Schengen 90/180 post Brexit (again... I know!)

[Tony Cross]

Ah.... But what I mean is even if you have a UK address you may lose your British bank account Because you have residency in a EU27 state....
So in other words British Bank for people living in Britain only... My point is a lot of people are rushing to get residency abroad and we just do not know the long term implications of this especially if UK adopts isolation policy... Banks have been cutting back for years and Brexit will lose them even more money so I believe they may slim down even more - and if EU applies negative interest rates and UK does not - or visa versa - then customers not 100% resident in UK may very well lose some rights... Maybe just credit cards for example... I don't know but there is no way I am becoming a resident in EU27 until the dust has settled and that could take a long time. Hello Africa!

Well that might be what you wish to happen but that's not what's happening at the moment and the banks have had 4 years to figure out what they want to do.. We have Greek bank accounts in any case so it matters little. From my experience your 'fears' are unjustified and even border on scaremongering.

 

[nortada]

Well that might be what you wish to happen but that's not what's happening at the moment and the banks have had 4 years to figure out what they want to do.. We have Greek bank accounts in any case so it matters little. From my experience your 'fears' are unjustified and even border on scaremongering.

Compared with the UK, banking in Portugal is rather expensive, is it the same in Greece?

 

[Tony Cross]

Compared with the UK, banking in Portugal is rather expensive, is it the same in Greece?

No, not at all. Our accounts are free.

 

[syvictoria]

Well that might be what you wish to happen but that's not what's happening at the moment and the banks have had 4 years to figure out what they want to do.. We have Greek bank accounts in any case so it matters little. From my experience your 'fears' are unjustified and even border on scaremongering.

The ONLY people that have had "4 years to figure out what they want to do" is the government! The rest have been waiting, and waiting, mostly patiently, until now, when it seems that the default position has sadly become the only realistic option. Even now, with a mere month to go, and confessions from the government that they themselves will not be fully ready for what comes next, this gutless, shameful and ridiculous administration still can't give any absolute clarity and leadership.

I too wouldn't be surprised to see the banks impose further more restrictive T&Cs in the coming months as the dust settles. They are only businesses after all.

 

[Graham376]

The ONLY people that have had "4 years to figure out what they want to do" is the government! The rest have been waiting, and waiting, mostly patiently, until now, when it seems that the default position has sadly become the only realistic option. Even now, with a mere month to go, and confessions from the government that they themselves will not be fully ready for what comes next, this gutless, shameful and ridiculous administration still can't give any absolute clarity and leadership.

Not just UK government. I phoned Algarve Express and Direct Transport this morning, both of whom have weekly vans UK to Algarve. They have received no instructions from Portuguese authorities about VAT/Duty payable on imports from 1st Jan or how to handle it.

 

[nortada]

The ONLY people that have had "4 years to figure out what they want to do" is the government! The rest have been waiting, and waiting, mostly patiently, until now, when it seems that the default position has sadly become the only realistic option. Even now, with a mere month to go, and confessions from the government that they themselves will not be fully ready for what comes next, this gutless, shameful and ridiculous administration still can't give any absolute clarity and leadership.

I too wouldn't be surprised to see the banks impose further more restrictive T&Cs in the coming months as the dust settles. They are only businesses after all.

They are only businesses after all.

Absolutely, so why would they go out of their way to make things more difficult and lose customers to competitors?

Understandably banks (and other organisations) have never been too happy dealing with people outside their jurisdiction. One of the reasons many of us keep a foothold in the UK.

 

[Graham376]

Understandably banks (and other organisations) have never been too happy dealing with people outside their jurisdiction. One of the reasons many of us keep a foothold in the UK.

UK banks have been a PITA for many years. Nephew arrived in country around 15 years ago and his employer only paid by bank transfer. He was refused an account at every bank he visited on the grounds he hadn't been resident for at least 6 months. In the end, I phoned around for him and only Lloyds agreed to open an account with an ATM card but no cheque book or credit card.

 

[nortada]

Roaming is another similar issue.

