ProACT Sam brings us the latest news for Expats - this short series of articles is based on ‘BERT’: Brexit, Expat Residency and Travel. These are important topics for Expats Living and Working Abroad.

In the first of this series of updates for Expats, we discussed Expats and Brexit.

Below, the second article in this series delivers an update on Expat residency rights for UK and EU Expats:

Expats’ Residency in UK & EU

Brexit has highlighted many differences of opinion, but if there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that ever since the referendum took place, there have been distinct periods of uncertainty. This has been an important time for Expats Living and Working Abroad in the UK and Europe, because of the uncertainty surrounding Expat rights as the UK leaves the EU.

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Residency rights for expats living and working abroad

At this time however, those of us Living and Working Abroad can be certain that EU and UK Expats continue to have residency rights which are based on freedom of movement. This is confirmed, written into law and is relevant until 31/12/20 (the end of the Brexit transition period which the UK Government has now confirmed will not be extended).

The law states that a UK Expat can register as legally resident in any EU country before the end of December and use that 2020 registration as the basis of a permanent/settled status. They can then live and work in that EU country for a lifetime, with their family joining them.

In the EU or UK, permanent/settled status is only awarded after 5 years of Expat residency, but this will remain available to new UK and EU Expats who first register their overseas’ EU residency in 2020.

Apply for residency status before end of December to secure Expat residency rights

New Expats need to plan their relocation before the end of December 2020 to secure future residency under current freedom of movement rules.

Download our FREE Checklist for Expat residency rights during the Brexit transition period and for further help and assistance relating to your individual circumstances, contact us to speak to a ProACT Expat Expert on how you can assert your rights to relocation before the end of December 2020.

FUTURE-PROOF UK & EU for expats

Expats may still relocate within the EU after 2020. To relocate between the UK and EU member-states after Brexit, the rules will have higher burdens of proof for income, capital or healthcare.

Business regulations and options may be limited. However, Expats could still relocate by obtaining suitable residency and working visas. This is already the experience of UK Expats around the rest of the world and it will be true for UK Expats relocating to EU countries, moving forwards.

Under these circumstances, Expats can only acquire a permanent/settled status by obtaining a Dual Citizenship in the country they choose to live or work in. This may take longer than 5 years and (depending on the country) may have higher requirements, including language skills, for example.

ACTION for UK and EU expats to consider now

Expats registered abroad in the EU before the end of the transition period in December 2020 have the right to remain in that country with permanent/settled status for a lifetime with their family, without the need for Dual Citizenship or residency visas.

ProACT Partnership works with businesses, employees, contractors, self-employed and retired people Living and Working Abroad to advise on how best to protect your Expat residency rights as well as protecting assets and families cross-border and down-generation.

Download our FREE Brexit Checklist for Expats for important points to monitor during the second half of this transition period.

For further help and advice regarding your individual circumstances, contact ProACT Partnership. We offer a free review and work with Expats living in EU countries and all over the world.