A recent study by the Oxford University in Berlin and the WZB Social Science Centre has revealed a significant rise in the numbers of Brits migrating to Europe.

Since the Brexit referendum, the numbers of Brits choosing to live in EU countries has increased by 30 percent. Spain has seen the largest increase in numbers, with an estimated 380,000 British nationals now living here. EU countries have witnessed a 500 percent increase in applications for citizenship, as British migrants strive to retain their freedom of movement rights.

Daniel Tetlow, an author of the study, said: “We’re observing a new social migration phenomenon and a redefinition of what it means to be British-European.”

Ever since the UK voted to leave the EU, British citizens in the UK have been on the move. Many wanted to fulfil a long-held dream to migrate, while it was easier and cheaper to do so. For others, it was a fresh idea, and a means of retaining valuable rights for their families.

Although many of the incoming British residents arrived soon after the referendum, the process is still underway. The Covid crisis ended many plans and put paid to many home sales. Now that things are returning to 'the new normality', plans are being expedited. With just a few short months left before the end of the transition period, the clock is ticking.

Nobody is suggesting a move to Spain once Brexit is finally 'done' is impossible. However, it would be more complicated and expensive. The exact requirements are still being defined and may be more akin to those for other Third Country Nationals.

More people are moving to Spain since Brexit | Image by kirkandmimi from Pixabay 

The main reason to move to Spain this year is the rights secured during the UK/EU negotiations. The legally binding Withdrawal Agreement (WA) enshrines residency, work and social rights, including protecting healthcare and pension rights.

People dreaming of retirement in Spain can benefit from the WA protections. Even those who aren’t of pensionable age by the end of 2020 will still qualify for healthcare and pension benefits, assuming they’ve made the appropriate level of UK contributions.

Most Brits in Spain are younger, working migrants. Of those leaving the UK for work reasons, rather than retirement, many are highly skilled. The study’s author said: “The UK is facing a potential brain drain of highly-educated British citizens, who have decided to invest their futures in continental Europe.”

While moving to Spain brings many benefits to British migrants, an increase in income is not often one of them. Most study participants had accepted a pay cut or a wage freeze, as part of their move. Before the referendum, most people migrating to other EU countries were doing so with a pay rise.

Even in this Covid era, Brits are voting with their feet and taking big steps away from Brexit Britain. Moving house is one of the most traumatic experiences in life. Moving country takes a whole other level of planning, effort and courage. Particularly now, with the double threats of Brexit and Covid, it is an enormous leap of faith. That Brits are increasingly taking that big step shows the strength of feeling over the loss of rights, or the fear of what the UK is becoming.

Dr Auer, of the WZB Social Science Centre, said: “These increases in numbers are of a magnitude that you would expect when a country is hit by a major economic or political crisis.”

Hardly surprising then, considering that Brexit – on top of Covid – will be the biggest economic and political crisis of our lifetimes.

By Sue Wilson – Chair of Bremain in Spain