However, British expats already living in the EU are unlikely to be affected as it is probable that the government will succeed in ensuring that reciprocal agreements protect their right to reside within the EU.
As it stands, non-EU nationals wishing to live in EU countries have to provide documentation in relation to their expat regular savings, income and pensions in order to receive EU residency visas, so it is possible that British nationals will have to do the same.
“It is likely there would be a system of long-term permits and residency. We want what is in the best interests of the British people but this will form part of the discussion,” a Home Office spokesperson told media.
However, there is still the possibility that Prime Minister Theresa May and her government might be able to achieve a more favourable deal with EU negotiators; in such a situation British nationals may be subject to exemptions on various EU residency visa rules.
The EU Commission, supported by France and Germany, has already indicated that it might introduce a visa waiver for British nationals, albeit for a fee of around £10.
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As we crest the wave into February, it would be safe to assume that some of January’s good intentions may have been washed away in the relentless flow of days and weeks that seem to pass ever more quickly. It can be tempting, if we haven’t made any significant progress with our goals, to just let them go for another year under the belief that frankly, life can be hard enough already.
Despite the protestations of expats in the Netherlands, expat financial advisers and business leaders, the Dutch cabinet recently announced that it would proceed with plans to reduce the favourable 30% expat ruling from eight to five years.