#British Expats In Spain

[tomakemoneywithablog]

Daily Costs Of Living In Spain

Living In Spain updated May 2024 The cost of living in Spain is in general much lower than that of the UK and thats why so many Brits decide to move to Spain  but just what do things cost in Spain on a daily basis? Below I will show a few daily and monthly costs of living in Spain and just what I personally pay here now. Like any country, some major cities are more expensive than others to…

[mishkakagehishka]

I love how there is just unequivocal hate of the British everywhere in the south tourist areas and they act exactly as the same rude asshats with 0 regard for decorum. Like... It's commendable. To think they can be that incredibly stable with such awful behavior everywhere they go...

NO RIGHT? It's so bad i had a teacher in middle school who was so open about hating British people bc of the way they behave. As she said, "They have strict laws on everything in the UK, so they let loose in countries they deem lesser", it's like they use southern europe as a theme park just to do what they want💀 It's ridiculous. Bathing in drinking water source rivers (?), and also the river from which the tastiest frogs are caught... a mutual is just telling me how they're doing fucking morphium in the streets and leaving the rubbish behind???? Everywhere?????? It's just abnormal and inhuman.

We have a problem of cops never really doing anything bc Profit, but I, personally, think that at one point, the locals are gonna get fed-up. I'm not saying we should do anything. But i'm saying if some people decide enough is enough, i'll look the other way. And it's already happening, i remember a news article about some men beating the shit out of a brit and bystanders joining in despite not knowing why or what. Bc brits have a reputation, and even i first assumed "musta been disrespectful"

[geekcavepodcast]

Who is Erin Carter? Trailer

Who is Erin Carter? follows Erin, a British woman living in Spain as an expat, teaching children. She is caught up in a supermarket robbery and, when one of the robbers claims to recognize her, her now peaceful life threatens to unravel.

Who is Erin Carter? stars Evin Ahmad, Sean Teale, Denise Gough, Douglas Henshall, Indica Watson, Pep Ambròs, Susannah Fielding, and Charlotte Vega. Jack Lothian serves as showrunner and a writer on the series.

Who is Erin Carter? hits Netflix on August 24, 2023.

[anothersebastianblog]

also Annabelle is like her, only difference is that she was born in England and raised in Portugal... / With all due respect, it's not the same thing at all, actually quite the opposite. Margarita and Sebastian (their mothers, actually) escaped from horrific Communist dictatorships, while Annabelle lived like many wealthy British expats who choose to relocate in Portugal and Spain for the warm climate and good food. I mean, political/economic refugees are the opposite of wealthy Western expats living the good life in more exotic countries.

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[lboogie1906]

Michelle Antoinette Wallen MBE (born 27 April 1969) known professionally as Mica Paris is an English singer, presenter, and actress. Her debut album, So Good, was released in 1988, spawning the singles “My One Temptation” and “Where Is the Love”. She has since gone on to release seven further albums: Contribution (1990), Whisper a Prayer(1993), Black Angel (1998), If You Could Love Me (2005), Soul Classics (2005), Born Again(2009), and Gospel (2020). She played Ellie Nixon on EastEnders.

She has designed a pillowcase for ByteNight a charity event organized to raise funds for the NCH and youth homelessness. She is the patron for the Space For Music project, the project to renovate Band on the Wall a venue owned and operated by registered charity Inner City Music Ltd. She is an Ambassador for The Amy Winehouse Foundation and has sung at many special fundraising occasions for the charity including their 2012 Ball. She is supporting the “No Means No” anti-rape and gender equality campaign set up by the largest free local newspaper for English expats in Spain, EuroWeekly News.

She was presented with the Gold Badge Award by the Ivor's Academy for her special contribution to the British entertainment industry. She was in the Top 10 list of the 100 Great Black Britons. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to music, entertainment and charity.

She was born in Islington in North London but moved to Brockley when she was nine. She has discussed being teased as a child for having the name “Michelle” due to the popularity of Susan Tully’s portrayal of Michelle Fowler in EastEnders, causing her to adopt the nickname, and later professional name, “Mica”.

