Visas for UK
Super helpful member
I have noticed some debate on the supposed disparity between the hoops that Brits must now jump through to get to Spain, and that required of Spaniards going the other way.
I went on the UK Gov website and pretended to be Spanish.
Visits for up to 6 months
Firstly .... a Spaniard can visit the UK for up to 6 months, but must be able to demonstrate that he/she is visiting for tourism, and is
- able to support him/herself and dependants during the trip (or have funding from someone else)
- arranged accommodation for the stay
- able to pay for return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else)
- will leave the UK at the end of your visit
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/tourist-short-stay-visas
Settled Status (Residency)
Perhaps more interesting is the challenge of gaining "settled status" in the UK if you are retired or early retired (for all those Spaniards who want to retire to the British rain).
If you reach State Pension age
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you can get settled status if you stopped working when you reached State Pension age and either:
- you worked continuously or were self employed for 1 year beforehand and have lived continuously in the UK for 3 years
- your spouse or civil partner is a British citizen
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen you can get settled status if you retire early and either:
- you worked continuously (for someone other than yourself) for 1 year beforehand and have lived continuously in the UK for 3 years
- your spouse or civil partner is a British citizen
Hmmm .... not easy methinks.
If you are Spanish and want to work in the UK ... compare the UK and Spanish requirements here.
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/LONDRES/en/Consulado/Pages/Visas.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0xMqhqHmEKBIff9XqYT9E6SLp-1cfG5WQqDfxajoVj2zCNqoLX8WqmZt0
New Points-Based Immigration System
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/947984/Intro_guide_FINAL_WEB.pdf
Not seeing an option for a Spaniard to retire in the UK.