In the run-up to the European referendum on the 23rd June where Britain will decide whether to be @StrongerIn or #VoteLeave in the European Union, Brits considering moving abroad may not be able to move as freely if the leave vote wins.
If Britain do leave, Brits’ ability to live and work in EU nations would depend on new agreements the UK negotiate with those nations. There are particular concerns over “the right of British citizens to go and live in Spain and France” as expressed by Europe Minister David Lidington. Here are the 5 best places to move in Europe if we Brexit:
Sweden
How does free education sound? That’s right in Sweden, you are not required to pay application or tuition fees for university if you have citizenship in an EU country or European Economic Area. And students in high school are paid £130 monthly to attend. Immigration to Sweden is as simple as filling in an online form. As an EU citizen you have the right to work, study or live in Sweden without a residence permit for free.
According to the 2016 Mercer Quality of Living Survey Stockholm placed joint 6th in the world with Geneva for its personal safety ranking. The ranking for all the cities in the world incorporates crime figures, performance of local law enforcement and the home country’s relationship with other countries. Whereby, Baghdad (230th) and Damascus (229th) are the least safe cities in the world.
Sweden’s housing market is experiencing similar growth to the UK, fuelled by attractively low interest rates and a shortage of housing supply. The average house price in Sweden is £155,000, 18.5% lower than property prices in England and Wales. And rents follow the same trend at 22.66% lower than the UK average. However, overall cost of living is 2.77% higher than in the UK, but with much lower housing costs and a 2% higher average monthly disposable income, Sweden may be the place for Brexit expats.
Italy
Current laws and agreements state that as a British National, you may stay in Italy for a maximum of 3 months, and if you wish to stay a period longer than this, all you need to do is apply to the nearest town hall for residency. You will then be issued with a certificate valid for 5 years. Whether these rules will change if the referendum results in Britain out of the EU is uncertain.
Italy ranked well in Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey, with Milan ranking 41st and Rome 53rd for overall quality of living. Italy also boasts a cheaper cost of living at 8.85% lower than the UK, and housing is much cheaper with rents 36.8% lower. And property is much cheaper in Italy than in the UK where you can typically find rural property costing between £350 and £1500 per m2, whereas price per m2 can be up to £3000 in the UK. Just think of the beautiful landscapes, the traditional pizza and pasta and you’re never too far from a beach.
Norway
Scandinavia is an extremely popular destination for expats, and there’s a good reason why. Norway ranks 30th in the world for quality of living in Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey. London ranks 39th in the same survey, but you will certainly pay for the privilege if you move to Norway, with a cost of living 37% higher than the UK and rents of 11% higher. In Norway, you will enjoy picturesque views of glaciers and mountain walks for fun.
Current laws stipulate that British citizens need not apply for a residence permit to live in Norway. However, they must register themselves on arrival and may stay for up to 6 months to look for work or set up a business. This is open to change when Britain have voted.
Belgium
Brussels ranks 21st in the world for quality of life by Mercer. Belgium happens to be the sixth most accessible country in Europe, granting 3.1 citizenships per capita. It is the number one distributor of chocolate and diamonds on earth, and there are also over 1150 original Belgian beers on offer, so what’s not to love? If you would like to live in Belgium you must apply for residency within 8 days of arrival. The application is straightforward, and only requires essential documents and proof of being able to support yourself (i.e. pension or employment contract), you should take these to a local commune and it will be processed within 1-2 weeks and approved residency can take up to four weeks. Living costs in Belgium are very similar to the UK, whereas rents are 11.73% lower than the UK average and average house prices are £160,800, 15% lower than in the UK.
Ireland
Now you don’t have to move thousands of miles away, to live abroad. Ireland is on our doorstep and if you want a change of scenery without moving too far from friends and relatives then Ireland is a great choice. A common travel area is in existence between Ireland and the UK, which means you do not need a residence card, visa or employment permit to live here. In fact, you can retire in Ireland without having to establish you have sufficient resources or private health insurance, so you will be well looked after. The agreement in place is outside of the EU freedom of movement legislation, which means even after Britain do vote out in the referendum in June, you will still be able to live here freely.
Dublin boasts the 33rd spot in the top cities in the world for quality of living by Mercer. It will cost you to live with our Irish neighbours, as living costs are 2.91% higher and rents are 11% higher on average. As the capital of Ireland, Dublin enjoys fair house prices with an average of £198,000, which in comparison with London at £530,368 is much cheaper.
Whether you vote for Britain to stay in or out in the referendum is down to you, but if you’re considering moving abroad this year then consider these 5 options and be sure to have a better quality of life, even if it may cost you slightly more. If you are in the process of moving abroad or are thinking about relocating then please get in contact with us to talk about moving in Europe.