She has two daughters. Her sister, Paula Wallen, was a pop music singer, and she is the cousin of boxer Chris Eubank. She has been an ambassador of the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Trident. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[carinsuranceinspain]

 VISAS FOR LIVING IN SPAIN?

Broadly, 4 different Visa types will enable you to live that dream lifestyle in the sun. Our job at Effective Visas is to work out which one is right for you.

Spain has always been known as destination No. 1 for British expats looking to escape the UK, but it is also infamous for its red tape and bureaucracy!

Fear not - with Effective Visas, you have no need to worry - we'll hold your hand and help you through the process so you can focus on your dream life in the sunshine.

GET IN TOUCH TODAY!

[cultureisnotacostume-blog]

Brexit, the UK’s departure from the European Union, has made it more complicated for Britons to move to EU countries. Yet, Portugal stands out as a favorable destination. An increasing number of Brits are choosing Portugal, attracted not only by its pleasant climate, stunning beaches, and affordable living costs, but also due to its accessible residency visa programs. Portugal’s visa options cater to a variety of people, including digital nomads, remote workers, and retirees. Despite changes in political landscapes, the relationship between Portugal and the UK remains strong. This is evident from the significant British community in Portugal, providing newcomers from the UK with a blend of new cultural experiences and familiar connections.

Reasons To Move Here Better Weather: The UK’s unpredictable weather is no match for Portugal’s sunnier climes. Even in Northern Portugal, which experiences more rainfall than parts of England, the weather is generally more pleasant. For those seeking consistently mild conditions, regions like Madeira are ideal while the Algarve is perfect for those that want warm weather during the winter months.

Cost of Living: While the cost of living in Portugal has seen an increase, it remains competitive. Many everyday expenses are cheaper than in the UK. However, it’s essential to note that certain items, such as cars, electricity, and petrol, can be pricier in Portugal.

Political Stability: In contrast to the polarised political climate of post-Brexit Britain, Portugal offers a more stable environment. While the country faces its own challenges, the political discourse is less divisive. Pathway to Portuguese Citizenship: For those missing the privileges of an EU passport, Portugal provides a solution. After residing in the country for five years, UK nationals can apply for Portuguese citizenship. The best part? Portugal recognises dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold both British and Portuguese passports.

Family-Centric Culture: Portugal places a high value on family, with both the elderly and children treated with immense respect. This family-friendly environment is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of many UK cities.

Safety: Portugal boasts a lower crime rate compared to many parts of the UK, offering residents a greater sense of security and peace of mind.

Food Quality: The culinary delights of Portugal are not just about taste but also quality. Fresh ingredients, especially fruits and vegetables, are of superior quality, enhancing every meal. Strong Connections to the UK: Despite the geographical distance, travelling between Portugal and the UK is hassle-free. A variety of flight options and the possibility of driving and taking a ferry to and from Spain ensure that the UK is always within easy reach.

Quality of Life: For those looking to escape the fast-paced life of the UK, particularly Southern England, Portugal is a sanctuary. The country’s relaxed pace, combined with its natural beauty and cultural richness, ensures a life of contentment and well-being. Large Expat Community: There are a lot of British people living in Portugal, particularly in places like the Algarve, Lisbon, and Madeira, and having that community there can make it easier to settle and get relevant information. However, there are, unsurprisingly, a few downsides as well. The biggest one is bureaucracy. Although the UK doesn’t always run perfectly, bureaucracy is much less of an issue than it is in Portugal. Another issue is the quality of housing, which tends to lack insulation and heating, particularly in the cheaper, older properties. This means that properties can be quite cold during the winter months, unless you take steps to insulate and add a heating solution, such as a heat pump. The cost of living isn’t always cheaper too. While those moving from London will undoubtedly see everything as cheaper, those moving from more affordable parts of the UK, such as the North or Wales, may notice that property prices, groceries, and other costs are often more affordable in the UK. Overall, however, most people moving from the UK find that the pros of living in Portugal outweigh the cons. Obtaining Residency Post Brexit, Brits that don’t have an EU/EEA/Swiss passport (e.g. an Irish or French passport) now need to obtain a residency visa in order to move to Portugal. Don’t worry, though.

