I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
#181
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2011
Location: Tunbridge Wells KENT
Posts: 2,914
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
All nationals referred to in the chart above (i.e. British) require a Social Visit Pass, which is issued on arrival, provided the traveller holds a valid passport, sufficient funds to cover stay in Singapore, confirmed onward/return tickets and entry documentation for further destinations. For nationals holding British and Irish passports, the maximum length of stay is 30 days; for other nationals the maximum length of stay is 7 or 14 days depending on nationality. Visitors on a Social Visit Pass are not permitted to work in Singapore. Extensions of up to 90 days can be applied for at the time, depending on nationality. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements .
#182
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Singapore
Posts: 31
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
I live in Singapore now and completely agree with the above. It doesn't however meet OP's requirements, as without paperwork you can't live there freely. Tourist visa is valid for 3 months and is renewed on each entry. On the other hand Singapore offers great business opportunities and income derived from abroad is tax free. In addition there are low income taxes, only 7% GST, cheap taxis, cheap food but expensive properties. Also if you are looking for laid back attitude, Singapore certainly doesn't offer it. It's a strict country with strict rules and huge fines, reminds me of a well run company and people working hard for the great "company" results. Government salaries are probably the highest in the world, therefore corruption is almost non-existing. Probably this would be a dream country to live if it wouldn't be so congested and offer some beach facilities and swimmable sea conditions (i.e. not polluted by ship tanks). Great location though and cheap flights across Asia makes it affordable to explore.
#183
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Oakville ON. Canada
Posts: 33
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
Is there any news on Sint Maarten?
#184
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Oakville ON. Canada
Posts: 33
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
Deb-123
New Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
Re: Anyone Living In St Martin?
It's possible that there's confusion because the island is half French half Dutch. The French part - St Martin - is part of France (a department of Paris) & thus is part of the EU. An EU citizen has the same right to reside & work as they do in any other part of the EU. The Dutch part - Sint Maarten - is part of the Netherland Antilles & is not part of the EU. Thus, the only people with an automatic right to reside & work on the Dutch side are holders of Dutch or Netherland Antilles passports. Although there are no border controls (so one moves freely between the 2) they are separate territories with their own laws, currency, language, etc.
Hope that helps!
New Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
Re: Anyone Living In St Martin?
It's possible that there's confusion because the island is half French half Dutch. The French part - St Martin - is part of France (a department of Paris) & thus is part of the EU. An EU citizen has the same right to reside & work as they do in any other part of the EU. The Dutch part - Sint Maarten - is part of the Netherland Antilles & is not part of the EU. Thus, the only people with an automatic right to reside & work on the Dutch side are holders of Dutch or Netherland Antilles passports. Although there are no border controls (so one moves freely between the 2) they are separate territories with their own laws, currency, language, etc.
Hope that helps!
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=583866
Interesting, this is the main point:
"The French part - St Martin - is part of France (a department of Paris) & thus is part of the EU. An EU citizen has the same right to reside & work as they do in any other part of the EU."
#185
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
warm climate? maybe dominican republic but they speak spanish.
#186
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
Is it correct that anyone with an EU passport can just move to the French Overseas Territories? This thread would seem to suggest it, but I always thought you had to be French. Then again, I also thought Belize was a lawless country run by the drug trade.
Anyway, suggestions and advice would be much appreciated, cheers.
Anyway, suggestions and advice would be much appreciated, cheers.
Belize, I heard they'd made it more difficult to move there as well in recent years. As I recall you can live there as a retiree without too much difficulty, you just need enough money, but being authorized to work there is more difficult.
#188
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 19
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
Any more ideas ?!
Just joined the forum but have been wanting to live somewhere warm an by the sea for a long time.
Sadly would need a job too !!
But finding the right place is key.
I know a bit of French (like GCSE school level so nothing great) but find France annoying !! Anyway am looking further afield than France.
Love scuba diving and interesting nature (on land, sea or air). Although scuba diving is pricey !
Have decent IT network skills, although not necessarily looking for a job in this field.
Happy with a basic existance for now - like BBQing fish I've caught myself (not comercially, just fishing rod and the sea !!) or cheap foods.
I'm also an Australian citizen although have only visited a few times. I'm looking for somewhere less developped / massive than Australua though - if that makes sense.
I'd love Bonaire but think its seriously difficult to get residency / stay over 6 months unless you're Dutch and even then you need to take a test in the native Bonaire language. Even though ypu blatantly don't need that language !!
