UK to Europe Expat Tax & Immigration Guide 2025

Meta Title: UK to Europe Expat Tax Guide 2025 – Visas, Taxes, Dual Citizenship & PMI
Meta Description: Comprehensive 2025 guide for UK citizens moving to Europe. Covers EU country tax rules (income, capital gains, inheritance), residency visas, dual citizenship, buying vs renting, and international health insurance (PMI) for expats.

Overview

Moving from the UK to Europe post-Brexit is exciting but requires careful planning. This guide provides a comprehensive resource for UK expats covering taxes in each EU country, residency and visa rules, dual citizenship, property decisions (rent vs buy), multi-country living considerations, and international private medical insurance (IPMI). We’ll also explain UK-specific tax matters like the Statutory Residence Test (SRT) and double taxation treaties, so you understand how UK and EU taxes interact. The goal is to simplify complex tax and legal concepts into plain English, with structured sections, comparison tables, and FAQs to help you plan a smooth relocation in 2025 and beyond.

Tax Implications Across Europe

Moving to an EU country will change your tax situation significantly. European countries have varying tax systems, so it’s crucial to understand how becoming a resident abroad affects your income tax, capital gains, dividends, wealth, and inheritance taxes. You also need to consider how UK tax rules will continue to impact you after you leave.

UK Tax Considerations

Before leaving, understand the UK’s Statutory Residence Test (SRT), which determines if you remain UK tax resident. The SRT uses days in the UK and ties (like family, home, work) to decide your status. If you become non-resident, the general rule is UK tax will only apply to your UK-source income (e.g. rental income from a UK property) and not your overseas income. However, beware of complexities:

• Split Year Treatment: In the year you leave, you may split the tax year into a UK-resident period and a non-resident period if you meet certain conditions. This ensures you’re not taxed as UK-resident for the whole year if you move mid-tax-year.

• Temporary Non-Residence Rule: If you return to the UK within a short period (usually within 5 years), some income or gains you realized while abroad can be taxed by HMRC retroactively. For example, capital gains made while non-resident may be taxed if you come back within 5 years.

• Domicile and Inheritance Tax: Your UK domicile (a legal concept distinct from residency) can keep you within scope of UK inheritance tax. Historically, UK-domiciled individuals remained liable for UK inheritance tax (40% on estates above £325k) on their worldwide assets, even if non-resident. From April 2025, the UK has tightened this by linking inheritance tax to long-term residence. Those who were UK tax resident for over 10 years continue to face UK inheritance tax on non-UK assets for a period after departure, depending on how long they lived in the UK. In short, if you’ve been in the UK many years, you can’t immediately escape UK inheritance tax exposure by moving abroad.

• National Insurance and Pensions: UK expats often consider paying voluntary National Insurance contributions while abroad to maintain their State Pension accrual. Also, understand how your UK private pensions will be taxed – many countries have tax treaties affecting pension taxation (often pensions are only taxable in your country of residence, or sometimes in the source country for government pensions).

Double Tax Treaties: The UK has double taxation agreements with all EU countries to prevent being taxed twice on the same income. These treaties usually assign taxing rights – for example, rental income from UK property remains taxable in the UK (often with an option for the foreign country to also tax but then give a credit), whereas your employment income is typically taxed where you work/reside. Make sure to obtain a certificate of tax residence in your new country and inform HMRC of your non-resident status (e.g. via form P85) to claim treaty benefits.

Statutory Residence Test (SRT) Basics: Under the SRT, if you have many ties to the UK, you can spend only a few days (as low as 15 days in some cases) in the UK without becoming resident. If you have fewer ties, you can spend more time (up to 90 or 120 days, etc.). Exceeding 183 days in the UK in any tax year always makes you UK resident. But don’t assume staying under 183 days automatically means you’re not UK resident – the SRT’s combination of day-count and ties can still deem you resident with much shorter stays if you retain strong UK connections.

“183-Day Rule” Myth: A common misconception is that you can live a nomadic life never spending 183 days anywhere and avoid tax residency entirely. In reality, many countries will consider factors like your center of vital interests (where your family, home, business are), whether you have a permanent home available, and your habitual travel pattern to claim you as a tax resident even if no single stay exceeds 183 days. High-tax countries like France, Spain, and Italy have been known to challenge “tax nomads” who try to claim they live nowhere. Also, if you truly end up resident in no country, you might lose the protection of tax treaties – treaty tie-breaker rules only help if two countries claim you; if zero countries claim you, you’re outside the treaty network, meaning any source country (including the UK for UK-source income) can tax you without relief. In summary, plan to establish tax residency in one primary country and comply there, rather than attempting to be a stateless tax nomad (which can backfire with surprise tax bills or legal issues).

EU Country-by-Country Tax Overview

Each EU country has its own tax residency rules and tax rates. Typically, spending 183 days or more in a year or moving your primary home to a country will make you tax resident there (subject to specifics of local law). As a tax resident, you are usually taxed on worldwide income (few exceptions apply, like territorial tax systems or non-domiciled regimes discussed later). Here we break down the key tax points for each EU country in 2025, including income tax rates, capital gains tax, dividend tax, wealth taxes, and inheritance/gift taxes. We’ll also note any special tax regimes that expats can use and legal strategies to minimize tax (like double tax treaties or taking advantage of specific incentives).

Summary of Top Tax Rates and Notable Taxes by Country (2025):

(The above table provides a snapshot; there are many nuances and special provisions in each country’s tax code. “Yes” in wealth/inheritance column indicates the tax exists, with typical scope described.)

Tax Residency and Cross-Border Tax Strategies

If you move full-time to one country, you’ll likely be tax resident there under domestic rules (usually triggered by >183 days or making it your habitual abode). Plan to sever UK tax residency if your goal is to avoid UK taxes: that means keeping UK visits under SRT limits and possibly renting out or selling your UK home so it’s not available to you (to avoid the “accommodation tie” that can count against you).

For those with assets or business interests spanning countries, it’s wise to seek advice on tax-efficient structuring. Some general strategies and considerations:

• Use Double Tax Treaties: These treaties prevent double taxation by assigning taxing rights and allowing credits. For example, UK pensions received in France are usually taxable only in France (per the UK-France treaty), whereas UK rental income remains taxable in the UK but France would give a credit. Knowing treaty provisions helps avoid paying tax twice. The UK has treaties with all EU countries that typically cover income tax and sometimes inheritance tax (e.g., UK has estate tax treaties with Ireland, France, Italy, etc., which can be crucial if you own property in those countries to decide which country taxes your estate).

• Special Expat Tax Regimes: Many EU countries offer favorable tax regimes to attract foreign residents:

• Spain’s Beckham Law: Newly resident workers in Spain can opt to be taxed as non-residents, paying a flat 24% on Spanish employment income up to €600k (and 47% above that), with foreign income exempt from Spanish tax. This applies for up to 6 years and is popular with expats on high salaries.

• Portugal’s (former) NHR: Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime (now closed to new applicants from 2024) allowed many foreign retirees and professionals 10 years of special tax treatment (e.g. 10% tax on foreign pensions, 0% on certain foreign income). Update: Portugal ended new NHR applications from 2024 due to internal policy changes. In its place, Portugal has introduced a new scheme focusing on certain professions (e.g. scientific and tech fields) with a flat 20% tax on local employment and exemption for most foreign-source income (if it could be taxed in the origin country under a treaty). This “NHR 2.0” lasts 10 years and is aimed at highly skilled individuals.

• Italy’s Resident Non-Domiciled Regime: Italy permits new residents who have not been Italian tax residents for 9 of the last 10 years to pay a flat €100,000 annual tax on all foreign income, regardless of amount, instead of normal tax – attractive to high-net-worth individuals. This excludes Italian-source income (taxed normally) and lasts up to 15 years. Italy also has a 7% flat tax for foreign pensioners who settle in certain southern regions, for up to 10 years, to attract retirees.

• Greece’s Expat Schemes: Greece introduced a flat 7% tax on foreign pension income for retirees who become Greek residents. It also has a non-dom lump-sum tax (lump sum €100k for 15 years on foreign income, similar to Italy’s) and incentives for Digital Nomads (a special visa and potentially 50% tax break on earned income for seven years for those relocating for work in Greece).

• Malta and Cyprus Non-Dom: Both Malta and Cyprus use remittance-based taxation for foreign-source income. In Malta, foreign income is not taxed unless remitted to Malta, and foreign capital gains are not taxed even if remitted. Cyprus similarly exempts foreign dividends and interest from taxation for non-domiciled residents. These can be legal ways to minimize tax if structured properly (e.g. keeping investment income offshore).

• Netherlands 30% Ruling: The Netherlands offers qualifying expat employees a ruling where 30% of their gross salary is paid tax-free for up to 5 years, effectively reducing taxable income (often for skilled workers moving to NL, subject to salary thresholds). This helps offset the high 49.5% tax.

• Belgium Impatriate Regime: Since 2022, Belgium allows employers to pay 30% of an expat’s salary as a tax-free allowance (capped at €90k) for up to 5 years. This mimics the Dutch system and reduces the effective tax rate for incoming executives.

• France Impatriate Regime: France exempts 30% of the salary from French tax for qualifying inbound assignees, and also can exempt bonus and foreign passive income for a limited period (up to 8 years). This can significantly cut tax for foreigners working in France under certain contracts.

Taking advantage of these regimes can dramatically lower your tax burden as an expat. For example, under Spain’s Beckham Law, a UK remote worker moving to Spain could pay 24% flat tax on their salary (and nothing on UK dividends or other foreign income) instead of up to ~50% under normal Spanish rates. Always check the latest status and qualification rules (they often require an application soon after arriving).

• Territorial Taxation: A few countries tax residents only on local-source income (and exempt foreign-source income). Examples in the EU are limited – territorial regimes mostly apply to companies, not individuals, except in special cases. However, Malta and Cyprus de facto territorial for non-domiciled individuals, as mentioned. If you expect high foreign income (like investments), those jurisdictions can be attractive to minimize tax on that income, as long as you don’t remit or you qualify as non-dom.

