Brit Expats In EU And Those Still At Home Have Diverse Brexit Views

Over one third of British expatriates living in EU member states are now applying for either permanent residency or citizenship due to Brexit.

According to new research, 34 per cent of respondents to a study are either in the process of formerly relinquishing their British citizenship or planning to stay permanently in their present country of residence. In addition, a further five per cent stated they would apply for citizenship for themselves and their families should a hard Brexit be the final outcome of the 2016 referendum.

Generally, over 50 per cent of those surveyed said they were concerned over their citizenship rights as expatriates, with some 14 per cent admitting they’d been forced to change their retirement plans. The survey results indicate the Brexit chaos and confusion is forcing a relatively high percentage of Britons living in EU member states to consider giving up their British citizenship as the only way to guarantee being able to stay in their chosen countries of residence.

The increasing threat of a no-deal Brexit and its negative economic consequences is also forcing expat British nationals to re-examine their UK assets as regards transferring their savings overseas. The effect of a hard Brexit on inflation is also a major cause for concern. As regards Britons living in the home country, there is more confidence as regards personal finances, although over 50 per cent believe the UK’s economic situation will worsen over the next full year.

Most of this group have no plans aimed at dealing with the effects of a no-deal Brexit, although 42 per cent said they were bracing themselves for a recession. Overall, the survey seems to indicate the contrast between the Brexit effect on Britons in EU member states and those living as expats in Europe.