International advisory firm Blevins Franks has rolled out an EU emigration and financial advice service to help UK citizens meet the post-Brexit requirements needed when retiring to an member state.
This is because Brits must obtain a resident’s permit or visa before making the move to a European country, as the UK is now considered a third country.
The application will require retired Brits to satisfy specific conditions which include a minimum level of income and/or capital as well as medical insurance. Requirements change depending on the individual country.
The newly introduced service will cover specific requirements of the country in question; advice on the most suitable permit or visa; and guidance on the procedures they need to follow both in the UK and in the EU.
The offering is available at the firm’s London office with support from Blevins’ local professionals in France, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta.
‘Daunting’ process
Jason Porter, director of Blevins Franks, said: “When the UK was part of the EU, freedom of movement meant Britons would normally apply for any residence permit after they had moved. And with no restriction on the number of days they could be present they could do this locally, at their leisure.
“Now the UK is a ‘third country’ from an EU perspective, it is necessary for Britons to apply for and obtain a visa in advance and from the consulate or embassy in the UK, as well as understand the local complexities once they arrive in country – areas in which we can help.
“We pride ourselves in helping our clients through all the tax and financial aspects of relocating, but now that the issue of emigration has come to the forefront of the whole relocating process, we feel it is essential we are able to assist our clients in this way as well.
“The requirements in terms of application forms and support documentation can be daunting, so we have decided to launch a new European emigration advisory service designed to take customers through this whole process, as well as point them towards local specialists in their country of choice, which will be important once they have made the move.”
