The Current EU Situation for Ex-Pats
The Settlement Scheme agreement with the EU – guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens living in the UK – similarly protects UK nationals living in the EU.
It exists alongside any rights you have as an EU citizen under the EU Free Movement Directive, so until the UK fully leaves the EU, there will be no change to the rights and status of UK nationals and their families living in the EU.
This means UK nationals can continue to travel freely within the EU (using a UK passport, no visa required); still access healthcare using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) system; continue to work in EU countries and also retire and collect their pensions and other benefits there.
In short, the agreement also allows UK nationals to stay in their member state of residence after the UK leaves the EU on 31 January 2020 – for a time-limited implementation period that lasts until 31 December 2020.
Plus, UK nationals currently living in the EU, who want to move to a different member state, can do so freely until the end of 2020.
Other agreements so far, on the rights of UK nationals in the EU, include leaving the member state of residence for up to five years without losing the right to return.
Our Blog has specific content relating to announcements for UK Citizens living abroad and we will be updating our country specific pages as soon as there are any announcements. In the mean time visit our Forum where you can join the expat community discussing these issues.