Any British Citizens MNers living elsewhere in Europe who have successfully adopted...

[Rantmum]

either from within their European country of residence or by intercountry adoption? I am new to this and interested in finding out the processes involved.

I'm not sure there are on MN - however if you join the yahoo group UKAO - you will find someone on there I'm sure.

i believe that you have to follow the procedures for the country in which you are domiciled. Certainly EC citizens living here have to follow the Uk adoption procedures

If you adopt a child abroad, he or she will not automatically get British citizenship, or even an entry visa to the Uk. i think that if you have not complied with the british adoption procedures, you will have to live abroad with your child for two years before seeking entry to the UK

You woudl need to get good legal advice about entry requirements

We adopted from Kenya and are domiciled in Spain. We did not do an inter dountry adoption but as we had family living there, adopted in Kenya as a resident. All well and good but had to apply for British nationality for our little girl to come home to Spain. The Spanish authorities refused us any entry, permanent or otherwise and the only way was to get her a British passport by becoming a national. Also I was unable to return to the Uk with her as I was not domiciled there.
There is not an automatic right of nationality even if you are both British Citizens adopting. The wait can be up to 18 months from application and can be refused. Luckily we had support from the British High Commision in Kenya, and our application was accepted which meant that she could get a British passport and come home. After exactly 1 year we returned home.
Normally you must apply through the social services in your country of residence all of the pre adoption paperwork is completed and you are able to just go over to collect your child (again depending on the country you are adopting from as their conditions all vary)and return home.
In Spain a certificado de idoniedad is required to obtain your return visa.
Good luck and if there are any other questions I am happy to help
jaybenj