• Timing of Realising Capital Gains: If you have large assets with accrued gains, consider the tax timing. The UK currently charges capital gains tax on worldwide assets only while you’re UK resident. If you become non-UK resident and stay non-resident for at least 5 years, you might avoid UK CGT on sales of assets (except UK real estate which is always taxable even for non-residents). Meanwhile, some EU countries have lower or zero CGT on certain assets – e.g. Belgium has no tax on capital gains from stocks for individual investors, and Portugal now exempts long-held share gains. By timing a sale during residency in a low-CGT country (and ensuring treaty protection so the UK can’t tax it under the temporary non-residence rule), you can save significantly. Note: Always confirm the local country won’t tax foreign asset sales (some might tax you on entry on latent gains via exit tax if you leave, etc.).

• Avoiding Double Inheritance Tax: If you keep UK domicile or the new UK 10-year residency rule for IHT applies, your estate could face UK inheritance tax and local inheritance tax. For example, a UK-domiciled person who moves to France could have French inheritance tax on French assets and UK IHT on worldwide assets. There is a UK-France estate tax treaty to prevent double taxation, but not all country pairs have one. Legal strategies include changing your domicile eventually (showing intent to permanently settle outside the UK, so that after a number of years HMRC accepts your new domicile) to fall out of UK IHT, or using trusts and life insurance to mitigate inheritance taxes. This is complex and requires specialist advice.

• Multi-Country Tax Home Planning: Some expats choose to split time between countries (e.g. 6 months in Country A, 6 months in Country B). Be careful – you might become dual tax resident. Dual residency is usually resolved by treaty “tie-breaker” tests (permanent home, center of vital interests, etc.). If you truly maintain two equal homes, it can be tricky. It’s often simpler to pick one country as your main tax residence and limit time in others. If you must live in multiple countries in a year (like retirees with two homes), ensure you understand each country’s residency threshold and try to stay just under it in the secondary country (e.g. 4-5 months in one, to remain a non-resident there, and the rest in the primary). Always document travel days and have evidence of where your primary home and life is, in case authorities question your status.

In summary, a well-planned relocation can significantly reduce your tax burden, but it must be done within legal frameworks. Use the special regimes where available, leverage treaties, and consult cross-border tax experts for personalized strategies.

Living Arrangements: Rent vs Buy & Multi-Country Living

One big question for expats is whether to rent or buy property in your new country. This decision has lifestyle, financial, and tax implications:

Should Expats Buy or Rent Property?

Renting initially is often recommended for expats. It offers flexibility as you settle into a new country – you can try different cities or regions without commitment. Renting avoids hefty purchase costs like transfer taxes, notary fees, and agent commissions that come with buying in Europe (which can be 5-10% of property price in some countries). It also saves you from exposure to housing market risks until you’re sure you want to stay long-term.

On the other hand, buying property can be attractive if you’re confident in a location and plan to stay for several years. With buying, you build equity and can benefit from property price appreciation. Several countries have property investment programs: for instance, Spain, Portugal, and Greece offered “Golden Visa” schemes granting residency for property buyers (≥€500k in Spain, ≥€280k in Portugal – though Portugal’s golden visa for property was effectively ended in 2023, policy evolving). Owning can sometimes strengthen your ties to the country (helpful for things like naturalisation applications down the line).

That said, owning a home also brings tax obligations and expenses: property taxes, maintenance, and in some cases imputed income tax on second homes (e.g. Italy taxes foreign homes of residents via IVIE, and Switzerland (not EU) imputes rent value tax). If you keep your UK home while abroad, remember the UK will tax any rental income you earn (though you can offset expenses and get treaty credits).

Price and Rent Differences: Europe has varied housing markets. In some countries, renting is much more common (e.g. Germany has <50% home ownership, with robust tenant protections, making long-term renting normal). In others, like Eastern Europe, homeownership rates exceed 80-90% (Slovakia, Romania), meaning rental markets are less developed. Generally, major cities in Europe have high purchase prices relative to rents – the price-to-rent ratio can indicate if renting is financially smarter. For example, Germany is known as a “land of tenants” and data shows the average German household’s mortgage payment would consume ~19–25% of net income, whereas renting costs ~17–22% of net income. In contrast, in countries like Spain and the Netherlands, paying a mortgage can be as affordable or even cheaper than renting in terms of monthly outlay. These differences arise from rent controls, culture, and financing costs. As of 2024, rising interest rates mean new mortgages are expensive across Europe, tipping the scale in favor of renting in many cities. In some cities, rents have also spiked, so it’s crucial to compare local rent vs buy costs.

Regulations: Each country has different rules protecting renters or owners. For instance, Germany has strong tenant protections (caps on rent increases, long eviction processes), so being a landlord is tightly regulated. Some countries (e.g. Spain and France in 2023 introduced rent controls in major cities) to curb excessive rent rises, which might influence your decision – rent-controlled markets can be good for renters (stable rent) but maybe harder to find a place, whereas buying might circumvent those issues if you want stability.

Tax considerations of owning vs renting: Owning a home abroad may subject you to property taxes in that country (most have annual property taxes). Some countries allow deduction of mortgage interest or provide tax relief for first-time buyers (the details vary: e.g. the Netherlands allows mortgage interest deduction for your primary residence which makes buying advantageous tax-wise, but in 2025 that deduction is being phased down to 37.05%). If you rent out your UK home while abroad, you’ll have UK rental income (taxable in UK, though often little or no tax after expenses and allowance, depending on rent). If you sell your UK home after moving, note that the UK only exempts capital gains on your principal residence while it was your principal residence. Once you move abroad and it’s no longer your main home, gains accruing could become taxable (with some grace period). You might choose to sell before leaving to utilize the principal private residence relief fully.

Conversely, you might decide to buy property abroad for investment or partial-year use. Owning a second home in another country can complicate your tax residency (if you spend considerable time there, it could become a “permanent home” tie for tax residency tests). If you rent out the foreign property (e.g. Airbnb your Spanish villa when you’re not there), you’ll have to pay local income tax on that rental income (and possibly UK tax if you’re UK tax resident at that time, with treaty relief).

Financing: UK lenders typically won’t offer mortgages for overseas properties, so you’ll need a local mortgage or cash. Non-resident mortgages can be harder to get; some countries have higher interest rates or lower loan-to-value for foreigners. Plan for currency considerations – if your income is in GBP and your property expense is in EUR, exchange rate swings matter.

Practical tip: Many expats rent first for 6-12 months to make sure they like the area and to understand local property market quirks, then buy once settled. Some even keep renting long-term, especially in countries where tenants have strong rights and housing price growth is slow.

Multi-Country Living vs Settling in One Country

Some UK expats plan to split their time across multiple European countries – for example, spending summers in one country and winters in another. This lifestyle can offer the best of several cultures, but it introduces taxation and compliance complexities:

• Tax Residency in Multiple Countries: If you genuinely divide time nearly equally, you risk being considered tax resident by more than one country. As noted, double tax treaties have tiebreaker tests to assign you to one country in such cases. Key factors are where you have a permanent home available and where your center of vital interests lies (which country do your personal and economic ties gravitate towards). You may need to formally choose one country as your fiscal residence and limit time in others to avoid dual-resident status. For instance, spending 5 months in Country A and 5 in Country B might technically make you resident in both (each over 183 days or meeting other criteria). In practice, you might want to keep one of them under the threshold (e.g. 4 months in one, 8 in another).

• Administrative Burden: Being on the move means dealing with multiple tax returns, multiple sets of social insurance rules, health systems, and visa registrations. Every time you exceed 3 months in an EU country (as a non-EU national without a visa, 90/180 day rule applies for tourists), you’ll likely need a form of residency permit. So multi-country living might only be feasible if you obtain some long-term residency status (or citizenship) that allows moving around (e.g. an Italian or Spanish residency won’t let you reside freely in France beyond 90 days, since UK citizens no longer have EU free movement – you would need a separate visa for each country unless one is in Schengen and you just travel as a tourist under 90 days).

• Compliance: Multi-country life can trigger reporting requirements in two places. For example, if you are tax resident in France but also have a home in Portugal where you spend significant time, Portugal might not treat you as tax resident if <183 days, but it could consider you a non-resident taxpayer for any Portugal-source income (e.g. if you rent out your Portugal home part of the year, you file a Portuguese tax return as a non-resident for that rental income, and report that income in France with a foreign tax credit under treaty). You might also need to inform one country’s tax authorities about your dealings in the other (certain countries have wealth reporting – e.g. Spain requires an annual overseas asset report Form 720 if you’re tax resident there and have assets > €50k abroad).

• Healthcare: A practical issue – if you’re splitting time evenly, which country’s healthcare system will you use? Most national systems cover residents, so if you’re resident in one country, you might only have emergency cover in the other via travel insurance or EHIC/GHIC (for temporary stays). Many multi-country retirees solve this by maintaining international private medical insurance (see next section) so they have coverage regardless of country.

• Property and Housing: If you maintain two (or more) homes in different countries, you have to pay property taxes/fees in both. Some countries tax second homes extra (e.g. France has higher council tax on second homes in some areas). You’ll also face inheritance law differences – many EU countries have “forced heirship” which could complicate owning property in multiple jurisdictions (each with their own rules on who inherits what share).

Bottom line: Settling in one country and making short trips elsewhere is far simpler for tax purposes. If you do want true multi-country living, consider establishing formal residency in the one with more favorable tax treatment (some expats choose a base in a low-tax country like Malta or Cyprus, become tax resident there, and travel to higher-tax countries under the 90-day tourist rule to enjoy them without triggering residency). That way you legally spend, say, 6+ months in your low-tax base and up to 3 months at a time in other countries. You remain a tax resident only in the base country. This requires discipline in tracking days and not overstaying in the secondary locations, but can be an optimal strategy.

