Can an American Retiree Move to England?
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- Here are some of the ways you can retire to England as an American
1. as a family member or partner of British citizen
2. you already have a retired person visa which can be extended
3. you’ve settled in the UK before or you’ve been in the UK legally for 10 years
4. If you have at least one British parent who was born in the UK, you might be a citizen and not need a visa
5. If you have Canadian or commonwealth citizenship and one grandparent born in the UK then you can qualify through ancestry. Unfortunately Americans can’t qualify through this loophole unless they’re also Canadian citizens.
I’m assuming if you’re retiring you won’t be working or studying but those routes have other visa options.
Why retire to the UK?
The pros to retiring full time in the UK or england is of course freedom of movement, access to health care and able to get immersed into local community and culture.
The cons to retiring full time in the uk as an american is potentially additional taxation, and higher cost of living and distance from loved ones and friends in the US.
I recommend trying living here for up to 6 months which you can do legally. Get the best of both worlds and at the same time see if living or retiring here full time will be right for you.
You can find more details at
www.hipoverfif...
I have been meaning to watch your videos for ages... This thumbnail totally sucked me in! I have retired and live in Britain part time... like you say it is definitely "best of both worlds"!!!
The 6 month rule is for 'genuine' visitors - not for people who are seeking to live in the UK.
It is incorrect to say there is no counting of time. If you are spending more of your time living in the UK than your home country you can be refused entry and removed. If that happens, you will need to apply for a visa before attempting to re-enter the UK for any purpose, including as a visitor.
US citizens are classed as non visa nationals as visitors. You have no right of appeal against a refusal of entry before you are removed - regardless of the fact you may own a property in the UK.
Just apply for the correct visa in the first place!
Thanks for watching! I agree, the best of both worlds.
There be no heat in england this year a complete diaster so many people died they froze its all so sad never happened when I lived there lots of heat
If you have enough money, you can live whereever you want to.
If people were in that situation, they wouldn't likely be searching on here.
Very true..
I am not a zillionair. But, I'm ok. Want to go "home".
I love all your videos! Hubby & i are visiting UK next month and your clips are soooo enjoyable. Thanks so much for the great info & tips! 😊
Have fun! Thanks for letting me know 🙏
The main reason for stopping the retired persons visa is to stop those coming over souly for the healthcare. If you are able to get a visa then you will certainly be made to pay the Healthcare Surcharge annually.
It's the same reason why flight restrictions were added when flying into Britain when pregnant.
That makes sense although I think most retirees would have health care figured into the finances.
@@HipOverFifty As an economist I totally agree. Have a flood of people suddenly tapping the health care system would crash it.
That makes sense, but perhaps they should charge foreigners a monthly fee for the benefit. As a retiree, you spend a lot of money there, and you don't work, so you aren't taking a job from a citizen. You are helping out the economy. I can't justify buying a house there that I can only live in 6 months of the year.
Many many thx, extremely well made.
As others have mentioned, some visas etc were stopped to avoid overloading the healthcare system.
You’re welcome! I think they’re giving student visas the most love at the moment.
@@HipOverFifty what are the odds for couples in good health to get citizenship
With the six month rule, how long do you have to be gone before you can return for another six months?
Oh I do love a cold rainy day!
You must live in Florida! ;) I like a few now and then but not a whole months worth
Beware London has less rain than Rome and New York , thunder storms are few and far apart , it's just that the rain is spread over more days and usually your wearing the wrong clothing 😊
@@lawrenceglaister4364 you're correct sir, London seems to be in it's own weather system, milder and dryer than just about anywhere else.
IMHO you can retire more or less anywhere.
Its all about funding.
Australia is one of the toughest places to retire to but if you've got enough in the bank you will be accepted
You’re probably right some places are just harder than others though and for some reason the UK investor visa is no longer an option!
Where is a reputable source you’d recommend where I can get good information on this topic?
@@Iz0pen I've got several articles on my site about UK visas, but you can also go to the source gov.uk
@@HipOverFifty Do you have any thoughts on the Innovator visa? I just became aware of this visa myself.
@@jackbaldwin3649 This visa is for anyone who is thinking of setting up a "unique" business that is different to any business currently operating. Curious? Check my article for links to the Innovator Founder visa requirements. www.hipoverfifty.com/what-options-do-americans-have-to-retire-in-the-uk/ T
New subscriber. How would you rank orthopedic surgeries, insurances, medical care for those considering moving permanently, age 65.
It sounds like I could do a more in depth video on health care here and what it covers, although I have done a couple on UK healthcare. If you have legal residency you have full access to all care without the need for insurance. Look for my latest video on my experience with the NHS and I'll plan to do more. Thanks for subscribing!
England and UK are not synonymous. Most of what you say is applicable to the rest of the UK but you dodge back and forth saying England and then UK. I imagine US citizens who maybe want to move to Wales or Scotland for example will wonder if what you are saying applies to the other countries in the UK.
A child born abroad to a british mother wasn't allowed to have a British pasport until the law was changed in.i think the late 1980s until then it was only if the father was British
Interesting. I'll have to look into that!
