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Original poster

How easy is it to emigrate to Europe from the Uk?

54 replies

ruperto · 02/06/2024 22:15

I have a friend who says she’s going to move to Europe in within the next 2 years.

Normally I would be very upset to hear this as she is a dear friend and I would miss her, but she has said this before (it was New Zealand last time), so before I go getting upset about this I’m just wondering how realistic it really is.

She doesn't work at the moment (qualified as a teacher but only ever worked as a TA- her choice) she’s looking after the children (6 and 2). Her husband is also a teacher (Art, but full time as supply at two different schools at the moment).

No other languages, not much savings.

They’re talking about going to Spain, or Portugal or Italy and living in a campervan for a while before choosing which area they want to live in.

Is this realistic? Would they need to find jobs before going? Sort proper accommodation? Is there a time limit on how long they could stay?

OP posts:
Wbeezer · 02/06/2024 22:24

Haven't they heard about Brexit?
You can only stay for 90 days now unless you have an EU passport and you need a visa to work.
There are some places you can get a visa if you are a well off retired person with money ( Portugal?) in the bank or you invest in a business and I believe there are digital nomad visas in some places but it's not straightforward or easy unless you have the means and good legal advice.

Throwaway0912 · 02/06/2024 22:23

They'd need a job offer and a visa, they're not the easiest to get now and each country has slightly different requirements. None are as easy as just rocking up and deciding you live there now.

Otherwise, you can spend 90 days out of 180 visa free in the EU. I think (could be wrong) that's 90 days total regardless of country so you couldn't, say, go to Spain for 90 days then cross into France for the next 90 and so on. I believe it's 90 days total, then you need to leave the EU for the next 90.

Sounds like she's talking nonsense tbh. Unless one of them holds an EU passport you're not aware of.

Newyearoldhair · 02/06/2024 22:22

I live in Spain, unless they have EU passports its very difficult. They would have to come in on Non Lucrative Visas - so basically have the funds to support themselves for 5 years WITHOUT WORKING IN SPAIN plus take out medical insurance as they would have no recourse to public funds.
Brexit.

OccasionalHope · 02/06/2024 22:19

It will depend on the rules of each country but generally they will need a work visa and job offer. They sound very naive.