Portugal has some of the most attainable visas in the EU.

Some of the standout options include: Golden Visa: This visa allows you to obtain residency in return for investing in Portugal, and only requires you to spend an average of 7 days in Portugal. As of 2023, the most appealing option for most people is likely to be investing in a fund, such as a venture capital fund. The typical minimum price is €500,000. D7: The D7 is aimed at those with a passive income, such as a pension or income from a rental property. As it’s based on the Portuguese minimum wage, you only need to show an average monthly income that’s great than €820 per month, as of 2024. Digital Nomad Visa: The D8 is aimed at those that work remotely or freelance and can support themselves in Portugal. Applicants need to show an income above €3,280 per month, as of 2024.

D2: The D2 is aimed at those that want to start a business in Portugal. It can be in any industry, from a guesthouse to a marketing agency. Besides these, there are a few other visas to consider. Immigration lawyers work with consulates around the world on a daily basis, so they know exactly what they’re looking for. These requirements can be specific to that particular consulate and might not be listed anywhere else. For these reasons, it’s recommended that you work with a lawyer, however it’s not a legal requirement that you do so. Where To Live While the whole of Portugal is your oyster, you may have specific requirements for your future town or city. Firstly, the weather. If your main priority is blue skies and sunshine, you’ll probably need to focus on Lisbon and anywhere south of Lisbon (especially the Algarve). While the north of Portugal does have wonderful, warm summers, winters are cold and damp – not completely unlike those in the UK. Secondly, it’s important to decide whether your want to live in an area that has a lot of expats. Some people do and some people don’t but, if it’s what you’re looking for, it’s important to realise that expats tend to be focused in certain parts of the country with the Algarve and Lisbon being the two most popular places.

Of all the places you could move to in Portugal, there are a few that are particularly popular:

The Algarve Overview: This southernmost region of Portugal is a magnet for Brits, and it’s easy to see why. With its golden beaches and consistently warm weather, especially during the winter months, the Algarve offers a sun-soaked escape from the UK’s chillier seasons. English is widely spoken, although it’s recommended that you learn some Portuguese.

Who It’s For: Ideal for those who prioritise sunshine and coastal living over living in large cities. The Algarve attracts people of all ages, but is especially popular with retirees and to a lesser extent families and digital nomads.

Lisbon Overview: As the vibrant capital of Portugal, Lisbon seamlessly blends historical charm with modern amenities. Its urban landscape is dotted with cultural landmarks, trendy cafes, and bustling markets. Who It’s For: Particularly popular among digital nomads and younger professionals seeking the dynamism of city life.

Cascais And Surrounding Areas Overview: Located a stone’s throw from Lisbon, Cascais is a coastal gem that offers a serene lifestyle. Nearby areas like Estoril and Carcavelos also beckon with their coastal allure. Who It’s For: Cascais is a favourite among affluent families and retirees who desire coastal living without being too far from the capital’s amenities. Central Portugal Overview: Central Portugal is gaining traction among Brits for its affordability. The Silver Coast provides a cost-effective alternative to the Algarve’s beachfront properties. For those willing to undertake a project, the interior regions offer incredibly cheap properties, many of which are ruins ripe for restoration. Who It’s For: Perfect for those seeking a more budget-friendly lifestyle or a renovation challenge. Madeira Overview: This archipelago, located off the northwest coast of Africa, is a nature lover’s paradise. Madeira is renowned for its year-round mild climate, stunning walking trails, and diverse fauna. Who It’s For: Ideal for those who appreciate nature and are looking for a tranquil environment with consistent weather. Renting & Buying Property For Brits considering a move to Portugal, understanding the property landscape is crucial. Whether you’re looking to rent a quaint apartment or invest in a sprawling villa, Portugal offers a range of options to suit varied preferences and budgets. Ownership Rights for Brits: Overview: Regardless of Brexit, Brits retain the right to purchase property in Portugal. This applies whether you’re planning to reside in the country permanently or are simply looking for a holiday home. However, you’re more likely to be able to borrow more money if you’re resident in Portugal rather than in the UK. Implication: This flexibility ensures that British nationals can invest in Portuguese real estate without residency constraints. Property Ownership and Visas: Overview: For those seeking residency through visas like the D7, owning or renting a property in Portugal is often a prerequisite. Because of this most people end up renting for a year or two and then buying once they’re settled. Implication: Having a fixed address in Portugal can be a key component of the visa application process.