This is correct. My Mom was born in Glasgow Scotland prior to 1983 (1932). I was born in the US. I just recently applied for UK citizenship by descent. I had to apply because it was my Mom that was born there prior to 1983 when there was gender discrimination. If it was my Dad that was born there at any time, I would have been granted UK citizenship automatically! The law was changed in 1983 so anyone born to a UK Mother after 1983 will automatically become a UK citizen.
@@gilliantracy7991 one of my relatives born in the 1970s had to apply to the court to stay in the UK when her parents marriage broke down.
@@gilliantracy7991 thank you for letting us know that Gillian! Very helpful.
I m a dual national and so i have the option to live there. and i plan on it.. soon. I will rent bf buying def. and im not sure i will even have a home in the usa im retired af too so i can use bases..
Sounds like you've got a plan!
Under legislation brought introduced in 2023 if you move to the UK on a student visa you can not bring other family members, including your spouse, with you
The 6 month visa sounds like the best option for someone considering it
It's not a visa!
Hi! Loved your video. I have dual American-Canadian citizenship and most likely my grandparents were British Subjects. Can you guide me with this information on if I could possibly get a Visa? Thank you!!
Great so glad you enjoyed it 😁if you have Canadian citizenship and one grandparent who was born in the UK then you can qualify through ancestry I would go to the Gov.uk site and search for your particular situation and good luck! 👍🏻😊
We are retired, can we spend 6 months in the UK, leave for a month and return for another 6 months? I will also check out your blog to read up on our questions. TY for your videos/help.
There’s no limit on up to six months I think if you try to keep doing it over and over it will raise some flags but there is no limit on how often you do that. I was just reading an article on CNN about how many Americans are moving to Europe so you’re not the only ones thinking of it! Thanks for watching.
@@HipOverFifty Hi Tessa, have you personally heard of anyone not being able to return if they do continually return to the UK after being gone a month for example? Thank you so much!
@@jackbaldwin3649 no I haven't... I think a lot depends on what your reasons are, who you're staying with/visiting and how long and often you visit. I'd think that if you are visiting family consistently vs let's say possibly flounting the no work rule then they are going to look at your returns in a different light. Hope that helps!
@@HipOverFifty Very helpful, thank you! I wish I had family in the UK.
@@HipOverFifty how long does one have to leave before they can come back for another 6 months
Could you please explain how taxes would apply on U.S. retirement pensions. I enjoy your videos, many thanks.
Glad you enjoy the videos - however I'm not a tax professional. Best get advice from one who is!
I am a dual U.S. UK citizen. I am retired. If I moved to the UK permenantly , I know I could have my Social Security deposited there. After a while, would I be able to cancel my Medicare coverage in the US? If I moved back to the USA, would I be eligible to restart Medicare? How are you dealing with the weather in the winter? Thanks for your videos.
Not sure about canceling Medicare and starting it back up that’s something you’d have to check with Social Security about. Winter weather is definitely trying 😂I’m thinking of spending it somewhere else ha ha. Thank you for watching!
Why would the American social security still pay you if your thinking of going to England to stay wouldn't they stop it??? But you can go to FRANCE it might be easier to get into there than ENGLAND
I don’t have mega bucks. I rent in NYC & am 68 & am disabled. I can’t-give up my affordable rent for 6 mos. I need a permanent move. Out of luck.
You don't need to come here for a full 6 months, but you have that option. Try a month at a time. See if it's your cup of tea! Mazel tov
Thanks for your help. By the way, I have been waiting for a month for GRO to mail my father's birth certificate, but nothing yet!? Is it possible to come to the UK for 6 months as a visitor and complete my citizenship paperwork there?
Sorry just seeing this - YT sometimes hides comments! Of course you can come over and stay as a visitor. Just be aware the wheels can move a little slower here than in the US.
Do you have a video on tourist visa, is it simple and how long is it for? thanks so much
from the gov.uk site - "You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK. A Standard Visitor visa costs £100 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel." allso "You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months." However in most cases you won't need a tourist visa to visit the UK. I'll do more research and do a video on it - thanks for watching!
Question, is it true of what I have been told that you can spend 6 months in the UK go to France for a week or weekend and then return back to the UK which start the 6 months again and continuing that repetitively?
Technically there's no limit on how the 6 months is treated, however if the Border force thinks you are using it to try and live here full time then that will send up a red flag. So not I wouldn't advise trying to do it repetitively.
@@HipOverFifty Thank you. I've visited England a couple of times spending 30 days each. I so enjoy being there and is considering to retire there but trying to get as much information to make a rational decision. 😊
@@pal7252 ask on RUclips for Americans retiring to the UK plenty have done it
This, I think, would have been a seamless exercise before a majority of us ( but not I ) decided that the European Union is not for us. Many of my fellows though that we ( the UK ) should naturally fall into a great / er trading relationship with the United States, post Brexit - and as if the United States had nothing to say on the matter. AKA "Thick."
How did your son get a British passport? You mentioned that, but I didn't understand the details...
He was able to apply as my son, based on the face I was born here and am a British citizen. This works with a parent/child but not grandparent/child. Only one generation down. Hope that makes sense!
