joto

We left UK about 7 years ago for a job in USA. Don't think we would go back permanently, but would never rule it out completely. You just pay far too much in tax in one form or another, ie: income tax, social security/health tax, council tax, road tax, tax on petrol , VAT, more tax if you earn over a certain income, tax on company car if you get one, stamp duty if you buy a house, the list just goes on and on. The government just fritters the money away and does not seem to put the money where it is most needed, ie: health service, teachers and the police force and the public transport system. We do get taxed here in USA but overall I don't think it is quite as much.

CUEBALL

Well we are in the same boat as you stekas, we were originally looking at NZ then OZ, but had bad news from some immigration agents today as not enough trade experience. SH*T SH*T SH*T.
but we have one or two options, wait a few more years or do as other work collegues and Agree with what others have said on this thread, Cyprus looks very promising, i have a friend out there and it`s starting to boom. House prices are obviously going up and apparantly the doors open April, then you can walk staright in as european citizen. If i am wrong on anything. others may well point this out, but if we can`t make NZ or OZ we will definatley looking at Cyprus.
Any comments or suggestions would also be gratefull from others, and wish everyone good fortune.
xxx

VanishingDragon

Hi Stekas!

Im also interested in getting away from the UK and feel the simiarily the way about it that you do.
Im mainly interested in Australia and New Zealand as well and want to start up a Plumbing business out there.
Since migrating to Australia and New Zealand is getting more and more difficult, im also thinking about other places as well.
In Europe id be interested in Germany or maybe Austria.
For Austria check this website www.virtualvienna.net
As far as Spain goes I am not so interested anymore. Reason being is because of the recent Election of a Socialist Party into power.
This isnt a good thing and I think if anyone is thinking of moving to Spain a socialist country to raise a family and bring up children should go and read the reports of war crimes of Robert Mugabe, the spanish republic, Stalin, lenin etc...

But anyway good luck whatever you do!

cyprus steve

Have a look at our web site

http://groups.msn.com/NorthernCyprus...strncinfo.msnw

Rule Britannia

I can relate to how this person feels although my personal circumstances are somewhat different. I am a 24-year-old British male, whose parents are relocating to another area and in order to continue employment with my current employer I must find my own accommodation locally.

The problem is that in southeast England house prices are so extortionate that I simply cannot afford my own place - either to rent or buy. I have spoken to the local council about accommodation, but was advised that as a single male my wait for accommodation could be a couple of years!

Now as anyone who knows Britain, and in particularly southeast England will know, we have recently received an influx of asylum seekers whose accommodation is provided by the government.

I'd like to point out that I'm by no means lazy, I work long hours in a local factory, earn over £25,000 per year and take all overtime on offer - but even this isn't enough. I have paid taxes since my first day in employment, and after being told that there is no suitable council accommodation I feel like asking, what is the point?

I despise the British government for how they treat certain people, and have political preferences.

nerjaman

Hi Steve and Kas: Spain is nice, don't know anyone personally who has relocated to France though. I have lots of expat friends in Spain who wouldn't swap it for the world. They'd never come back to UK now. Don't let events in Madrid put you off. At risk of being accused of spamming there is info about purchasing property and all aspects of living and working in Spain on the link below. I have no idea about Migration Agencies, but I'll certainly look into them. Good luck in relocating. I hope you find the ideal place for you.

pathfinder

Hi there

Hope you've come to some decision on where to live. I can really understand you're sentiment of leaving the sinking uk. I left Bradford 6 years ago and came to spain. the best move i could have made. Since then i have set up a company that helps people relocate. There is a lot of useful information on our website that could be of use to you. Best of luck.

Danny
www.relocatingtoandalucia.com

midge04

Hi, me and my husband feel exactly the same, we are looking at going to Oz, but recently my mind has turned to look into Spain, my mum has a holiday villa in Northern Spain, which is nice for us to go back to and i do like the mediteranean way of life.

I am weighing up the pros and cons of both, Spain is nearer for family to visit etc, but ive heard there is a better way of life in Oz, so im not sure what to do.

All we know is that we are fed up living in england and struggling constantly, every year we say the same thing, next year will be better, but it never is, i just want to get out of here and try something knew.

woodruffs

What would you do for work in n/cyprus and is there enough for the children to do as in activies/sport. my children are 2 and 4yrs old and my husband is a heating engineer/handyman. We like to visit can you suggest an area.

eilish

i would love to escape the uk and move to europe. was looking at menorca but i would be over the moon to run a chalet/b&b in austria. you have all the trade for summer and then skiers in winter. would be prepared to work every hour god sends to get the business off the ground. has anyone done this or help me make my dream come true!!!

thanks

AlisonPA

Friends of mine left the UK for Souther Spain a few years ago. Admittedly they have a lot of money as he sold his business but they live in a very Spanish village and have taken time to learn the language and have very many Spanish friends. They are not young but take part in all the village events, have people over for dinner etc. They absolutely love it and I have to admit that it is a wonderful place as I have visited them (and still only 40 minutes from Malaga airport).

I live in the US now, I love it and would never want to return permanently to the UK. I think my husband might like to give it a try at some stage but I know he'd hate it.

mrs sian bontempo

hi BOTH
sAW YOUR QUESTION AND WONDERED IF YOU HAD ANY GOOD AVISE FROM THE QUESTION.
WE ARE SERIOUSLEY CONSIDERING THE SAME MOVE TO FRANCE.MY HUSBAND WORKS FROM HOME AND WE ARE HOPING THIS CAN BE DONE FROM FRANCE.WE ALSO NEED INFO ON CHILDRENS SCHOOLING IN FRANCE.. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGESTIONS FOR US OR INFO WOULD BE GREATLEY APPRECIATED.
BEST WISHES FOR YOU FUTURE
SIAN

cidshock

I totally agree with the remarks you made, this once "great contry" of ours is sinking, and sinking fast, the goverment are more concerned with a softly softly approach to illegal imigrants, crime, etc along with many other things, than looking after their own people. I could list forever the reasons i want to move to spain.

here we come, glorious weather and a better way of life.

Sarah

SunSeaker

Go for it! My wife and I left just sold up in the UK and moved to the Algarve in Portugal 18 months ago. We started a small business and have never looked back.

The UK is now a long distant memory.

L D 1

A good idea is to rent a property before committing to a specific area, if you like the people near you and you feel comfortable then go ahead & buy. I have seen many make the mistake of buying too soon only to find they have neighbours from hell, Oh yes, they exist in Spain too!