Brexit Crushes British Retirement Dreams in Spain

As the EU and Britain try to work out a deal to govern their trade relations after Brexit, the dreams that many British people have of retiring in Spain are being shattered by the new reality – and a whole new set of rules.  For VOA from Sitges, on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, Alfonso Beato has this report narrated by Jonathan Spier.

Camera:   Alfonso Beato 

Produced by:  Rob Raffaele

[malcolmledger]

There are no "new" rules. There are only old rules which NOW apply to British immigrants, as you would expect for people who decided to leave the EU. Get it right, for God's sake.

[petergeorge]

Perhaps as a legacy of colonialism, British people tend to expect privileged treatment wherever they go. Obtaining a Spanish driving license if you live in Spain hardly seems an onerous or unfair requirement. One thing I noticed in the two years I lived in Spain was the disinterest of so many long term British residents of Spain to learn Spanish. In the UK Brits complain about immigrants not becoming British enough, but the ignorance of the culture and languages of countries British immigrants live in is often appalling.

[ibrico]

English person living in Spain = Expat. Spanish person living in UK = Immigrant, can someone explain this to me please. Also, no matter who reports on this, they always make out that the Spanish are making up new rules to hinder the poor expats (who voted to be out of the European Community). These rules have been around for ages (well before Brexit), most of which the UK had a hand in making, now that they are no longer exempt from them, its blamed on the countries that uphold these laws. My parent immigrated to the UK many years ago, they had to follow their rules and regulation to do so, unfortunately, now it the the turn of the UK nationals wanting to retire/live in Europe, not out of spite, but out of choice, their choice, not ours.

[georgerobinson]

It does make me smile listening to the "expats" moaning about their problems. I first came to Europe to work for 6 months then I met a Dutch lady who spoke better English than myself. That was 50 years ago and I'm still here enjoying life as a retired Dutch pensioner. I live in a country where 80% of the people can speak English but knew that the first thing I had do is to learn the language. Now I feel complelty at home speaking either Dutch or English. Having a wife who speaks 5 languages certainly helped. My advice for the "expats" is learn the language of the country you are in and get all your paperwork in order.

[Patricia-icee]

If they had registered they would be ok, you can’t live in a country without paying their taxation, it’s not Brexit is just their laziness,

[GraemeSPa]

The referendum was June 2016. We arrived in Spain to retire in July 2016 - we knew what we had to do in the event of a worst case scenario and we did it. First step, NIE, then residencia and driving licence change. Spain announced that any Brit wanting to stay were welcome, as long as they fulfilled the interim requirements. Many Brits ignored these interim requirements stating "they won't dare chuck us out, we spend money - we own a house - we have been coming here for years". Now those interim requirements no longer apply and any Brit wanting to live in Spain must comply with EU rules applying to nonEU citizens (rules which UK as EU member helped to draw up). The people who ignored the chance they were given and now ignore the rules will have to pay the price - they can be deported and refused entry under the 90/180 days rule. The worst case scenario has happened and UK has turned its back on Europe - how else is Europe supposed to act? I'm alright Jack - I did it properly the first time.

[valhaynes]

Must be hard having your British way of life threatened when you live in a foreign country.

[TheAdeybob]

'Shock, as ex-pats realise they're just immigrants'

[gilesfitzherbert]

The stupidest decision was to ignore the legal requirements to continue living in Spain. You only had 4 years to get it done.

[bushydoctor]

“I’ve moved abroad & now I can’t get British food” What is that all about?

[kestrel]

Don't want to be in the UK but want the benefits. Tough Shit!!

[cmarq]

So do we get the perspective of Polish, Italian and Spanish EXPATS living in the UK? Why is expats label just used for British citizens?

[ab]

British immigrants:
Learn Spanish and pass a Spanish driver's license test !

[gurupilates]

"Expats" - why not call them what they are? Immigrants.

[gkochanowsky]

It's beginning to become clear that many people who voted for Brexit had no idea of what the EU was.

[tonyboss]

British Expat in Spain, cool! Then that makes me a Nigerian Expat in UK! Touchè! 😎

[mihaiciubotaru]

They are not expats but...immigrants..

[TheNefastor]

Just because you're brits doesn't mean you get to call yourself "expats". Why not call yourself immigrants ? I've never seen brits have trouble using that word to talk about anyone else.

[mooingAlong]

Correction: They are British Immigrants, not Expats. Only racists use expats.

[yvonnescholey]

It made me laugh that British immigrants (NOT ex pats) can’t get British food, why should you expect to you are living in a foreign country adapt simple as.😤 by the way I am British