Just joined the forum but have been wanting to live somewhere warm an by the sea for a long time.
Sadly would need a job too !!
But finding the right place is key.
I know a bit of French (like GCSE school level so nothing great) but find France annoying !! Anyway am looking further afield than France.
Love scuba diving and interesting nature (on land, sea or air). Although scuba diving is pricey !
Have decent IT network skills, although not necessarily looking for a job in this field.
Happy with a basic existance for now - like BBQing fish I've caught myself (not comercially, just fishing rod and the sea !!) or cheap foods.
I'm also an Australian citizen although have only visited a few times. I'm looking for somewhere less developped / massive than Australua though - if that makes sense.
I'd love Bonaire but think its seriously difficult to get residency / stay over 6 months unless you're Dutch and even then you need to take a test in the native Bonaire language. Even though ypu blatantly don't need that language !!
#189
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
Any more ideas ?!
Just joined the forum but have been wanting to live somewhere warm an by the sea for a long time.
Sadly would need a job too !!
But finding the right place is key.
I know a bit of French (like GCSE school level so nothing great) but find France annoying !! Anyway am looking further afield than France.
Love scuba diving and interesting nature (on land, sea or air). Although scuba diving is pricey !
Have decent IT network skills, although not necessarily looking for a job in this field.
Happy with a basic existance for now - like BBQing fish I've caught myself (not comercially, just fishing rod and the sea !!) or cheap foods.
I'm also an Australian citizen although have only visited a few times. I'm looking for somewhere less developped / massive than Australua though - if that makes sense.
I'd love Bonaire but think its seriously difficult to get residency / stay over 6 months unless you're Dutch and even then you need to take a test in the native Bonaire language. Even though ypu blatantly don't need that language !!
Just joined the forum but have been wanting to live somewhere warm an by the sea for a long time.
Sadly would need a job too !!
But finding the right place is key.
I know a bit of French (like GCSE school level so nothing great) but find France annoying !! Anyway am looking further afield than France.
Love scuba diving and interesting nature (on land, sea or air). Although scuba diving is pricey !
Have decent IT network skills, although not necessarily looking for a job in this field.
Happy with a basic existance for now - like BBQing fish I've caught myself (not comercially, just fishing rod and the sea !!) or cheap foods.
I'm also an Australian citizen although have only visited a few times. I'm looking for somewhere less developped / massive than Australua though - if that makes sense.
I'd love Bonaire but think its seriously difficult to get residency / stay over 6 months unless you're Dutch and even then you need to take a test in the native Bonaire language. Even though ypu blatantly don't need that language !!
#190
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 19
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
I never really considered that far up as I'm always told that cyclones are a serious problem, mining towns are full of drunken frustrated blokes looking for a fight, and its just too flamin' hot & humid !!
But I will look into this seriously as a viable option. Property seems really scarce. Thanks very much for these ideas.
But I will look into this seriously as a viable option. Property seems really scarce. Thanks very much for these ideas.
#191
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
I never really considered that far up as I'm always told that cyclones are a serious problem, mining towns are full of drunken frustrated blokes looking for a fight, and its just too flamin' hot & humid !!
But I will look into this seriously as a viable option. Property seems really scarce. Thanks very much for these ideas.
But I will look into this seriously as a viable option. Property seems really scarce. Thanks very much for these ideas.
#192
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Oakville ON. Canada
Posts: 33
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
Have we talked about the Canary Islands?
Are they Spanish so any EU passport holder can move there?
Wondering
Are they Spanish so any EU passport holder can move there?
Wondering
#193
Just Joined
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
want to go stay with my children to adopt my culture and have family ties in Zimbabwe, what type of stay do i need as a British citizen?
#194
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Oakville ON. Canada
Posts: 33
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
Yes this is an OLD thread, but I found this comment and wanted to post it here:
From:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...=583866&page=4
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...=583866&page=4
So...The French did the whole EU thing right.
As far as I can tell, as EU citizens you can live, work, stay in a bunch of French Islands, without applying for anything. It is about as easy as moving down the street. They may have weird requirements (language, permits) that make it difficult for you to find a job, but in theory there is nothing preventing it.
The only requirement (other than your passport) is that if you are planning to stay for longer than three months you might have to go by the town hall and register (that is the normal french rule anyway). This is just a quick and immediate registration process, no drawn out application process, just get a receipt (probably useful for tax purposes down the road).
