Do I need to be a UK resident
 

My wife and I are considering moving to the UK. I am a british citizen she is american. I have been an american resident for nearly 13 years and that is how long we have been married. We are both retired. I own a flat in the UK where we would live. I assume that my wife would need a family visa. Is there a way of doing this without being separated for an extended time? Do I need to be resident in the UK before she applies?

Re: Do I need to be a UK resident
 

No you don't need to be a resident but some of the paperwork does seem to be worded for UK residents planning to bring their spouse into the county

I have been in the US for 40 years and am returning to the UK with my American Wife , our visa application from the US was approved and we picked up her biometric residence card in Glasgow last month.

Sounds like you have already met the accommodation requirement

Re: Do I need to be a UK resident
 

No, you don’t need to be resident. Providing you can meet the financial and accommodation requirements then she can apply from the US for her visa whilst you are still there and you can move together once it’s granted.

Re: Do I need to be a UK resident
 

That's encouraging, thanks very much. How long did the process take?