If you’re intent on rotating between multiple EU nations more freely, one long-term approach is obtaining dual citizenship or an EU long-term residence permit in one country, and eventually EU citizenship, which then gives you freedom of movement to live in others without visas. For example, if you become a citizen of, say, Ireland or Italy, you regain the right to move around the EU like any EU citizen.

In any case, multi-country living demands meticulous record-keeping (travel logs, retained travel tickets) and proactive communication with tax authorities to avoid misunderstandings. Many seasoned expats consult international tax advisers annually to ensure they’re meeting all obligations in each country of presence.

Immigration & Mobility (Visas, Residency, Citizenship)

Post-Brexit, UK nationals are third-country nationals in the EU, meaning free movement is no longer a given. To live (not just travel) in an EU country, you will need a visa or residence permit. Each country has its own immigration rules, though there are some common EU-wide permit types (like the EU Blue Card for highly-skilled workers). Here we provide an overview of residency options for UK citizens in each EU country, the difficulty level, and paths to dual citizenship. We also note whether dual citizenship is allowed and how many years of residence are required for naturalisation (citizenship), since many expats aim for a second passport eventually.

General options available to UK citizens in Europe:

• Work visa / Permit: If you have a job offer from an employer in the country, they can often sponsor a work permit. Salary and skill requirements apply. The EU Blue Card is a special work permit for high earners (salary threshold differs by country; e.g. ~€56k in Germany in 2025, lower in some Eastern EU). UK professionals in fields like tech, finance, etc., may qualify.

• Self-Employment / Business visas: Many countries offer visas for starting a business or freelancing. For example, Germany has a Freiberufler (freelancer) visa for certain professions (IT, arts, etc.) if you can show viable income and benefit to Germany. Italy and France have entrepreneur visas for starting companies (with investment/job creation criteria).

• Retirement or “Financially Independent” visas: Several countries allow residency if you have sufficient income/savings to support yourself without local employment. Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa and Italy’s Elective Residence Visa are examples – they require proof of stable income (pensions, investments) above a threshold and comprehensive health insurance. These typically forbid local work, so they suit retirees or those with passive income.

• Digital Nomad visas: A newer trend – countries like Portugal, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Estonia, Malta and others have introduced visas for remote workers. These allow you to live there while working for a foreign employer or your own business abroad. They usually require proof of a certain monthly income (e.g. €2k–€3k+) and health insurance. For instance, Greece’s digital nomad visa requires ~€3,500 monthly income and offers a 50% tax break for 7 years on local income if you end up switching to a tax residency regime.

• Investor/Golden visas: A few countries grant residency for significant investments. Portugal (until recently) and Spain have Golden Visa programs if you buy property above a threshold (Spain €500k) or invest in businesses or government bonds. Greece offers one for €250k property (recently raised to €500k in some areas). These visas often allow flexible stay (you don’t have to live full-time to maintain them) and can lead to permanent residence or citizenship in the long run, although some programs have tightened or closed due to EU pressure.

• Family reunification: If you have a spouse or long-term partner who is an EU/EEA citizen, you can join them under EU freedom of movement (with a simple residence card process). If your spouse/partner is not EU but you move together, family reunification visas are available (you must show income/housing to support them). Special note: If you or your parent/grandparent were born in an EU country, you might already be eligible for that country’s citizenship by descent (e.g. Ireland grants citizenship to a UK citizen with one Irish grandparent).

• Student visas: Enrolling in a university course in an EU country will get you a student residence permit, which can sometimes be a bridge to work (many allow a job-seeking permit after graduation). Not a typical expat pathway unless you plan to study.

Below is a country-by-country look at these aspects:

Key to difficulty: - Easy: Many accessible visa options or low requirements; - Moderate: Standard requirements that are achievable but require paperwork and maybe language; - Hard: Strict quotas or criteria, or limited pathways for those without ancestry or a job.

And note Dual Citizenship: whether the country allows a naturalised person to keep their UK citizenship. (The UK itself allows dual citizenship, so the focus is on the other country’s policy.)

Austria

• Residency Options: Austria is known for strict immigration. Work permits require a job offer and often fall under a points-based Red-White-Red Card (criteria include qualifications, work experience, and salary). There is no official “digital nomad” visa. Self-sufficiency visas exist but with quota (the “Residence Permit – Gainful Employment Excepted” is for financially independent individuals, but Austria sets a small annual quota and high income/assets requirement). Austria has a high investor visa threshold (invest upwards of ~€10 million or create substantial jobs to get residence by exception). Difficulty: Hard – bureaucratic and selective.

• Ease of Residency: Austria can be difficult unless you have a job with a good salary or EU ties. The Red-White-Red Card requires meeting a points threshold – for example, a university degree, German or English skills, and a job paying above average will be needed. Without German language or an employer, it’s tough for retirees (the quotas for them fill quickly).

• Dual Citizenship: Not allowed for naturalised citizens (Austria generally requires renouncing prior citizenship). Exceptions are very rare (e.g. bestowed honors). So a Brit would have to give up UK citizenship to become Austrian (in nearly all cases).

• Years to Citizenship: 10 years of continuous legal residence (minimum) for naturalisation (and strict integration requirements, e.g. B1 German, and proving assimilation). No expedited path for UK nationals specifically; though 6 years if you demonstrate advanced integration (e.g. fluent German and contributions) or for EU citizens in some cases – but since the UK is no longer EU, Brits fall under the standard 10-year rule.

Belgium

• Residency Options: Belgium is relatively accessible. If you work for a Belgian company or are self-employed, getting a permit is feasible (EU Blue Card or local work permit). Belgium also has a Professional Card scheme for starting a business or self-employment. For financially independent persons, Belgium doesn’t have a formal retirement visa, but some non-EU nationals obtain residence by registering as self-sufficient (showing sufficient funds and health insurance) – this can be tricky without an EU treaty to rely on, but not impossible on a case-by-case basis. Difficulty: Moderate – process is bureaucratic but there are various routes.

• Ease of Residency: Moderate. Knowledge of French or Dutch is not required initially for visas, but helps in integration. Belgium’s regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels) have slightly different rules. Generally if you rent a home and show income > ~€2,000/month and health insurance, you could be approved for a temporary residence as a self-sufficient person – often lawyers assist with such applications.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Belgium has no issue with dual citizenship (it removed restrictions in 2008). A British national can naturalise as Belgian and keep UK citizenship.

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years of residency (and integration) to apply for citizenship. Belgium requires proving social/economic integration (language level A2 in one of the national languages, and either employment record, participation in social life, or being born Belgian/long schooling). It’s one of the shorter timelines in the EU (previously 3 years if married to a Belgian or 5 otherwise).

Bulgaria

• Residency Options: Bulgaria offers various permits. For work, a local company must sponsor a work permit (somewhat bureaucratic). It used to have a investment citizenship program (fast-track citizenship by €1 million bond investment), but that was suspended in 2022. However, for residency, investing about €250,000 in Bulgarian property or business can get a permit (the Permanent Residency by investment scheme still exists). There’s also a pensioner visa if you have a pension income and accommodation. Difficulty: Moderate – not as strict as Austria, but not as flexible as, say, Spain.

• Ease of Residency: Fairly moderate – cost of living is low, so demonstrating sufficient funds isn’t hard for many retirees. Bulgarian bureaucracy can be slow, and language (Bulgarian) is challenging, but many firms help navigate.

• Dual Citizenship: Officially, not generally allowed for naturalisation unless you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or certain exceptions. Bulgaria’s law typically required renouncing the previous citizenship for most third-country nationals. (Native-born Bulgarians can have dual, and those who obtain Bulgarian through investment could keep original under certain conditions.) For a Brit, it likely means renouncing UK citizenship to naturalise, unless policies change or there’s a special exemption (none specific for UK at the moment).

• Years to Citizenship: 10 years residency usually. (Exception: if you had the now-terminated investor citizenship, it could be faster.) Bulgarian language proficiency is required. Given the renunciation requirement, few Brits pursue it.

Croatia

• Residency Options: As an increasingly popular destination (especially for digital nomads), Croatia introduced a Digital Nomad Residence Permit – valid 1 year, no local work allowed, need proof of roughly €2,300 monthly income and health insurance. Traditional routes: work permit (with a job offer, subject to labor market tests which are easing after EU entry), or EU long-term residence transfer if you already held an EU long-term resident status elsewhere. Family reunification and study permits are also possible. Difficulty: Moderate.

• Ease of Residency: The digital nomad visa makes it relatively easy for remote workers (no tax on foreign income under that status, since you’re not employed locally). For retirees, there isn’t a specific visa, but some have used “other purposes” temporary residence if they can show sufficient funds. Knowledge of Croatian not needed for a temporary permit.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed for naturalised citizens in many cases. Croatia generally allows dual citizenship, especially for those who qualify by origin. It does not force most new citizens to renounce (except if dual would be against Croatia’s interests, rarely invoked).

• Years to Citizenship: 8 years of continuous residency (including at least 5 years as permanent resident) and a Croatian language exam. So a Brit would need to reside about 8 years and learn the language to B1-ish level to naturalise.

Cyprus

• Residency Options: Cyprus, like Malta, is popular with expats for its English-speaking environment and favorable tax regime. It offers Category F visas for those of independent means (you show about €30,000 annual income plus €5k per dependent and you can get residency, typically for retirees or remote income folks). Also, digital nomads visa (1 year, renewable twice, requiring €3,500/mo income). Work permits for employment and self-employment are available, and Cyprus had a citizenship by investment program (requiring €2 million in property) which was suspended in 2020. Difficulty: Easy-Moderate – Cyprus actively welcomes expats.

• Ease of Residency: Relatively easy if you have moderate income/pension. The Category F (Permanent Residence Permit) doesn’t allow work but is straightforward to get if you buy or rent property and have the minimum income. Processing is usually a few months.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Cyprus imposes no restriction on dual citizenship.

