ProACT Sam provides an update on the latest situation with Coronavirus and Brexit, considering areas of importance for Expat families and those with businesses abroad.

Remember how 2017, 2018 and 2019 were all about Brexit?

The noise of the vested interests’ bias whipped up the media into an all-consuming frenzy of angst.

Similar to where we find ourselves now with the Coronavirus.

Amid all the news and information on the Coronavirus (by the way, we have our own series on the virus and its impact on Expat money, taxes and residency amongst other things - visit WWC - Coping with Corona to read more), Brexit negotiations are still going ahead for UK & EU Expats Living and Working Abroad in the EU or UK. And still occurrin’ for the Welsh!

The UK left the EU on 31st January 2020. The UK is no longer in the EU. Lest we forget.

We are in a transition period that ends on 31st December. That means for now, nothing changes: UK Expats can relocate to the EU, and EU Expats can relocate to the UK as EU citizens at any time before 31/12/20.

Please note: A FREE 10-point Brexit checklist detailing the key changes Expats need to monitor and be aware of during the transition period can be downloaded here.

The advantage of relocating under EU regulations (which continue to be relevant during this transition period) is that free movement rules apply. This means a basic level of residence and healthcare rules are in place.

New immigration ruling for EU Expats relocating to the UK, agreed pre-Coronavirus

Post Brexit, in 2021, new immigration rules will apply for EU Expats relocating to the UK. The UK have published a new ruling (agreed before the Cornovirus crisis developed into a worldwide lockdown). This states that an EU Expat relocating to the UK has to have an approved contract of employment in place, earning more than £25K per year. This may change post-corona, but don’t assume that it will.

EU Expats could still plan to relocate to the UK before 31st December under the existing transition-period rules.

The advantage is that they could then choose to be Living and Working Abroad in the UK for the rest of their life as they would qualify for EU settled status after 5 years in the UK.

UK Expats may still relocate to EU countries before 31st December 2020 under the same transition rules. From 2021, local rules will apply for UK Expats as non-EU citizens. How this will be applied is currently unknown as these rules are not yet agreed, but requirements may include higher income, employment and/or net-worth.

Brexit and Coronovirus: Expats delaying relocation plans due to the Coronavirus must consider Brexit transition period implications

Decisions being made about future relocations will depend now, in part, upon any particular relocation and movement restrictions during 2020 because of the WWC crisis. However, during the second half of 2020, we could potentially see the option for a one off relocation, if not free movement and travel. In this instance, Expats must be registered and resident by 31st December.

For advice and guidance on residency and immigration registration before Brexit is completed, contact ProACT Partnership.

www.proactpartnership.com/contact-us

Our complete guide to Brexit for Expats is available to download from our store now. This includes everything an Expat needs to know about Brexit and its impact on those Living and Working Abroad - Click here to purchase.

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PROACT KNOW HOW

ProACT Expat Experts are here to help, if you need help and assistance Living and Working Abroad. We can offer free reviews and guides to Expat businesses and families on adapting to the new world of opportunity. Contact us today.

Or stay up to date through our Facebook Living and Working Abroad page

Read our guides for Expats Living and Working Abroad

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