Rent Before You Buy: A common approach among newcomers is to rent a property initially. This allows them to familiarize themselves with different regions and neighborhoods before making a long-term investment. Implication: Renting provides the flexibility to explore and decide on the perfect location to settle down.

Property Price Dynamics: Property prices in Portugal can vary significantly based on location. While urban areas and popular coastal regions like the Algarve might command higher prices, rural parts of the country, such as the Alentejo, Northern Portugal, or Central Portugal offer more affordable options. Implication: Depending on your budget and lifestyle preferences, you can find properties that offer great value for money. However, these often require a lot of work.

Mortgage Accessibility: Overview: Both residents and non-residents are eligible to apply for mortgages in Portugal. This ensures that even if you’re not yet a permanent resident, you can still secure financing for your property purchase. Implication: This inclusivity in the mortgage market simplifies the property buying process for Brits, making it more accessible and straightforward. Money & Finances Taxes Taxes are a big consideration when moving abroad, and Brits should be aware that, generally speaking, moving to Portugal means becoming tax resident here. The exception to this is the golden visa, as it only requires you to spend an average of 7 days per year here. There are a number of implications to being tax resident in Portugal. The main one is that, if you have an income, you may require an accountant to file your returns for you. Depending on your income, tax rates may be higher or lower.

The tax-free savings allowance in Portugal is lower than in the UK. However, special tax regimes, can offer lower rates of tax than the UK. It’s also worth noting that the UK and Portugal have tax treaties, which allow you to avoid being taxed twice on your income. Transferring Money At some point, you’ll probably need to transfer a large portion of your pounds into euros. Generally speaking, high street banks charge high fees and offer poor rates when it comes to international transfers. You can get around most of these fees by using a specialist online transfer service. Wise (previously Transferwise) is probably the favourite amongst expats, and for good reason, but, if you’re sending a large amount of money, it makes sense to use a comparison service like Monito to see who’s offering the best rate. For larger amounts, it’s worth comparing quotes from several online companies (such as Wise and Atlantic Money) as well as currency brokers. You’ll probably need to get a Portuguese bank account at some point, particularly to pay bills, but you may also decide to keep a UK bank account open – especially as most current accounts in the UK are free. It may also be worth opening a few travel-friendly accounts like the Halifax Clarity Credit Card, as there are no charges for overseas card payments, or Metrobank’s current account, which gives free cash withdrawals in Europe.

App-based bank accounts, like Revolut, Starling, or Monzo, also make it easy (and affordable) to transfer between pounds and euros. ISAs And Investments

Keeping An Address In The UK Many people who move to Portugal from the UK keep an address in the UK, at least in the beginning. This is useful (although not always essential) if you’re keeping a bank account open in the UK, but may be helpful for lots of other things as well.

If you still have a property in the UK, another option would be to use the Post Office’s mail redirection service and get your post forwarded to your new address in Portugal. You can even do this after you’ve moved.

Bringing A Car To Portugal Cars, both new and second-hand, are expensive in Portugal – much more than the UK. Because of this, lots of people drive to Portugal and bring their cars over to Portugal with them. You can even buy LHD cars in the UK, and there are a few companies that specialise in them as well as others that specialist in expat car insurance. While bringing a car over is a solution in the short-term, it does create a few problems later on. Firstly, if you’re registered as living in Portugal, you’ll need to import your car into Portugal. This often seems to be a very complicated process, not least because you’ve got to move the steering wheel over to the other side. If you’re no longer living in the UK, you’ll also have to insure it. Finding a Portuguese insurer who will insure it pre-importation is difficult, but thankfully there are a few companies like Abbeygate that specialise in this confusing grey area. Even if you continue to be technically living in the UK, on paper anyway, you will still have insurance and MOT issues to think about down the line. Generally speaking, most people find the easiest option is to simply purchase a second-hand car in Portugal.