• Years to Citizenship: 7 years of legal residence (reduced to 5 if you’re married to a Cypriot or if you hold some special statuses). Need to show ties to Cyprus and basic Greek knowledge for the test (A2 level). So, about 7 years for most Brits.

Czech Republic (Czechia)

• Residency Options: The Czech Republic offers standard work permits (including the EU Blue Card for high-skilled jobs) and a business “Zivno” visa for freelancers/trades (though they tightened this due to abuse – it requires showing real business plan and income). No specific retirement visa, but financially independent can potentially get a long-term visa if you show you have enough money (usually you enroll in some language course or other purpose to get a long-term visa initially, then switch to long-term residence). Since it’s in Schengen, you could use 90-day stays but for living you need residency. Difficulty: Moderate – not extremely hard if you have a reason, but language barriers and bureaucracy exist.

• Ease of Residency: Moderate. Prague’s popularity means many foreigners manage to get permits (especially students and digital nomads via trade licenses). Initial visas might require returning to apply from a UK Czech consulate.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. The Czech Republic permits dual citizenship since 2014. You can keep UK citizenship when naturalising as Czech.

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years of continuous residency (if you hold permanent residency; typically you can apply for permanent after 5 years of temporary). Also need Czech language at B1 level for the citizenship test and knowledge of society. So about 5 years and integration effort.

Denmark

• Residency Options: Denmark has strict immigration policies. For work, there’s a Positive List of in-demand jobs and a Pay Limit Scheme (job offer with salary above DKK 448,000 ~ £50k can get a work visa). There’s also a Start-up Denmark scheme for entrepreneurs with innovative business plans. No specific retirement visa – very hard to move unless working or an EU spouse. Denmark does have a Green Card scheme historically, but that was closed. Difficulty: Hard – highly selective outside of work/study.

• Ease of Residency: Hard. Unless you have a high-paying job or Danish family ties, getting a residence permit is challenging. Even marriage to a Dane has strict rules (the infamous “24-year-old rule” and income/attachment requirements).

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed (recent change). Since 2015, Denmark allows dual citizenship. A Brit can keep UK citizenship if they become Danish.

• Years to Citizenship: 9 years of residence (lowered to 7 for some eligible like Nordic nationals). Denmark also has one of the strictest citizenship tests (Danish language at a high level B2 and a culture exam, plus you must show self-sufficiency – no social welfare reliance). It’s tough: many give up because of the language.

Estonia

• Residency Options: Estonia has embraced digital nomads – it pioneered the Digital Nomad Visa (1 year permit for remote workers with €3,504 gross monthly income requirement). It also has the well-known e-Residency program, but note: e-Residency is not a visa or residence permit; it’s just a digital ID to run an Estonian business remotely. To live in Estonia, you need a work visa (if you find a job or start a business with substance in Estonia) or use the nomad visa. For self-employed, you can apply for a residence permit for business if you invest a certain amount in Estonia (usually €65k in company capital for a sole entrepreneur, or less if startup). Difficulty: Moderate – relatively welcoming to startups and IT professionals.

• Ease of Residency: If you’re a tech worker or entrepreneur, Estonia is friendly. The digital nomad visa is a clear path for a year (and possibly extend 1 more year). Learning Estonian is not needed for residency (English and Russian widely spoken), but for permanent stay it helps to integrate.

• Dual Citizenship: Not allowed for naturalised citizens. Estonia requires renouncing existing citizenship (it’s in the constitution). Children born with dual (e.g. to Estonian and UK parent) can keep it until 18 and then must choose. So a Brit would have to give up UK passport to become Estonian.

• Years to Citizenship: 8 years of residence of which 5 as a permanent resident, and Estonian language at B1 level. Given the dual restriction and difficulty of Estonian, few foreigners naturalise.

Finland

• Residency Options: Finland, like its Nordic neighbors, has high standards but clear pathways. Work visas are common if you have an offer (especially in IT, gaming, engineering – Finland has skill shortages in some areas). There’s a new Startup Permit to launch innovative companies. No dedicated retiree visa, but sufficient funds and Finnish ties might help in some cases (not typical). Difficulty: Moderate-Hard – easier if you have a job or family connection, not easy for self-sufficient retirees as no formal program.

• Ease of Residency: The process is straightforward for those who qualify (Finnish bureaucracy is efficient). English is widely spoken in business.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Finland allows multiple citizenships (since 2003). A Brit can keep UK citizenship.

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years continuous residence (or 4 years if married to a Finn). Language requirement: intermediate Finnish or Swedish (B1 spoken/written). Finland expects you to integrate, but timeline is relatively short.

France

• Residency Options: France offers many visa types. For professionals, Passeport Talent visas allow skilled workers, researchers, artists, even investors (invest €300k in a business or create jobs) to get a multi-year permit. Standard work permits require a job offer where the employer proves no EU candidate was available (though in practice for many jobs this is manageable). Visitor Visa: France has a long-stay visitor visa for those who promise not to work in France – popular with retirees or the independently wealthy. You must show sufficient income (usually around €1,300+ per month for singles, more for couples) and health insurance, and you can get a one-year renewable visitor residency. Also, Auto-entrepreneur status allows freelancers to live in France if they register a micro-business and meet income thresholds. Difficulty: Moderate – France is bureaucratic but does have a route for most scenarios.

• Ease of Residency: Moderate. The Visitor visa is a relatively straightforward route for UK retirees or remote workers – you won’t have work rights, but you can reside. France also participates in the EU Blue Card and has no quota for it; speaking French is not mandatory for a visa, though helps in daily life. Expect paperwork and dealing with prefectures, but many Brits have successfully moved to France this way.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. France permits dual citizenship without issue. You won’t have to renounce British citizenship.

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years usual residency (or 2 years if you studied in a French university or certain other exceptions). Need B1 level French and integration into French society. If married to a French citizen, you can apply after 4 years of marriage (with language requirement). France’s process is detailed, but many Brits qualify (especially those who moved before Brexit under the Withdrawal Agreement can count years before 2021 as well).

Germany

• Residency Options: Germany has opened more channels due to skilled labor shortages. Besides the obvious work visa (requiring a job offer meeting certain salary or field criteria) and EU Blue Card (salary ≥ ~€58,400 or €45,552 in shortage occupations in 2025), Germany introduced a Jobseeker Visa (6-month visa to search for work, if you have qualifications and some German language or funds). Self-employment visas are possible if you can convince authorities your business will benefit Germany’s economy (more feasible in fields like tech, arts in Berlin, etc.). Freelance Visa: Germany notably allows freelance visas for certain liberal professions (e.g. writers, artists, language teachers, IT consultants) – Berlin is known to grant these if you show contracts or sufficient savings. There’s no retirement visa per se, but financially secure retirees might use a freelancer or business route (unofficially, some register as freelancers even if “consulting” in retirement). Difficulty: Moderate – easier now than before, but one needs a plan.

• Ease of Residency: Getting a permit in Germany is quite systematic if you meet criteria. Knowing some German helps but isn’t strictly required for initial residency in many cases. With recent law changes, Germany is aiming to attract more foreign talent.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed (recent change in 2024). As of 27 June 2024, Germany removed the requirement to renounce previous citizenship. Now Britons (and other nationals) can naturalise in Germany and keep their UK citizenship. This is a significant change (previously, Brits post-Brexit had to renounce unless they applied during the Brexit transition).

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years from June 2024 (down from 8) for ordinary naturalisation. Even 3 years in exceptional cases of special integration (e.g. very advanced German skills and community contributions). Language requirement: B1 German. So Germany has become one of the faster routes now, aiming to encourage immigrants to take up German citizenship.

Greece

• Residency Options: Greece actively seeks foreign residents. It has a popular Golden Visa (residency with €250k property purchase, now €500k in Athens/Thessaloniki). It has a Digital Nomad Visa (for one year, renewable, requiring ~€3,500 monthly income) and a special 7% flat tax on foreign pensioners to entice retirees. Work permits for non-EU require employer sponsorship, but Greece has many freelance English teachers, etc., often they need to be on some permit like financially independent person (showing ~€2,000/month income). There is also an FIP (Financially Independent Person) visa, requiring proof of stable income (commonly around €2,000/month) – many non-EU retirees use this to live in Greece without working. Difficulty: Moderate.

• Ease of Residency: The Golden Visa is easy if you have funds – no requirement to live in Greece at all, just maintain the investment (this also grants visa-free travel in Schengen). The financially independent visa is doable if you can show the income and rent/buy a local address. Greek bureaucracy can be slow and you’ll need translations, but many immigration lawyers in Greece facilitate these.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Greece has no restriction on dual citizenship.

• Years to Citizenship: 7 years of residence to qualify for citizenship (recently reduced from 10 in 2021) if you go the regular route. You need to pass a fairly challenging test in Greek language and civics. (Golden Visa years do not count unless you actually switch to a type of visa where you pay tax and live in Greece). So to naturalise, you typically need to be a tax resident and integrated – not just a nominal resident. For those married to a Greek citizen, it’s 3 years of marriage and living in Greece to apply.

Hungary

• Residency Options: Hungary has a low cost of living and offers visas for work, study, and investment. It had a Residency Bond program (now closed). Today, a common route is via investing in a Hungarian company or real estate and showing means – there’s a “other purposes” residence permit if you have sufficient funds and housing. Work permits are required for local jobs (with labor market test, but many multinationals in Budapest hire foreigners). Hungary also has a Digital Nomad residence (“White Card”) introduced in 2022 for remote workers earning at least €2,000 per month; valid for up to 2 years. Difficulty: Moderate.

• Ease of Residency: The White Card makes it easier for UK remote workers – you can live in Hungary and not pay local tax on foreign income (if you stay <=183 days/year). The process is not too onerous. Without that, proving financial self-sufficiency might require showing significant savings in a Hungarian bank.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Hungary permits dual citizenship. (They even actively give citizenship to ethnic Hungarians from neighboring countries.)