We have been advised that roaming controls will no longer apply to Brits abroad after 31/12. The implication is, standby for massive hikes in costs.

However, the leading providers have gone out of their way to confirms nothing will change.

 

[syvictoria]

They are only businesses after all.

Absolutely, so why would they go out of their way to make things more difficult and lose customers to competitors?

Understandably banks (and other organisations) have never been too happy dealing with people outside their jurisdiction. One of the reasons many of us keep a foothold in the UK.

Why will they be willing to lose customers? Because we're talking about a tiny proportion of customers and because it's easier/more cost effective for them to do so. Banks cater for the many, not the few. As soon as you want to do anything outside 'the box', banking options become far more restricted. And banks clearly don't expect brand loyalty any more either. If they did, they would reward it, but like insurers, etc., rewards (or bribes!) generally only seem to be for new customers.

 

[nortada]

Why will they be willing to lose customers? Because we're talking about a tiny proportion of customers and because it's easier/more cost effective for them to do so.

So small, avoidable, losses are OK?

I bank in the UK, using my UK address but do all of my transactions on line. How do I cost the bank anymore than the guy next door spending all his time in the UK, who regularly visits his local branch?

I see no evidence that anything is going to change, for me, in the near future.

 

[syvictoria]

So small, avoidable, losses are OK?

I bank in the UK, using my UK address but do all of my transactions on line. How do I cost the bank anymore than the guy next door spending all his time in the UK, who regularly visits his local branch?

I see no evidence that anything is going to change, for me, in the near future.

I doubt that it will be anything to do with small losses, but more to do with inconvenience, additional T&Cs to cover all eventualities and licencing, etc.

 

[nortada]

Roaming is another similar issue.

We have been advised that roaming controls will no longer apply to Brits abroad after 31/12. The implication is, standby for massive hikes in costs.

However, the leading providers have gone out of their way to confirms nothing will change.

Thanks to Covid, we have been out of the UK for over a year but despite their Fair Usage T&Cs 3 has continued to give us a full service and not surcharged.

Three also advised that as they have 71 Go Roam destinations around the world, their operation is far bigger than Brexit.

 

[Star-Lord]

Well that might be what you wish to happen but that's not what's happening at the moment and the banks have had 4 years to figure out what they want to do.. We have Greek bank accounts in any case so it matters little. From my experience your 'fears' are unjustified and even border on scaremongering.

Why would I wish this lol it is just one of the many reasons I am remaining a British resident and not taking up offers from EU27 countries who may one day reveal a sting in their tail.

 

[Tony Cross]

Why would I wish this lol it is just one of the many reasons I am remaining a British resident and not taking up offers from EU27 countries who may one day reveal a sting in their tail.

Well I note that your location is Sardinia and although I have no idea how many days you spend there each year, your residence status is a matter of fact and not your choice. You are resident wherever you spend more that 183 days in a year. If, for example, you ever need to prove your claimed UK residence, as you might if the Sardinian tax authorities ever come after you for back tax, you'll find that the UK requires to to prove that you have spent 183 days in the UK in the year(s) you're claiming residence for. Similarly, to prove to the Sardinian authorities that you're not resident there you will have to prove that you have been out of the country for at least 183 days in each year you're claiming not to be resident.

Residence is a fact of where you live - it's not something you can pick and choose. The wise accept that they're actually resident wherever they have chosen to live and take whatever action is necessary to legalise and normalise their status there. Any niggles or problems that their choice may cause just have to be dealt with in the best way possible.

 

[RupertW]

The RYA's information page about what happens after Brexit:

Brexit - what happens next? | Current Affairs | Knowledge & Advice | RYA - Royal Yachting Association

states in it's final paragraphs:

"The RYA has been lobbying hard to ensure that the inadequacy of the Schengen visa time frames for UK residents who keep their boats in the EU and who wish to cruise in excess of 90 days on Community waters is understood.

