The expat retirement dream is not dead, but it could be more costly and complicated. Here’s what you need to do make it work.

 

"What is your dream retirement destination? Spain tops most people's wish lists - but Brexit and Covid are discouraging many aspiring expats", This is money, 26 | 08 | 2021 - Noticia

Nearly half of over-50s who want to live overseas would choose Spain, while a fifth prefer France which takes second spot, followed by Portugal, Italy and southern European countries such as Greece and Cyprus. That represents virtually no change from last year ... according to a survey by Canada Life. ... When asked about their reasons for wanting to leave the UK, 69 per cent say the weather would be better, 62 per cent are seeking a more desirable lifestyle, and 45 per cent reckon it would be cheaper. ... Sean Christian, managing director of Canada Life's wealth management division for Canada Life, says: 'Despite Brexit and the ongoing global pandemic, many over-50s continue to harbour the dream of a retirement which includes better weather, a more desirable lifestyle, or cheaper standards of living than the UK. There are a number of key considerations when planning a move abroad, such as which countries offer reciprocal payment agreements [on state pension increases], thinking about the impact of currency exchange rates and whether state pensions will keep pace with the cost of living.'

 

"Spain expats: Crucial new FCDO information for Covid vaccine - how to get jab abroad", Express, 17 | 08 | 2021 - Reportaje (Aimee Robinson)

The Foreign Office has issued a new update on Covid vaccinations for Britons living abroad.

 

"España concede casi las mismas 'golden visa' por comprar casa hasta julio que en todo 2020", Idealista, 10 | 08 | 2021 - Reportaje (Carlos Lospitao)

La pandemia del coronavirus paralizó y en algunos casos canceló muchas operaciones de inversión en 2020, pero el mercado ha reaccionado durante los siete primeros meses de este ejercicio. Uno de los indicadores que justifican esta recuperación es el número de visados ‘golden visa’ concedidos en 2021. ... el Ministerio de Exteriores confirma ... que ha expedido 324 ‘golden visa’, mientras que en todo 2020 fueron 394 los extranjeros que consiguieron este permiso gracias a una inversión inmobiliaria superior a los 500.000 euros. ... El inmobiliario ha sido tradicionalmente un polo de atracción para el capital extranjero. ... “...Los potenciales inversores y compradores que más interés muestran por este servicio son, por orden: británicos, estadounidenses, rusos, indios, colombianos, chinos y canadienses. Estos datos corroboran que España sigue siendo un destino atractivo y que genera interés para este perfil de comprador”. Afirma ... Vaughan, socio fundador de Lucas Fox. ... “Aunque es una medida que persigue la atracción de grandes carteras de inversión o de altos ejecutivos que busquen fijar en España su residencia habitual, el peso de las compras por Golden Visa en relación al total de operaciones sigue sin ser significativo", asegura ... Crisenti, socio director de Barnes Madrid. ... “Aparte del covid, el endurecimiento de las leyes frente a la prevención de blanqueamiento de capitales es otro de los temas que hemos notado que ha hecho mella en las inversiones para obtención de 'golden visa'; en el caso de clientes chinos, por ejemplo, es que el proceso se está ralentizando mucho debido a que China es considerado paraíso fiscal, y están teniendo muchos problemas para realizar sus inversiones, por los plazos de tiempo, por lo que muchos inversores deciden no optar por la 'golden visa'. Lo mismo pasa con otros países como México, Colombia o Venezuela”, añaden desde Mr House.

 

"Spain second home sales jump as Britons 'regain appetite' for Spanish property", Express, 09 | 08 | 2021 - Reportaje (Priya Kingsley-Adam)

Sales of homes this year have soared to levels not seen since 2019, according to leading Spanish property builder, Taylor Wimpey Espana. ... Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey Espana, said: “Confidence has been returning to the Spanish second homes market for several months and it's great to see that British buyers have now regained the appetite that they had for Spanish property before the pandemic.” ... “Buyers want sunshine, fresh air and beautiful beaches to balance out the stresses of the past year.” ... The Costa del Sol in Southern Spain, which is known for its stunning coastline and micro-climate – guaranteeing a warm summer and mild winter - has proven an especially popular choice among British property buyers.

 

"EU news: Do you want to retire abroad? Healthcare rights have been assured for UK expats", Express, 04 | 08 | 2021 - Reportaje (Connor Coombe-Whitlock)

State pension claimants in Britain can receive their payments abroad ... recently, it emerged those based in Spain - a popular destination for British retirees - will have their healthcare support protected. ... Following research from A Place in the Sun, in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ... and Department of Health and Social Care ..., it was detailed those based in Spain will continue to receive guranteed healthcare rights going forward. UK residents, including those with second homes, can still use their European Health Insurance Card ... at state hospitals or clinics in Spain when required. On expiry, they should then apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card ... which provides the same access. ... it is really important to purchase insurance too though, as the EHIC or GHIC doesn’t cover every situation, such as any treatment in private facility or medical repatriation. ... Bridge, the Managing Director of A Place in the Sun, commented: "Although British nationals can only now spend 90 out of 180 days in Spain before having to apply for a visa, this is welcome clarification to holidaymakers, homeowners and would be property buyers." There was "equally good news" for UK state pensioners planning to make a permanent move to Spain with confirmation they can have their healthcare costs covered by the UK, via the S1 scheme. ... This form provides holders with state healthcare entitlement which is paid for by the UK ... once registered correctly.