• Years to Citizenship: 8 years of residence normally. Hungarian language is required (and it’s a tough one). They also have a faster 5-year route if you pass a stricter exam and show exceptional integration, and 3 years if married to a Hungarian or have a Hungarian parent, etc. But for a typical expat, expect 8 years and a language test.

Ireland

Note: Ireland is EU but not in Schengen, and has a Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangement with the UK.

• Residency for UK citizens: Uniquely, British citizens have the right to reside and work in Ireland without a visa due to the CTA. So moving to Ireland is essentially as it was pre-Brexit – no restrictions, no need for a residence permit or visa. This is a huge benefit; you just move and register for taxes, healthcare, etc.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Ireland fully allows dual citizenship. In fact, many UK citizens already have or seek Irish citizenship through ancestry (one Irish grandparent grants eligibility).

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years residency (only 3 years if married to an Irish citizen). Language is not an issue (English-speaking). Many Brits in Ireland don’t bother with citizenship given they have equal rights under CTA, but some do for an EU passport.

Italy

• Residency Options: Italy offers the Elective Residence Visa for retirees/financially independent people – you need high stable income (generally at least ~€32,000/year for a single, more for couples) and a place to live. This visa doesn’t allow work. For work, Italy has a quota-based system (the decreto flussi annually) for certain job categories, but high-skilled work permits or EU Blue Card are available outside quotas. Self-employment visas exist but require showing significant funds/income and possibly authorization from a professional body if in regulated profession. Italy also has a Startup visa with no quota for innovative startups. Difficulty: Moderate – the Elective Residency visa is quite a defined path for retirees with means.

• Ease of Residency: Bureaucracy is infamous, but if requirements are met, the visa is usually granted. Elective Residence is popular with British retirees in Tuscany, etc., though you must truly not work and have ample savings/income (pension, investments). Learning Italian is not needed for the visa but obviously helps in daily life.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Italy allows dual (and indeed many Italo-British duals exist). No renunciation needed.

• Years to Citizenship: 10 years legal residence for foreigners (a long wait). However, Italy is generous with citizenship jure sanguinis (by descent – many Brits with an Italian ancestor might qualify). Also 4 years if an EU citizen, but that doesn’t help Brits now. Language B1 Italian and a culture test required since 2018 for naturalisation by residence. Spouses of Italian citizens can apply after 2 years of marriage (if living in Italy) or 3 years if living abroad, also needing B1 Italian.

Latvia

• Residency Options: Latvia had a popular Golden Visa (real estate investment €250k) – scaled back in recent years and currently suspended new applications (as of 2022) due to security concerns. Work visas are typical – an employer can hire a non-EU if no local found. There is a startup visa for innovative businesses. They also have an EU Blue Card for high earners. Difficulty: Moderate.

• Ease of Residency: Living in Latvia is inexpensive, and they do welcome foreign professionals in IT and startups (Riga has a small tech scene). Without the golden visa, a UK retiree might find it harder, unless they enroll as a student of Latvian language for example (as a means to reside).

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed but with restrictions: Latvia allows dual citizenship with a list of specific countries (which includes EU, NATO countries, etc.). The UK, as a NATO member, is on the permitted list, so a Brit can keep UK citizenship when becoming Latvian.

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years of permanent residence (which you get after 5 years temporary, so effectively ~10 years from initial arrival). Language requirement: intermediate Latvian. Latvia’s citizenship law also requires knowledge of national anthem, history basics. They enforce the language test stringently.

Lithuania

• Residency Options: Lithuania provides work visas (similar to Latvia). It also launched a startup visa program to attract entrepreneurs (no minimum capital, just an approved business plan). No special retirement visa; some retirees choose to enroll in part-time studies or use frequent travel, but that’s not stable long-term. Difficulty: Moderate.

• Ease of Residency: If you have a job or startup plan, not too hard. Without those, might be challenging – Lithuania wants active economic contributors, not simply passive residents.

• Dual Citizenship: Generally not allowed for naturalisation. Lithuania has a strict single citizenship rule except for those who automatically have dual from birth or for political exile descendants. A Brit would have to renounce UK citizenship to become Lithuanian, unless they qualify via descent (where dual is permitted if reclaiming citizenship by ancestry).

• Years to Citizenship: 10 years residency, and fluent Lithuanian required (one of the harder languages). Very few foreigners naturalise due to the language and renunciation requirement.

Luxembourg

• Residency Options: Luxembourg is small but hosts many expats working in finance, EU institutions, etc. Work visas are straightforward if you have a job (no quotas; local labour need must be shown but many jobs especially in IT/finance can justify hiring non-EU). There’s also self-employment visa if you want to start a business (need a viable plan and sufficient funds). For retirees or self-sufficient, Luxembourg theoretically allows “private reasons” residence if you show adequate income (likely a high amount given cost of living). Difficulty: Moderate.

• Ease of Residency: Because Luxembourg’s economy needs workers, they are relatively pragmatic in granting permits to skilled people. Speaking French/German/Luxembourgish is not required for entry (though useful). Housing is expensive, so demonstrate you can afford it.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Luxembourg changed its law in 2009 to allow dual citizenship.

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years residence (with an interruption of no more than 6 months per year, and must have lived continuously the last year). Language requirement: A2 in speaking and B1 in listening Luxembourgish – they specifically require learning Luxembourgish (a relatively rare language) at a basic level. Many expats take classes to pass this. So one can become Luxembourgish in 5 years, but the language is the key hurdle.

Malta

• Residency Options: Malta is very welcoming to expats, especially financially well-off ones. They have Multiple residency programs: e.g. the Global Residence Programme (GRP) which for a minimum tax of €15k per year plus purchasing/renting property of certain value grants a special tax status (15% flat tax on remitted income, none on foreign income not brought in). There’s also the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (through a combination of government contribution, property rental/purchase, and donation, costing roughly €150k+). Work permits are needed for local jobs, but since English is official, British professionals integrate easily. Malta briefly paused and then rebranded its Citizenship by Investment scheme; currently citizenship by exceptional services by direct investment is possible (cost > €700k and 1-3 year residency). Difficulty: Easy-Moderate for residency – quite a few pathways.

• Ease of Residency: Easy if you have money (GRP or investment route). Even without that, any UK pensioner with a decent pension can use the GRP or self-sufficiency. Malta actively markets itself to UK retirees and remote workers. There is also a Nomad Residence Permit launched in 2021 for non-EU remote workers (need €2,700 monthly income).

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Malta permits dual citizenship.

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years residency for naturalisation (but in practice, discretionary and you must have strong ties; standard naturalisation is not a guaranteed right in Malta and often takes longer or requires Parliament approval). However, Malta’s Citizenship by Direct Investment can give citizenship after 1 year (fast track) or 3 years (standard) if you donate and invest substantial money – aimed at ultra-high net worth individuals. Language is not required by law for that route (English is official anyway). For a normal expat, count on more than 5 years and possibly needing to show integration.

Netherlands

• Residency Options: The Netherlands has several routes: Highly Skilled Migrant (HSK) program where an employer can hire you with a relatively high salary (~€5,000/month for over 30s, less for under 30). There’s also an entrepreneur visa (you need to score points on business plan, experience, investment). A start-up visa lets you develop a new idea with a local facilitator for a year, then can convert to entrepreneur permit. No specific retirement visa – they expect non-EU folks to either work, study or have family ties. Difficulty: Moderate – but easier if you have a job or are from an Anglophone professional background since many multinationals in NL hire international talent.

• Ease of Residency: Bureaucracy is relatively efficient. Knowledge of Dutch not needed initially (many residents get by with English for quite a while). For non-work, one option some use is the “wealthy investor” visa – invest €1.25 million in a Dutch business or fund, get residence (not common, but available).

• Dual Citizenship: Not generally allowed for naturalisation. The Netherlands usually requires renunciation of the previous nationality. Exceptions: if you’re married to a Dutch citizen, or if your country of origin doesn’t allow renunciation (like Afghanistan), or if it’s “reasonably impossible” to renounce. As of 2024, there were political talks about loosening dual citizenship, but no law passed yet. So a Briton naturalising in NL (at this time) would have to give up British citizenship, unless married to a Dutch or other exception.

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years residence (or 3 years if married to a Dutch citizen, or possibly even 5 years combined shorter stays if you had prior connection). Dutch language B1 required from 2023 onward (previously A2). The process includes an integration exam. The dual citizenship restriction makes some Brits choose to instead move to another EU country or wait in case NL changes the law.

Poland

• Residency Options: Poland is open to foreign workers (especially in IT, manufacturing). Work permits are employer-sponsored; but UK citizens can also start businesses and get residence as company owners relatively straightforwardly (you must show the business has income or potential). There’s no specific passive income visa, though one can sometimes get a residence permit by showing sufficient funds and intent to live (not a standard route, depends on case). Poland has a Pole’s Card for those with Polish ancestry which eases residency/citizenship. Difficulty: Moderate.

• Ease of Residency: It’s moderately easy if you have a job or start a small business – many non-EU citizens do this (registering a sole proprietorship or LLC and hiring themselves). Cost of living is low, so financial requirements aren’t high. Polish bureaucracy and language are the main hurdles.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Poland does not require renunciation; it just doesn’t formally recognize your other citizenship (meaning you should enter/leave Poland on your Polish passport once you have it).

• Years to Citizenship: Typically 3 years of residence with a permanent residence card and Polish language B1 to be “recognized” as a citizen. However, getting permanent residence takes time (5 years of continuous temporary residence generally). They were discussing making it effectively 8-10 years (5 temporary + 3 PR) which is one of the stricter timelines. If married to a Pole, it’s faster (2 years of marriage + 1 year PR). So for a single expat, about 8 years and passing a Polish language test.