@@HipOverFifty yes it does, thanks! My husband is a dual citizen but our sons could not get citizenship since he was born in Jamaica not the UK proper. Disappointing! Which of your videos explains your backstory?
@@MagentaOtterTravels oh that is a shame. There's so many nooks and crannies on the citizenship route!! I don't have a specific video, but hipoverfifty.com has a lot more on why I chose to move back! Would love to hear what you do 😃
@@HipOverFifty thanks! I will check out your website later and let you know how our paths are similar 😉
@@MagentaOtterTravels Nice to see you two getting together.
I lived in UK for 4 years. Have always wanted to return. Retired. Ideas?
I guess it depends if you have any right to remain here? Or if you could be happy, splitting your time between here and there. 🤔
With the six month rule, if you leave after six months, how long do you have to be gone before you can return for another six months?
There is no set amount of time you have to be gone before returning.
Thank you for this information! I know it is an uphill road to immigrate to the UK as an American. But as I absolutely hate living in the USA, and regret that my ancestors defied HRH over a tiny tax problem, I cannot wait to leave this sorry excuse of a “country” for the glorious God-fearing land of England my true home.
Well I was happy to come back home even though my parents decided to emigrate when I was just a tot! Keep trying and hoping I always think there’s a way 🙌
Still confused because my passport will only let me stay in the uk for 6 months
Happy to answer a question, but I'm not sure what you're confused about?
I have a big question for you. My father was born in the UK, and I have his birth certificate. But at a young age, he relocated to Canada and grew up there. Would I still have the right to citizenship?
My mother was born in the UK and I was born in the US. All my siblings and I were able to get citizenship through my mother even though we all live in the US. I'm retiring soon and seriously considering moving to the UK.
Watch my latest video. I go into detail about citizenship through parents/grandparents. I'm assuming your father was born before 1983 so the answer is yes. It doesn't matter that he moved to Canada. So did I!
@@karensteele1760 I have my Father"s Birth cert. from English that is the easy part as you know the portfolio they are requesting is crazy wanting references fro m people we most know living within the Uk for the last 25 years etc...
What if none of those categories fit you in United States citizen? Is there another category like if you can create an entrepreneur ship or contribute in someway?
Unfortunately the Investor and Entrepreneur visas are no longer viable. There is an Innovator visa if you're able to show your business is different than any other in the marketplace. They don't make it easy. www.hipoverfifty.com/what-options-do-americans-have-to-retire-in-the-uk/
Why would you want to come here to the UK??
In a word YES, but it's not easy. That said $,100,000 in the bank opens doors.
You never mentioned people of retirement age in the UK are entitled to free bus travel and free medical prescriptions.
Haven't got to that vid yet! ;)
Actually, from age 60. Retirement age is 66 for the State Pension.
@@adoculos4521 Not strictly true. There's free bus travel from age 60 for residents of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England the pass is only available from the date the state pension is paid with the exception of those living in London, Merseyside and possibly a few other local authorities where it's 60.
So i lived there 20 years ago, I can return, or only temporarily??
It depends on what your citizenship status is. If you've settled in the UK before you may be able to use that to request the right to remain. Look at option 4. www.hipoverfifty.com/what-options-do-americans-have-to-retire-in-the-uk/
i can! im a dual
national! have two passports, woohoo
Lucky duck!
Or get on a boat in France, then you are fine.
Then there is the back door method. People from the Republic of Ireland have rights to stay and work in UK, easier to get Irish citizenship. Hay presto- door open.
That was only applicable while the UK was in the EU. Doubt if you are able to do that now & vice versa UK to Rep. Of Ireland check!
@@Nkana1953 , not to sure about that as after independence people with Irish citizenship / born in Ireland can apply for a British passport and as said before can work and live in the UK , just look at any city's population in the UK
@@Nkana1953 no the Common trade agreement with Ireland predates the treaty of Rome and still stands. Both citizens can live or work in the other country.
Grandparents???
No. Unless they're Irish and then you get Irish citizenship which is as good as UK.
...or you could just paddle across in a dinghy from France.....
Haha that's exactly what I was going to say Free house,Car,Benefits they get it all..SMH
You don't get automatic citizenship that way. In 2022 only 22% of completed asylum claims were successfully. Nigel Farage and the Mail don't give you all the facts
Migrant lives matter
Why would you do that england is going to take away your car they want to get rid of gas and oil and your going to run out of food you know why anbody would move there plus if you want to live like england go to California its as craxy go to most states and have freedom thats the word they want to take it away from you why i have no clue but its scary
You're right, you 'have no clue'.
Take a tip, stop watching Fox Fake News.
Then, get yourself to some basic English literacy classes asap.
Are full stops rationed where you live?
@@luluk3340 Also apostrophes, capital letters, and basic good grammar.
It's a MAGA.
Your absolutely clueless did MSNB tell you that😂😂 America is out of control and a massive LUNATIC ASYLUM the place is DOOMED especially now OBIDEN PRESIDENT you couldnt pay me enough to live in AMERICA no way jose to out of control..
Greetings from England
Congratulations on the most stupid post I and everyone else have ever seen