We are evaluating the feasibility of returning to UK within 2 years. We are both retired (ages 69 and 67) and are collecting both UK and USA state pensions as well as very small defined benefit pensions in UK through former UK employers. I am a UK citizen and in 1986 my US husband was given the "right to live and work in UK indefinitely" which I guess is the same as a permanent resident visa? It was just stamped in his passport. We lived and worked there from 1986 to 1996. I had never been employed there previously.
We are trying to evaluate the difference in cost of living since healthcare and housing would appear to be less expensive in Scotland. We are also concerned about what would happen here in US if we needed long term care, nursing home, etc. We have no funds for that here. Our entire net worth after selling our home would be around $200K. No other funds. So essentially we are thinking if we bought a small flat in Scotland, would we feel more secure about the "unknown" when it comes to growing older? My experience of things when living there was that the elderly are much better taken care of. Besides, I am so longing to be "home" and my husband loves it there.

Indefinite Leave is normally lost after 2 years of not living in the country, obtaining citizenship would have been a wise idea. You will need to look into the requirements for the spouse visa, and see if they can be met (particularly the financial requirements) - the rules were changed last July.

Thankfully, you have a house to sell as you will be required to provide proof of funds for a spouse visa. But to answer your question, I do think you will feel more secure. I can't think of a more insecure place to grow old in than the USA. We will be retiring in the UK too.

Personally I would feel more secure retiring in the UK than the US. No doubt. Plus you're close to Europe for lots of fun weekend breaks, etc. that could really liven up a retirement.

Zen10, Roaringmouse, and Perthhomeschool, thank you for this great advice and encouragement. Will check out the visa process.

Start researching here for spouse visa for the UK. Since you left the UK in 1996 and your hubby did not have citizenship, then his ILR will have lapsed unless you have very strong ties to the UK, visited frequently in the past, have home there etc etc.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/vi...izens-settled/

You, as the British citizen will need to sponsor him, but from the sounds of it you will have resources from the sale of your house.

Since you are retired, consider buying somewhere cheap stateside (most obviously Florida) in addition that flat in Scotland. And becoming seasonal residents. Bungalows in Florida are, by and large, cheaper than flats in Scotland.

The concern that comes to my mind is if the OP will still have the financial resources after 2½ years when they have to prove it all again for the second temporary visa - and then 2½ years after that for the permanent visa (presuming they buy a property).

The big issues would be getting the spouse visa for the husband, but it looks like the OP will be wealthy enough to be allowed to bring her spouse into the UK. Then there would be maintaining Medicare eligibility just in case they ever want to move back to the USA. I like the idea of moving to Scotland as it seems that benefits and healthcare are better there than in England and Wales.

We came to that conclusion last night, Nun (nice to see you, btw!) We are now looking again at the first place we had looked at a year ago - Edinburgh Still, all in all it was not a waste of time. I got to see a lot of what the country has to offer. It will be a breeze now deciding where to go for day trips

For USD100k they could buy a large condo in a gated community with a real guardhouse in a touristy (Disney etc) area of Florida for example this one.
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/40...69317733_zpid/

And then buy a flat in Scotland as well with the proceeds of house sale where presently living.

Move the American stuff to Florida. Keep Medicare going for $100/month. Avoid visa issues by having the American spouse live 185 days a year in Florida and 180 in Scotland. And the British spouse live 185 days a year in Scotland 180 in Florida, thus British resident. Being a technically a tourist visitor, the American gets emergency NHS and US Medicare for non-emergency stuff.

A visa can be pursued at leisure, no rush, no deadlines. The need to sell up is reduced to a need to U-Haul to Florida and no bridges are burned, you can always unwind either end if it does not work out. American car does not have to be sold, Florida motor insurance is by the month for seasonal residents. The condo can be lent out (or let out) to friends and relatives who want to do Disney etc. during the summer.

Summers in Scotland and Winters in Florida sounds pretty close to ideal to me.

You make it sounds so easy, Holly! Is that what you are doing at present?

I'm very interested in this scenario, because it is a possible way forward for my wife and myself (I'm a dual citizen, she's US.)

Possible downsides;
..For people on a relatively limited retirement income, there are two sets of regular bills (utilities, condo fees in FL etc.)
..No guarantee the British will let the American in each time, bearing in mind he or she owns property in the UK and is seeking to spend almost half their time in the UK. Or are they lenient towards American seniors? Anyone know?
..Tax. Would this be feasible for married filing jointly? Or would a couple have to decouple all their joint accounts, and file separately?

Aside from that, it is an interesting concept, and timely for me as I've been thinking along those lines for us.

Certainly might be a way forward for the OP....

Medicare Part A (hospitalization) is free and that will be automatically maintained. The other parts are optional and can be dropped. If they return to the US, they can enroll in the other parts prior to returning during the annual open enrolment period. However there is a premium penalty for each year that is missed (10% per year for part B outpatient care). So if you were out for 5 years, the Part B premium would be about $150 per month instead of about $100 per month.