Portugal

• Residency Options: Portugal has been a top destination for Brits. Visas include the D7 Passive Income Visa (popular for retirees and remote workers – requires showing a reasonable passive income, about €760/month minimum, though in practice more like €1,200+ is expected for comfort). Digital Nomad Visa (recently introduced) for remote workers earning 4x Portugal’s minimum wage (≈€3,040/month). Work visas for those with job offers, and a startup visa. Portugal’s Golden Visa (invest €280k–€500k in property or funds) was one of the most famous, but as of 2023 the government decided to end the traditional property route golden visas (legislation in flux). Still, other investment routes remain (e.g. venture capital fund investment). Difficulty: Easy-Moderate – Portugal actively encourages foreign residents.

• Ease of Residency: Easy compared to many countries. The D7 visa is very attainable for anyone with a modest UK pension or remote job. Portugal also processes applications relatively quickly and has services in English. Many Brits have successfully moved using the D7.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Portugal has no issue with dual citizenship.

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years legal residence (one of the EU’s shortest). Plus a basic A2 Portuguese language exam. Portugal has been granting citizenship quite liberally to expats after 5+ years – a reason it’s attractive. (Note: time on temporary visas like D7 counts, and you don’t have to be physically present 100% of the time, just meet the minimum stay requirements of your visa.) So a British person can become an EU citizen again in 5 years via Portugal.

Romania

• Residency Options: Romania, like Bulgaria, is not top-of-mind for UK expats but has some draws (low cost, growing economy). Work permits are straightforward if an employer sponsors you (they do have an annual quota but rarely filled). There’s a digital nomad visa launched requiring €3,300 monthly income. No specific retirement visa, but you can get a long stay visa for “other purposes” if you show means, or even for volunteering or studying the language (some creative routes). Difficulty: Moderate.

• Ease of Residency: The digital nomad visa (valid 1 year, renewable once) might be easiest for remote workers. Otherwise, coming as a student of Romanian or enrolling in a course could give legal stay. Bureaucracy can be a bit convoluted, but costs are low.

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Romania allows dual citizenship (many Romanians themselves have second citizenships).

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years residency (with more than 6 months per year physically present) to apply for citizenship. Language requirement: basic Romanian knowledge. They also judge integration (knowledge of culture, constitution). For many expats, Romanian is challenging, but at least the timeline is only 5 years.

Slovakia

• Residency Options: Slovakia is somewhat strict. Work permits if you have a job offer. No dedicated freelancer or retirement visa – you’d likely need to start a small business (trade license) to get residence as a self-employed person. Slovakia had a real estate investment route (buy any property and show some income, and local authorities could grant residence) but it’s not an official program and at discretion. Difficulty: Moderate-Hard – fewer established pathways for non-EU who aren’t working for a company.

• Ease of Residency: If employed by one of the many automotive or industrial companies, quite straightforward. For self-sufficient individuals, the path is murky.

• Dual Citizenship: Not allowed if you voluntarily acquire another citizenship, as Slovakia infamously strips Slovak citizenship in that case (except some limited exceptions). Conversely, if you naturalise as Slovak, they want you to renounce prior citizenship. There have been recent discussions to soften this for those with long-term residence or EU citizens, but Brits currently would be required to renounce UK citizenship.

• Years to Citizenship: 8 years of permanent residency (and you can get permanent after 5 years temporary). So effectively around 10 years. Slovak language required (it’s quite strict on language and integration). And given they don’t allow dual, few would pursue it.

Slovenia

• Residency Options: Slovenia has standard work permits and a fairly accessible business residency route – registering an LLC in Slovenia and investing at least €50,000 in it can get you a work/residence permit as the company’s representative. No specific retiree visa, but showing sufficient funds might work under an “other residence” permit (not common). Difficulty: Moderate.

• Ease of Residency: Many choose the business route if they want to live in Slovenia and have independent means: you put €50k into a company (which you can later use to buy real estate or other investment in Slovenia) and that fulfills the substantial investment criterion to qualify for residency. Otherwise, find a job (Slovenia’s economy is smaller, but there are opportunities in IT, tourism).

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed in many cases. Slovenia allows dual citizenship for naturalised persons if reciprocity exists or if the person is of Slovenian origin, etc. In practice, they do not demand renunciation from most Western nationals.

• Years to Citizenship: 10 years (with 5 years permanent residence status). Slovenian language exam (Level A2) required for citizenship. So timeline is long and language not too high a level, but still needed.

Spain

• Residency Options: Spain is one of the most popular for UK expats. Key pathways: Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) – for retirees or anyone with sufficient savings/income (~€28k/year for an individual in 2025, plus ~€7k per dependent) and no work in Spain. Digital Nomad Visa – launched in 2023, allows remote work for foreign companies, requires around €2,520 monthly income, and comes with beneficial tax treatment (can opt for a flat 24% expat tax on Spanish income up to €600k, similar to Beckham Law). Work visas require sponsorship, but Spain has shortage lists (e.g. for STEM or teaching English in some cases). Spain’s Golden Visa (invest €500k in property or €1M in assets) still exists and is a fast-track to residency. Difficulty: Moderate (Easy if financially self-sufficient).

• Ease of Residency: Non-Lucrative Visa is quite straightforward for retirees – many thousands of Brits have obtained it since Brexit. You just must not engage in Spanish work (remote work was a grey area, but now they prefer you use the Digital Nomad visa if you will work remotely). The new digital nomad visa makes it easier for working-age folks with foreign income to enjoy Spain. Spanish bureaucracy can be slow, but it’s navigable with patience or help from immigration lawyers.

• Dual Citizenship: Not generally allowed for non-Ibero-American foreigners. Spain typically requires renouncing prior citizenship at naturalisation and doesn’t recognise dual officially for most (they have dual arrangements only for countries in Latin America, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal). As the UK is not on that list, a Brit is expected to renounce. (Enforcement: Spain doesn’t police post-naturalisation if you quietly keep your other citizenship, but officially they want a renunciation oath.)

• Years to Citizenship: 10 years legal residence (Spain has one of the longest in Western Europe). Language: basic Spanish (DELE A2) and a culture test required. Note, if you’re a citizen of a Latin American country, it’s only 2 years residence for citizenship – but UK citizens don’t get that benefit. So plan on a decade in Spain to naturalise, and being prepared to (at least formally) renounce UK citizenship if you do.

Sweden

• Residency Options: Sweden offers work permits for job offers with fairly decent salary (~SEK 13,000/month minimum and job must meet conditions). They also have a Job Seeker visa (3 to 9 months) for those who graduated from a top 50 university to come search work or start a business. Starting in 2022, Sweden tightened requirements (e.g. need proof of salary, and to bring family you must show housing and higher income). No specific retirement visa; historically some self-sufficient people used the “residence permit for persons with own means” but it’s not common and usually EU/EEA only. Difficulty: Moderate for workers, Hard for retirees (unless EU family or something).

• Ease of Residency: If you have a skilled job lined up or are an entrepreneur, Sweden is welcoming (English fluency is high). Without a job, tough – they expect you to contribute, not just live off savings (unless you’re very wealthy and maybe invest in something).

• Dual Citizenship: Allowed. Sweden allows multiple citizenships since 2001.

• Years to Citizenship: 5 years residence (4 years for refugees or stateless, 3 if married to a Swede). No language requirement was needed historically, but Sweden is in process of introducing language and civics tests for citizenship, likely by 2025 a requirement (level probably around A2). They also require you to have been financially self-sufficient and of good conduct (no big debts or crimes). So relatively straightforward timeline.

Comparison: Residency & Citizenship

To summarise some key comparisons, here’s a quick table highlighting Residency Ease and Citizenship Pathways for a selection of countries often considered by UK expats:

(✅ = dual citizenship allowed; ❌ = dual generally not allowed for naturalisation)

As you can see, countries like Portugal and Ireland stand out for their short timeline to citizenship and acceptance of dual nationality, whereas Austria or Spain require a longer wait and forgoing your British passport. If having an EU passport again is a key goal, you might prioritize destinations like Portugal, Sweden, France, Ireland, or now Germany (with its liberalised law) where you can eventually hold both nationalities.

Keep in mind the above focuses on typical scenarios – individual circumstances (ancestry, marriage, etc.) can open faster routes. Always check the latest regulations, as immigration laws do change (for example, Germany’s 2024 reform or Spain’s evolving digital nomad rules).

International Health Insurance (PMI) for Expats

One often overlooked aspect of moving abroad is healthcare. While many EU countries have excellent public healthcare systems, access to those systems for non-EU expats can vary, and there are often waiting periods or contribution requirements. International Private Medical Insurance (iPMI) is strongly recommended for UK expats living in Europe, at least for the initial period of your move, or if you’ll be living in multiple countries.

Why do expats need IPMI? When you leave the UK, you’re leaving behind the NHS’s coverage. As a resident in an EU country, you will usually be required to join that country’s national health scheme (often by making social security contributions or via an insurance mandate). However, public healthcare may not cover everything and might have co-payments, and it typically only covers you in that country. If you plan to travel or split time between countries, public health insurance from one country won’t automatically pay for non-urgent treatment in another. International health insurance ensures you have continuous, comprehensive coverage wherever you go.

Moreover, standard travel insurance is not a substitute – travel policies are meant for short trips and emergencies, aiming to stabilise you and send you home. They won’t cover routine care, pre-existing conditions, or ongoing treatment abroad. IPMI, in contrast, is designed for expats: it’s a full health insurance plan that can cover routine GP visits, specialist treatment, hospitalisation, prescriptions, emergency evacuation, and even preventive care across different countries. Think of it as “NHS-equivalent” or private coverage that moves with you – “a personal, portable healthcare system” for a life without borders.

EU healthcare considerations: Some countries (e.g. Spain) require non-EU retirees on visas to have private health insurance because you’re not immediately eligible for public healthcare unless you contribute into it. Others might cover expats after registration, but maybe only for basic services. And if you’re not working (hence not paying into social security), you often need private coverage or to pay voluntary contributions.

