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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

If You Planned to Retire in an EU Country what Are You Plans Now?

202 replies

ZaraW · 14/12/2020 09:26

Not really AIBU but interested to see what others plans are. I'm 50 next year and always hoped to retire to Italy when I was around 60.

Obviously, that's not going to happen. If you planned to do the same what will you do now?

A) Relocate within the UK to countryside, coast etc.
B) Retire to a country outside of the EU. I thought about Thailand as I love it but the heat and humidity would be too much on a permanent basis.
C) Stay where you and travel to Europe for the permitted time.
D) Other

Covid has got me thinking about future plans and I just don't know what I want.

OP posts:
AmaryllisNightAndDay · 14/12/2020 09:30

I don't plan to retire abroad myself but since you are considering Thailand - what is the difference between retiring to a non-EU country and post-Brexit Italy?

Europilgrim · 14/12/2020 09:33

We had vague plans to retire to the UK (currently in Italy) but will probably stay where we are with a possible move to France if we can afford it.

Chanjer · 14/12/2020 09:34

Planet Thanet

ElaineMarieBenes · 14/12/2020 09:41

I agree with @AmaryllisNightAndDay what’s stopping you? It is still possible you just need to have sufficient funds - not sure what it is for Italy but for Spain is around an income of £25k and register for residency.

dreamingbohemian · 14/12/2020 09:52

Well for Italy a couple need to have an annual income of 35,000, and you're not allowed to work. Also health insurance etc etc. Quite a difference for a lot of people!

OP have a look at Slovenia and Malta

Original poster
ZaraW · 14/12/2020 09:53

Maybe retiring could still be a possibility but would have to see about the state pension. Was reading today it's undecided how much that would be if you retire to an EU country. Health care would be an issue. I've had cancer and have health issues following treatment. My income wouldn't be anywhere near 25K pa. Thailand isn't an option with heat and humidity.

OP posts:
Original poster
ZaraW · 14/12/2020 09:55

I could buy a property, have savings and rental income from my house in the UK to live on, us State pension if that still exists when I retire at 67 or is it 68?

OP posts:
Original poster
ZaraW · 14/12/2020 09:56

dreaming bohemian thanks will check them out.

OP posts:
BeepBoopBop · 14/12/2020 10:03

Im 57 and I'm leaving the UK tomorrow for France and applying for residency. The requirements are easier to fulfil if we are settled before the 31st.

AethelsWhiteGoose · 14/12/2020 10:12

That’s exciting beepboopbop. We are waiting until our youngest child finishes a levels (5 years) but plan to buy a property in the EU in the next 18 months. Dh is an EU national though so we are very lucky to still have the option of moving there. I’ll be hanging on his coat tails!

Sarahlou63 · 14/12/2020 10:16

There's a big increase in people registering for residency here in Portugal. It's warm (most of the time!), the cost of living is relatively low and the people are friendly and welcoming. Post Brexit, the Portuguese govt. has pledged to remain close ties with the UK. Check out the Pure Portugal website for properties.

WorriedMutha · 14/12/2020 10:22

Does having an Irish passport confer the same rights to retire to an EU country as stated above. Noting what Aethels said about being able to travel as her partner is an EU citizen. Can British citizens with Irish passports still enjoy freedom of movement.

Redwinestillfine · 14/12/2020 10:26

Yes. If you have an Irish passport you are an Irish national, whether you also have a British passport or not.

Original poster
ZaraW · 14/12/2020 10:27

BeepBoopBop how exciting, lucky you.

Sarahlou63 thanks will check it out.

OP posts:
DontStopThinkingAboutTomorrow · 14/12/2020 10:28

@WorriedMutha

Does having an Irish passport confer the same rights to retire to an EU country as stated above. Noting what Aethels said about being able to travel as her partner is an EU citizen. Can British citizens with Irish passports still enjoy freedom of movement.
Yes of course- Ireland is still in the EU and so you have full EU citizenship with an Irish (or other EU) passport.
LeaveMyDamnJam · 14/12/2020 10:33

I have dual citizenship so I don’t have a problem. It is a real shame for U.K. citizens.

Original poster
ZaraW · 14/12/2020 10:40

If Scotland gets Independence and rejoins the EU my problems will be solved. You never know it may happen....

OP posts:
NiceandCalm · 14/12/2020 12:06

I was hoping to sell my house when I retire and buy two statics, one on the coast in the UK and one in either France, Italy or Spain - if they still let us visit!
You've got a few years before you retire OP so hold tight, who knows what will happen. All might seem bleak now but I'm sure as time goes on there will be some sort of reciprocal agreement.

PigletJohn · 14/12/2020 13:16

Scotland might be a good choice.

TheSilentStars · 14/12/2020 13:18

@WorriedMutha

Does having an Irish passport confer the same rights to retire to an EU country as stated above. Noting what Aethels said about being able to travel as her partner is an EU citizen. Can British citizens with Irish passports still enjoy freedom of movement.
Ireland is still in the EU so yes.
CremeEggThief · 14/12/2020 13:20

Luckily for me, I have an Irish passport, so I can keep my options open. Must get DS one too.

Aprilx · 14/12/2020 13:22

I am eligible for an Irish passport although have never applied for one. I have no current plans to retire to Europe, but if something changes and I decide to, I can get my passport but would that enable me to bring DH?

sashagabadon · 14/12/2020 13:23

@WorriedMutha

Does having an Irish passport confer the same rights to retire to an EU country as stated above. Noting what Aethels said about being able to travel as her partner is an EU citizen. Can British citizens with Irish passports still enjoy freedom of movement.
Yes
MadisonMontgomery · 14/12/2020 13:29

Can’t you just go back & forth? My dad splits his time between here & Spain & he has said he will still be fine to do that post Brexit.

CoronaIsWatching · 14/12/2020 13:33

I'll probably just rent a flat from Jan to April in a warm, cheap country and stay where I am the rest of the year