Will Brexit provoke ‘travel tax’ for UK residents?

Let’s face it: Brexit is a confusing time for everyone. However, it is important that panic doesn’t set in. This applies at every level, from the uppermost echelons of government and business leaders to expatriate workers and the everyday retiree.

The same applies to financial advisers. Not only do clients – and of course the markets – require their calm to steer them through uncertain and uncharted waters, but firms themselves need to stay composed and attentive to ensure that they continue to meet regulatory standards as Brexit unfolds and transition periods take effect.

Expatriate Brits living in Germany have been advised to look into the possibility of becoming German citizens, as, amongst other things, naturalisation is likely to make the practicalities of Germany wealth management more straightforward.

Expat group British in Germany has said that British people living in the country should act quickly as it will likely be harder to achieve citizenship if the UK leaves the EU on March 29 2019 without a deal. In the event a deal is reached, Brits will have until 31 December 2020 to apply for dual citizenship, according to Germany’s foreign ministry.

Effectively, this means that if Brits want to be able to ensure dual citizenship, they must act quickly as a no deal scenario could mean they have to renounce their British citizenship if they wish to become German citizens. The sooner Brits attend the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Registration Office) for advice the better their chances of securing a favourable outcome.