IPMI benefits: - Comprehensive care: Covers both emergency and routine healthcare, whereas local public systems might have long waits for non-urgent issues. Private insurance lets you use private clinics with English-speaking doctors, and avoid language barriers or delays. - Portability: If you move from one EU country to another, or travel frequently, an IPMI plan covers you continuously, without needing a new policy in each country. - Choice of providers: You can often choose any hospital or doctor, even internationally. For instance, if you live in a smaller country but want a complex procedure done in a medical center in another country, IPMI often covers that, while national insurance wouldn’t. - Repatriation option: Good plans include medical evacuation or repatriation – meaning if you got seriously ill abroad, they cover transporting you to another country (even back to the UK) for treatment if appropriate. - Flexibility in coverage: You can tailor the plan – e.g. include dental, vision, maternity, or exclude the USA (to save cost if you don’t need coverage there, since US care is expensive).

Cost of IPMI: It varies by age and coverage, but expect a healthy 50-year-old to pay a few hundred pounds per month for a comprehensive Europe-only plan. It’s an extra expense, but potentially life-saving. Also, consider that as an expat you may not immediately be entitled to free NHS care if you return to the UK for a visit (unless you meet certain residency criteria), so having international cover ensures you’re protected both abroad and when visiting home.

Using a specialist broker: The world of international health insurance can be complex – different insurers, differing exclusions, underwriting about pre-existing conditions etc. It’s wise to consult a broker who specialises in expat medical cover. For example, WeCovr is an FCA-authorised insurance broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies and understands the needs of UK citizens abroad. An expert broker like WeCovr can guide you in comparing plans and ensure cross-border healthcare access is covered for your specific situation. They can find a plan that fits your budget and covers the countries you need – whether a Europe-only policy or a worldwide one. Using a broker doesn’t usually cost you extra; they receive a commission from insurers, so it’s a way to get tailored advice at no direct cost to you.

Healthcare when moving between EU countries: There’s the EHIC/GHIC (European Health Insurance Card) which UK travelers can use for emergency treatment in the EU, but that is only for temporary tourists, not residents. Once you move residence, you should not rely on EHIC. If you formally retire abroad, the UK has an S1 form agreement with the EU: UK will cover your healthcare costs in the EU country’s system (applicable for UK State Pensioners). If eligible, register an S1 in your new country to access its healthcare like a local. However, even with an S1, some expats keep IPMI for the extra perks mentioned (e.g. private rooms, English-speaking specialists, or coverage when traveling outside your country of residence).

In summary, international PMI is highly recommended for UK expats, at least for the first few years until you’re settled and know the local system. It provides peace of mind that you won’t face massive bills or inadequate care due to being in a new country. With health, it’s better to be over-prepared – an expat-specific broker such as WeCovr can help you navigate these options and find the right cover, ensuring you can access quality healthcare anywhere in Europe or beyond.

FAQs

Q: Can I live in Europe as a UK citizen after Brexit without a visa?
A: Not for more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Post-Brexit, UK citizens are treated as third-country nationals. You can visit Schengen area countries visa-free for up to 90 days (total, across the Schengen zone) in a 180-day window. For any stay longer than 90 days or to work or settle, you must obtain a residence permit or long-stay visa for the specific country. Ireland is an exception due to the Common Travel Area – UK citizens can live and work in Ireland freely without a visa.

Q: What is the Statutory Residence Test (SRT) and how does it affect my UK taxes if I move?
A: The SRT is the set of rules determining if you are tax resident in the UK for a given tax year. It considers days spent in the UK and ties (like having UK accommodation, family, work). If you move abroad, you want to pass one of the automatic non-resident tests (e.g. < 16 days in UK in the tax year if you were previously resident) or otherwise ensure your UK ties are few enough given your days in UK to be non-resident. Being non-resident means the UK taxes you only on UK-source income (and not on foreign income/gains). If you remain UK resident (e.g. you still spend lots of time in UK or keep many ties), HMRC will continue to tax your worldwide income. There’s also a split year provision: the year you leave or return can often be split into a resident and non-resident part, so you’re not taxed as resident for the full year. In any case, when moving, carefully track your UK days and ties to avoid unintentionally staying UK-tax-resident.

Q: Will I have to pay tax in both the UK and the country I move to?
A: Generally no, thanks to double taxation treaties. If you become tax resident in an EU country and are non-resident in the UK, you’ll pay taxes on your income in your new country. The UK might still tax certain UK-source incomes (like rental income or government pensions), but the treaty ensures you won’t be taxed twice – you’ll get credit for UK tax paid or the income will be exempt in one of the countries per treaty. Example: You move to France and become French tax resident. Your French employment income is taxed in France only. If you receive a UK private pension, under the UK-France treaty France would tax it (and UK would not). If you have UK rental income, UK will tax it, and France will generally give a credit equal to the UK tax. You may still need to file tax returns in both countries to report and claim treaty benefits. If you remain UK tax resident while also being resident abroad, then you could face double taxation – but treaty tie-breaker rules should assign you to one country for exclusive residence if a conflict arises. It’s wise to get professional advice to structure your affairs and use the treaty appropriately.

Q: Which EU countries have the lowest taxes for expats?
A: It depends on your income type, but some notable low-tax or expat-friendly regimes: - Portugal – had the NHR scheme making foreign pensions 10% (now closed to new entrants, but a new 20% flat tax for certain professions is introduced). Even without NHR, Portugal’s top income tax ~48% is average, and no wealth tax (just property tax) and no inheritance tax for close family. - Ireland – income tax can be high (52% top when including social charges), but no wealth tax and relatively favorable holding of assets (e.g. no CGT on selling main home). - Malta and Cyprus – very favorable for foreign-source income due to remittance basis (foreign income not taxed unless brought in, foreign capital gains not taxed at all in Malta; Cyprus exempts foreign investment income for non-doms). Both have no inheritance tax and fairly low property taxes. - Bulgaria and Hungary – flat low income tax (10% and 15% respectively). They tax worldwide income for residents, but rates are low. Also, no wealth or inheritance taxes in these. They attract some expats who register as residents there (particularly some digital nomads use Hungary). - Georgia (not EU) – worth noting though outside EU, some UK expats consider it for very low tax on foreign income (remittance basis) and low flat taxes. - Within the EU, if looking purely at tax rates: Bulgaria (10%) and Hungary (15%) have the lowest flat income tax. The highest tend to be Scandinavia (up to ~56-57% in Denmark/Finland) and Austria/Belgium ~50-55%. But with expat regimes (like Spain’s 24% for 6 years, France’s impatriate 30% exemption, Netherlands 30% ruling), your effective tax can be much lower as an expat in a higher-tax country. Ultimately “tax-friendly” also depends on what you’re earning: retirees might value no tax on pensions (Cyprus offers 0% up to €19k and 5% thereafter), wealthier individuals might prioritize no wealth taxes (many countries have none, or you can avoid ones that do like Spain or Norway). So there isn’t a one-size-fits-all, but Southern Europe and certain Eastern European countries often let you optimise taxes while enjoying a low cost of living.

Q: Do I lose my UK citizenship or State Pension if I become a citizen elsewhere?
A: You do not lose UK citizenship by acquiring another (the UK allows dual citizenship). The only exception is if you choose to renounce it formally, which the UK wouldn’t require – it would only happen if your new country forced you to (e.g. Spain or Netherlands might ask you renounce British citizenship when you naturalise there). Even then, you’d have to sign a renunciation form; it doesn’t happen automatically. As for the UK State Pension, you don’t lose that by moving or by taking another citizenship. You can collect your UK pension abroad (and many countries, including all EU countries currently, have arrangements where the UK pension is uprated annually for inflation). Just make sure to inform the UK pension service of your new address. Also consider continuing voluntary National Insurance contributions if you haven’t yet accrued 35 years of NI – you can pay Class 2 or 3 contributions from abroad to maximize your pension. Your UK private pensions can generally be left in the UK or potentially transferred to an overseas scheme (QROPS) depending on where you go, but changing citizenship doesn’t affect ownership of assets like pensions or property.

Q: I plan to live in Spain but also spend a lot of time in my holiday home in France. How do I avoid tax residency in two countries?
A: To avoid dual tax residency, you should clearly establish one country as your main residence. This means spending more time there and having your primary home and economic interests there. For example, if Spain is your main base, ensure you spend over 183 days a year in Spain and fewer than 183 in France, and ideally less than 6 months in France. France has a rule that if it’s your “centre of economic interests” or you spend more time there than any other country, they consider you resident – so don’t split exactly 50/50. Maybe do 7-8 months in Spain, 4-5 months in France. Also avoid creating significant ties in France that would rival Spain (like don’t have all your income from a French business while claiming Spain as home). If both countries did somehow claim you as resident, the France-Spain tax treaty would apply tie-breakers (permanent home, centre of vital interests, etc.) to assign one of them as your tax residence. Following our example, if you keep your primary home in Spain and family there, and just vacation in France, the treaty would say you’re only resident in Spain. Good practice: document your travel (e.g. keep copies of flight tickets, etc.), register officially as a resident in Spain, and file needed forms in France (France might ask you to file a non-resident tax return if you own property or have income there). Also watch the 90/180 rule for your time in France since you’re not an EU citizen – as a Spanish resident you’ll get a Spanish residence card allowing travel in Schengen, but strictly, if you spend more than 90 days at a stretch in France you should formalise status (in practice, many EU countries don’t enforce intra-Schengen stays for residence card holders, but legally each country wants you to register if >90 days). In short: pick a main country, spend the majority of time there, and treat the other as a holiday location to avoid dual residency headaches.

