Leaving the European Union has left most of us in a daze. The changes in rules throughout the leaving process were confusing and difficult to follow. For those looking to travel now that Covid-19 restrictions are dying down, there are now short term and long term visas available for different countries around Europe. However, things can get a little more complicated if you wish to move to Europe from the UK.
If you’re willing to put in the administrative work, it is still absolutely possible to move to and live happily in Europe. The process might look a little daunting at first, but with assistance from a professional moving company like Global Moving Services, you’ll be on your way in no time. We’re here to help you navigate the changes to our closest (geographically) European neighbours.
If you’re looking for an international destination, check out our blog to find the easiest countries to emigrate to around the world.
Can British Citizens Live in Europe After Brexit?
Yes, with the correct visa and residency permits. From the 1st January 2021, the free movement rights of British citizens ended. This means that we could no longer travel, live, work, or study within an EU member state without a visa. The UK, in most cases, has no special status when it comes to travelling to countries in the European Union – we are classed as a ‘third country’, a country outside of the EU.
If you are looking to stay in a European country for longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you’ll now require a visa. As with travelling anywhere, you should also check that your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining before embarking on a trip to Europe.
Can UK Citizens Work in Europe after Brexit?
There are several ways that Brits can live and work in an EU member country. Different paths are more suitable for different circumstances. Opportunities to work in the EU often require certain in-demand skills and experience which differ from country to country.
While for some countries it’s possible to acquire a temporary visa to find work, which will then need to be converted into a more permanent working visa, in some cases, you’ll need to be sure of your occupation before applying. With an offer of employment already on the table, your employer might even be able to assist with your application, increasing your chances of being accepted.
Alternatively, European countries often have a points-based system for skilled migrants to apply through. After being assessed on a system that takes several factors into account, such as skills, work experience, age, health, and language proficiency, you might then be invited to apply out of a pool of applicants.
Moving to European Countries After Brexit
If you’re looking to move to another country in Europe in 2022, you’ll need to perform country-specific research. Each country has differing entry requirements, some more relaxed than others, so you should do plenty of looking into the best visa options for your circumstances. Here at GMS, we have put together some comprehensive guides on moving to some of our European neighbours, which you can find below.
Moving to France After Brexit
Even our closest European neighbour, France, has upped the administrative barriers to UK citizens hoping to move over the channel. Visas, work permits, and residency applications are on the horizon for Brits wanting to move to France after Brexit.
Moving to Spain After Brexit
Dreaming of days relaxing in the Spanish sun? You’ll need a long term visa for staying in Spain for longer than 90 days, along with relevant work permits for working while living in Spain. Learn more in our moving to Spain after Brexit guide.
Moving to the UK After Brexit
For those looking to move to the UK or return to the UK from an EU country, the rules may also have changed. Take a look at the new process in our Moving to the UK after Brexit guide.
For more information or international moving advice, our website is an excellent resource for anyone tasked with an international relocation. Get a quote with GMS today and see how we could assist you further with your European move.
*Find out the benefits of moving to France v.s. Germany.