We are asking members who would be impacted by the restriction of only being able to spend 90 days in any 180 days in the Schengen area to write to their MP and urge the UK Government to seek reciprocity, as UK allows visitors to stay for up to six months."

I brought this to the attention of my MP by email, and it would seem that he is now going to try to pursue this matter through parliament! Whether his efforts will have any affect, I can of course not say, but it is a positive step in the right direction at least. I would therefore encourage as many people as possible to write to their MPs. It's also worth noting that this was not the first time that I'd emailed my MP regarding this matter, but it is the first time that he has seemingly been willing to pursue the matter at all. It would therefore seem that referencing the RYA and the above paragraph is key.

That was always completely pointless. Everybody has had 4 years to adapt to the well known rules of favoured third countries like USA and Australia, with the possible bonus of a better deal if a competent government negotiated intelligently.

 

[syvictoria]

That was always completely pointless. Everybody has had 4 years to adapt to the well known rules of favoured third countries like USA and UK, with the possible bonus of a better deal if a competent government negotiated intelligently.

Well, many thanks for your support.
Not everyone's plans are adaptable, and quite frankly, we were promised from the outset a 'good' deal.

 

[jordanbasset]

I looked into getting residency in Spain but you need to spend at least 183 days a year in the country. In reality that would not work with us as we enjoy spending a few months over winter in Spain, then a few months in Greece in the summer on the boat, then a week or weekend here and there is various European countries
I realise our situation and the situation of people like use are a very low priority for the Government so decided to sell the boat. Sad end but we had little choice, something had to give
Still at this time a lot of people are suffering a lot more, it is just a pity this was self inflicted damage by the country

 

[greeny]

Well, many thanks for your support.
Not everyone's plans are adaptable, and quite frankly, we were promised from the outset a 'good' deal.

Hmmm politicians and their promises...................

 

[RupertW]

Well, many thanks for your support.
Not everyone's plans are adaptable, and quite frankly, we were promised from the outset a 'good' deal.

By somebody you trust and could rely on?

It’s a rotten situation voted for by idiots and then managed by worse ones but at least there has been complete clarity of the default outcome and many years to get boat, passports and residence in the right place to make the least worst choice. But I do sympathise getting a decent solution is not always possible and at its very best has complicated what was a very simple situation for cruisers.

 

[Star-Lord]

Well I note that your location is Sardinia and although I have no idea how many days you spend there each year, your residence status is a matter of fact and not your choice. You are resident wherever you spend more that 183 days in a year. If, for example, you ever need to prove your claimed UK residence, as you might if the Sardinian tax authorities ever come after you for back tax, you'll find that the UK requires to to prove that you have spent 183 days in the UK in the year(s) you're claiming residence for. Similarly, to prove to the Sardinian authorities that you're not resident there you will have to prove that you have been out of the country for at least 183 days in each year you're claiming not to be resident.

Residence is a fact of where you live - it's not something you can pick and choose. The wise accept that they're actually resident wherever they have chosen to live and take whatever action is necessary to legalise and normalise their status there. Any niggles or problems that their choice may cause just have to be dealt with in the best way possible.

You assume

Well I note that your location is Sardinia and although I have no idea how many days you spend there each year, your residence status is a matter of fact and not your choice. You are resident wherever you spend more that 183 days in a year. If, for example, you ever need to prove your claimed UK residence, as you might if the Sardinian tax authorities ever come after you for back tax, you'll find that the UK requires to to prove that you have spent 183 days in the UK in the year(s) you're claiming residence for. Similarly, to prove to the Sardinian authorities that you're not resident there you will have to prove that you have been out of the country for at least 183 days in each year you're claiming not to be resident.

Residence is a fact of where you live - it's not something you can pick and choose. The wise accept that they're actually resident wherever they have chosen to live and take whatever action is necessary to legalise and normalise their status there. Any niggles or problems that their choice may cause just have to be dealt with in the best way possible.

1
Under normal circumstances it is very easy to spend less than 183 days a year in a one country, however Covid makes it hard / impossible to comply fully with this rule. I look forward to continuous cruising next year.