[richdadpoor]

Who Is Erin Carter?, The Monkey King Reign Over Netflix Top 10 – Deadline

After just one week atop Netflix’s English-language TV charts, Depp V. Heard has been bumped to No. 2 in favor of Who is Erin Carter? Audiences flocked to the thriller limited series, which is about a British expat schoolteacher living in Spain, racking up 13.2M views in its first few days on the streamer from August 21 to 27. Depp V. Heard still managed a fairly strong week, though, with 8.3M…

[showbiznews]

[qudachuk]

British candidates are canvassing UK expats in Spain's first local polls since Brexit took effect.

[tomakemoneywithablog]

Now anyone can move to Spain

There is just a few people who really can’t move to Spain for health or legal reasons.  All the rest really could if they wanted it enough and took action. Reasons stopping you and the solutions. Don’t know how. ..Money, .. Age, ..Family. ..work. Lets take Age. Its never to late in life to start a new adventure. I didnt buy my plot of land and start building a new house here till i was…

[salvadorbonaparte]

I think I also should mention that the people making those videos are young white American or occasionally British people moving to like. Spain or France or Germany for a year. Occasionally there's a video of someone in Japan or doing an extended backpacking trip through Southeast Asia (don't get me started on my opinions on backpacking) but it's mostly Europe. And I'm always thinking like okay you did a year abroad but are you normal about other immigrants and refugees?

Like I'm also a white western European who so far has only lived in western European countries but I feel like I'm a little more aware of the privileges and dynamics of that and what not. Even during the height of all the anti EU pro Brexit stuff no one cared about me being "foreign" while I know people from southern and eastern Europe had a lot more problems during that time. I mean I still felt a little uncomfortable and unwelcome but I was also not targeted by any of it because this was never about all Europeans. And now there's British "expats" (don't get me started on that word either) who complain about foreigners but also that they're considered foreigners now in their beachside towns in Spain lol.

And then there's expat Instagram where it's people on their year abroad being like omg it's sooo difficult to never fit in :/ and I'm like trust me literally no one cares about you being a foreigner and literally no one back home cares that you've been abroad for a year.

A lot of the living abroad content I get shown on Instagram is like the hard truth about living abroad: copy pasted insights like you'll never truly fit in because you're too foreign in that country but when you come home you no longer fit in either, the novelty will wear off and everything will feel mundane and I'm like.... That never felt like negative things to me at all???

[thebuginthecornerofyourroom]

What I'm talking about:

Piece of info number 1:

So, it turns out that millenia of living in the british islands has caused the genome of the brits to be slightly different to other people. This has a number of consequences, one of them being that the analgesic Metamizole has a higher probability of causing nasty side effects in people from the british ilands than anybody else. Because of this tidbit, Metamizole is banned in the UK. It is not banned in other countries

Piece of info number 2:

For the last few decades, Spain has been sold as a prime vacational destination for every western foreigner, especially the mediterranean coast. Very successfully, one must say. The high affluence of tourists has caused, among other things, expulsion of locals to benefit tourism, balconing, zones of the mediterranean coast of Spain where people speak more english, or german than spanish, balconing, etc. With the freedom of movement from the UE, a number of brits had decided to move to the coast and live and retire there. However, they are brits, and thus, they refuse to integrate in any way. No learning the language, no respecting locals, nothing. To them, Spain is a big amusement park that should cater their every need as beings of a higher class.

Info 1+2:

Metamizole, sold in Spain as Nolotil (under prescription), is not banned in Spain, and some brits have taken some and suffered the side effects.

So now, some british media outlet publishes this:

This is either a clickbait, or they are the most entitled cunts in Europe. They have essentially colonized the mediterranean coast and now they want a foreign country to ban things that may hurt their precious "expats" who don't even want to live in their own country, because they forgor to tell the spanish doctor that has to deal with them that brits have a genetic condition.

If you don't like them, don't come, you fucking guiris

British media should be labeled a war crime on itself

[fangirlshameblog]

"Proper European" (ie, white, but not Eastern white).