EU settlement scheme - but with this what are the chances of being able to stay? I assume I cannot stay in the UK after the 31st June 2021 deadline for the settlement scheme if I don't sign up for the scheme?

Also a side-question, what is the situation of actually being able to fly to the UK? I've checked the UK website for arriving in the UK - and there's nothing there about COVID-19 affecting my ability to get into the country apart from cancelled flights. I know it's difficult to ensure I can get into the country and move at this current time, but is this something that's feasible with good planning?

Thanks everyone - and again, if this is not the place for these kind of questions, I'll happily move them

CynicUK / Netherlands Expert16 May 2020 15:03:06

7654

Hi and welcome to the Forum:

The UK has already left the EU, we are currently in a period of negotiation while the 2 parties try and work out the terms (if any). While this negotiation is still ongoing, citizens of the UK in the EU and vice-versa will continue to exercise the same rights they had while the UK was still a member of the EU.

To answer your questions in the order in which you asked them.

1. Currently yes - I say currently because there are several EU Governments who are proving reluctant to grant the same rights to UK citizens currently living in that country - Spain is one of them.
2. Very high - my wife (EU citizen) was granted permanent residence within 2 days of applying. So, the system exists and works.
3. Correct, if you do not qualify, you will not be able to stay in the UK. To move from Spain to the UK after the date, you will need to apply and qualify like everybody else who applies after that date.

Flights - there are still flights operating between Spain and the UK; check Google, then contact the appropriate airline.

One last comment - there is currently an impasse in the negotiations between the UK and the EU; if this still exists on 30 June, because their will no longer be sufficient time to guarantee acceptance by the other EU members, then you may well find that the UK/EU will decide at that stage that no further negotiations are possible and the UK will leave the EU on that date. So, you may not have as much time to plan this as you thought.

Hope this helps.

Cynic
Expat Team

celticladyMember01 June 2020 12:56:53

Just curious as to why you want to move from Spain to England? I'm hoping to move to Spain from England!
Best Wishes
Moira

SimCityATExpert01 June 2020 13:06:03

11272

celticlady wrote:
Just curious as to why you want to move from Spain to England? I'm hoping to move to Spain from England!
Best Wishes
Moira

I often what attracts people to the UK

CynicUK / Netherlands Expert01 June 2020 15:16:01

7654

Hi all,

Just got back in the UK from the Netherlands, went to fill up - unleaded fuel 0.99p p litre - might be enough reason to move here.

Incidentally, no hassle at all crossing borders both out and back; the only thing I didn't like much for the fortnight we were in Holland was the way that social distancing has made restaurant eating a pain in the back-side.

rustygeckoContributor15 June 2020 20:22:59

197

The UK has already left the EU, but regardless of negociations, the transition period won't finish before 31 December to give both business and the civil service time to put plans in place.

rustygeckoContributor15 June 2020 20:24:29

197

What attracts people to the UK from Spain for example is a) jobs b) salaries several times higher.

Articles to help you in your expat project in England

Things to bring when moving to the United Kingdom
Are you concerned about what you should bring during your relocation to the UK? Many expats don't give this a ...
Relocating to the United Kingdom
Studies have shown that moving is one of life's most stressful events. If you are a seasoned expat, you are ...
Customs in the United Kingdom
If you are planning your next move to the United Kingdom, seeking the correct information about customs ...
Travelling to the UK with your pet
Expats with pets know that taking their loved pet with them is a viable option when moving to a new country. ...
Work in Brighton
With over 275,000 people, Brighton is a popular destination among expats from all walks of life. Once you visit ...
Accommodation in London
With a surface area of 1,572km² and thirty districts to choose from, London has thousands of homes available ...
Dating in the UK
Dating in England is a blend of tradition and modernity, where meeting people in social settings and contemporary ...
Top things to do in London
No matter what your definition of fun is – get ready to feel active, inspired, and creative in London. ...