Q: What happens to my UK property if I become resident in an EU country?
A: You can keep your UK property, but there are tax implications: - If it’s your former home and you start renting it out, you’ll pay UK income tax on the rent (as a non-resident landlord, which may require registering or using an agent to withhold tax). You can get the rent paid gross by applying to HMRC’s Non-Resident Landlord Scheme and then report via self-assessment. - If you don’t rent it and just leave it empty or use it on visits, you still have to consider that having an available home in the UK is a connection for the Statutory Residence Test (the “accommodation tie” can make it easier for HMRC to deem you UK-resident if you spend significant time in UK). So if your plan is truly to become non-UK resident, usually you’d want to either rent it out (so it’s not freely available to you) or sell it. - Council Tax and utilities: You’ll still need to pay these on an empty UK home (maybe with single person discount or empty house classification). - Capital Gains Tax: If you eventually sell the UK property while living abroad, note that as of now, the UK will tax any capital gain on sale of UK residential property even for non-residents (since 2015). You would declare that and pay any UK CGT (18% or 28% depending on the gain size). Your country of residence might also tax the gain, but the UK-Spain (for example) treaty might give the primary right to UK for a UK-sited property sale and Spain would then exempt or credit (commonly, the country where immovable property is located gets to tax it). - Inheritance: Your UK house will be part of your estate and subject to UK inheritance tax (IHT) if applicable. If you become domiciled in your new country and not UK-domiciled, the UK would only charge IHT on UK assets (so the property). There might also be inheritance tax in your new country on that property (some countries tax based on heir’s residence), but the UK has some estate tax treaties with a few EU nations to avoid double tax. So, you can keep it, but plan for these taxes and compliance (non-resident landlord registration, etc.). Some expats decide to sell the UK home, especially if they plan a long-term stay abroad, to simplify things (and possibly to buy property abroad). However, others like the fallback option of a UK home. It’s a personal decision, just go in with awareness of the tax and residency rule effects.

Q: Should I buy property in Europe to get residency (Golden Visa), and is it worth it?
A: Golden Visa programs have been a quick residency route for those with means. Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, among others, have offered investor visas. Whether it’s worth it depends on your goals: - If your primary aim is residency rights without having to spend a lot of time in the country initially, Golden Visas can be useful. For instance, Spain’s Golden Visa lets you live in Spain but doesn’t require you to; you can keep it as a backup and only live there if you want (it’s a path to citizenship only if you actually reside ~10 years though). - Portugal’s Golden Visa (now largely closed in 2023 for new property investments) was popular as it required averaging just 7 days/year presence and could lead to citizenship in 5 years – a minimal stay requirement for an EU passport. Many found that worth it. Now Portugal has closed the real estate route, focusing on other investment types. - Financially, consider property market risks: Are you buying an over-priced home just for the visa? The carrying costs (taxes, fees) can be significant. Some countries (Greece, for example) had very reasonable thresholds (€250k, now €500k in some areas) which actually got you a nice property plus the visa, so many felt it worthwhile. - If you genuinely want to live in that country, you might not need to go the golden visa route – you could use a normal visa like a D7 (in Portugal) or Non-lucrative (Spain) with far less investment. Golden Visas are more for flexibility or if you don’t qualify for normal visas (e.g. you don’t want to show income, but you have capital to invest). - Also note the political climate: The EU has been pressuring to limit golden visas (concerns about money laundering, etc.). Already, Portugal and Ireland closed theirs, and Spain could modify theirs too. So ensure the program is still open and consider that rules can change (some golden visas don’t guarantee citizenship; e.g. Malta’s citizenship by investment is direct but very costly; others like Austria have discretionary (and ultra-expensive) paths). In summary, if you have the money and were going to buy property there anyway, a Golden Visa can be a great catalyst to permanent residency. But if you’re doing it purely for a passport, weigh if there are easier ways – e.g. could you live 5 years on a normal visa which costs much less, instead of tying up capital? It’s case by case. For many retirees, the passive income visas are sufficient and you don’t need to sink half a million into real estate unless you want to.

Q: How do I continue healthcare coverage when I move?
A: Healthcare is critical. Firstly, as noted above, get an International Private Medical Insurance (PMI) plan to cover you during the transition and beyond, especially if you’re not immediately in a national system. When you become a resident in an EU country, you usually can (and must) join their national health scheme: - If you work for a local employer, you’ll pay social contributions and get health coverage like locals (e.g. in Germany you’d enroll in a public or private Krankenkasse; in France you’d get a social security number and Carte Vitale for healthcare). - If you’re a retiree with a UK State Pension, apply for the S1 form from the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services before you leave – this certificate will allow you to register for healthcare in your new country, with the UK footing the bill (because of reciprocal arrangements). - If you’re on a temporary visa that requires private insurance (like Spain’s NLV or many digital nomad visas), you’ll need to maintain private insurance for the visa’s duration. After some years, you might transition to permanent residency or public healthcare access, but early on it’s on you. - Remember to get a new GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) – it replaced EHIC for UK. As a resident of an EU country, you can also get an EHIC equivalent from that country for travel elsewhere in EU. - Notify your UK GP that you’re deregistering if you’re moving permanently; you won’t be covered by NHS for non-urgent treatment as a non-resident (but you won’t lose your rights entirely – if you return to UK temporarily, you’re covered for emergency treatment as a visitor, and once you move back permanently you can re-register). In short: secure health insurance before you go, and register with the local system ASAP. For comprehensive cover and multi-country flexibility, an expat health policy via a broker like WeCovr is ideal, to complement any public healthcare you later get.

Q: Will I still have to pay UK tax on my UK pension and investments if I move?
A: Possibly some. The UK does not tax foreign pension income of non-residents (except UK government service pensions) – usually the country you move to will tax your pension (if there’s a tax treaty, like France, Spain, Portugal all have treaties where private pensions are only taxable in country of residence). So your UK State Pension and any private pension could be taxed in your new country (some countries have favorable regimes for foreign pensions, e.g. Greece 7% flat, Portugal 10% under old NHR, Italy 7% in certain towns, etc.). You can often arrange for it to be paid gross from the UK and just pay locally. If no treaty, UK might tax it and the foreign country might as well but then credit (less ideal). Most likely with major EU states, treaties cover that.

For UK investments like stocks and funds: If you’re non-UK resident, the UK doesn’t tax you on capital gains (except UK property). So if you sell shares or a second home outside UK while abroad, HMRC won’t charge CGT (just beware the temporary non-residence rule: if you return to UK within 5 years, they might tax capital gains you realised while away). Your new country will tax your worldwide gains once you’re resident there (e.g. if you sell shares, France would tax 30% flat, etc.), so plan asset sales accordingly.

Dividends from UK companies: The UK doesn’t withhold tax on dividends except for REITs (real estate funds). As a non-resident, you won’t pay UK tax on dividends or interest. Instead, you declare them in your resident country and pay that country’s rates. One exception: UK rental income – UK will tax that at 20% (basic rate) or higher if profits are high; you’d file a UK tax return for it. Your new country might also tax the rental income, but usually gives a credit for UK tax or exempts it (depending on treaty). For example, France gives a full exemption (with progression) for UK rental income due to the treaty.

So you won’t be double taxed, but you might still have to deal with HMRC for specific UK-source incomes. Pensions often end up just taxed once abroad (except UK government pensions, which UK retains taxing rights on; e.g. a former UK civil servant living in Spain pays UK tax on that pension, not Spanish tax, per treaty).

Q: What are some hidden costs or compliance issues I should be aware of?
A: A few things expats often miss: - Currency fluctuations: Your income and expenses may be in different currencies. The pound vs euro rate can affect your pension value or property purchase. Consider keeping some money in the local currency or using specialist FX services for conversions. - Local compliance: Aside from tax returns, some countries have extra filings. Spain and France have wealth reporting requirements (e.g. Spain’s Modelo 720 to report overseas assets over €50k, France’s similar asset disclosure for IFI wealth tax). Ignorance of these can lead to fines. - Driving license: UK license holders residing in the EU typically need to exchange for a local EU license within a certain time (usually 6 months to a year of residence). Check each country’s rules; since Brexit, the UK license isn’t an EU license, but many countries have exchange agreements. If you delay, you might have to re-take a driving test in that country. - Wills & inheritance planning: When you have assets in multiple jurisdictions, estate planning gets complicated. EU countries often apply forced heirship (a set share to children/spouse by law). However, under EU law, British expats can elect in their will for their UK law to apply to their EU estate (per Brussels IV succession regulation) which can override forced heirship – worth doing if you prefer UK-style freedom in leaving assets. Always get a local will for local assets too. - Financial account access: Notify your bank you’re moving – some UK banks have closed accounts for EU residents due to regulatory changes. Find ones that will keep you as a customer or switch to an online bank that caters to expats. - State Pension uprating: Good news – as of now, UK State Pensions are uprated annually if you live in the EU (an agreement maintained post-Brexit). So you won’t have your pension frozen like it would in some countries. Just remember to claim via International Pension Centre. - Voluntary NI contributions: If you won’t reach 35 years of NI for a full State Pension, consider paying while abroad. It’s relatively cheap (~£163 per year for Class 2 if you qualify as previously self-employed, or ~£824 for Class 3). This can greatly enhance your pension when you retire. - Council Tax on UK property: If you leave a UK property furnished and empty, you might pay full council tax (some councils give second home discounts or charge premiums for long-term empties). If you rent it out, the tenant pays council tax. - Exit taxes: A few countries have “exit taxes” if you leave them after becoming a tax resident and owning substantial assets (e.g., if you lived in the Netherlands for 8+ years and built up a large company shareholding, or in Spain for 10+ years with big unrealised gains, they could tax you on departure as if you sold assets). These mainly hit high-net-worth individuals – worth being mindful of if you plan an intermediate stop in one country then move again. In essence, do thorough research or consult an expat financial advisor to catch these kinds of issues.

This guide should equip you with a solid understanding of what to expect when relocating to Europe, from handling taxes to choosing a place to live and ensuring you stay healthy with the right insurance. Every expat’s situation is unique, so use this as a roadmap but be sure to get personalised professional tax and legal advice for your circumstances. We are not tax or legal advisers, but we can help you with your international private medical insurance - just book your free call with one of our insurance advisers. Europe offers a rich and rewarding experience for UK expats – with proper planning, you can enjoy that new life while staying fully compliant and making the most of the legal strategies to protect your wealth and well-being.