In addition, as an EU citizen, your non-eu spouse (or dependent children, or dependent parents) are allowed to join you if you have a job or sufficient means to support yourself. (See details)
http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/citiz...parents_en.htm
Sample of EU entry requirements to St. Barts (compared to Canadian)
St Barts tourist site says for European Citizens:
"All citizens of the European Union must have a valid passport."
St. Barts for Canadians and Americans:
"All American and Canadian citizens arriving in Saint Barth must have a valid passport, as well a round-trip ticket or proof of continuation of travel. A visa is not necessary if the intended stay on the island is inferior to, or equal to, 30 days.
However, the passport must be valid and not expire for at least three months from the date of entry to the territory of St Barthélemy."
Entry into Saint. Martin (weird case split island with St Maarten dutch)
Looking specifically at St. Martin (the french side), there are some weird rules, like you can enter the french side airport with just an EU passport, but if you enter the dutch airport (the major airprot) you will require a return ticket home. I don't know how it works with living on the dutch side, but since there is no border, I doubt it would be very hard.
There may be a few other weird rules or rule changes with St. Martin or St. Barts as they are currently changing status with the EU, but the treaty is clear and should apply.
The Rest
Full List of French Places which get the full EU treatment (four freedoms) because they are specifically listed in the EU treaty.
This appears to apply to all the french Islands:
Guadeloupe
French Guiana
Martinique
Réunion
Saint-Barthélemy
Saint-Martin
the Azores
Madeira
Canary Islands
Direct Text from the EU Treaty:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/...83:FULL:EN:PDF
1. The provisions of the Treaties shall apply to Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion,
Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands in accordance with
Article 349.
2. The special arrangements for association set out in Part Four shall apply to the overseas countries
and territories listed in Annex II.
9.5.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 115/197The Treaties shall not apply to those overseas countries and territories having special relations with the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which are not included in the aforementioned
list.
6. The European Council may, on the initiative of the Member State concerned, adopt a decision
amending the status, with regard to the Union, of a Danish, French or Netherlands country or territory
referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2. The European Council shall act unanimously after consulting the
Commission.
From:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...=583866&page=4
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...=583866&page=4
So...The French did the whole EU thing right.
As far as I can tell, as EU citizens you can live, work, stay in a bunch of French Islands, without applying for anything. It is about as easy as moving down the street. They may have weird requirements (language, permits) that make it difficult for you to find a job, but in theory there is nothing preventing it.
The only requirement (other than your passport) is that if you are planning to stay for longer than three months you might have to go by the town hall and register (that is the normal french rule anyway). This is just a quick and immediate registration process, no drawn out application process, just get a receipt (probably useful for tax purposes down the road).
In addition, as an EU citizen, your non-eu spouse (or dependent children, or dependent parents) are allowed to join you if you have a job or sufficient means to support yourself. (See details)
http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/citiz...parents_en.htm
Sample of EU entry requirements to St. Barts (compared to Canadian)
St Barts tourist site says for European Citizens:
"All citizens of the European Union must have a valid passport."
St. Barts for Canadians and Americans:
"All American and Canadian citizens arriving in Saint Barth must have a valid passport, as well a round-trip ticket or proof of continuation of travel. A visa is not necessary if the intended stay on the island is inferior to, or equal to, 30 days.
However, the passport must be valid and not expire for at least three months from the date of entry to the territory of St Barthélemy."
Entry into Saint. Martin (weird case split island with St Maarten dutch)
Looking specifically at St. Martin (the french side), there are some weird rules, like you can enter the french side airport with just an EU passport, but if you enter the dutch airport (the major airprot) you will require a return ticket home. I don't know how it works with living on the dutch side, but since there is no border, I doubt it would be very hard.
There may be a few other weird rules or rule changes with St. Martin or St. Barts as they are currently changing status with the EU, but the treaty is clear and should apply.
The Rest
Full List of French Places which get the full EU treatment (four freedoms) because they are specifically listed in the EU treaty.
This appears to apply to all the french Islands:
Guadeloupe
French Guiana
Martinique
Réunion
Saint-Barthélemy
Saint-Martin
the Azores
Madeira
Canary Islands
Direct Text from the EU Treaty:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/...83:FULL:EN:PDF
1. The provisions of the Treaties shall apply to Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion,
Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands in accordance with
Article 349.
2. The special arrangements for association set out in Part Four shall apply to the overseas countries
and territories listed in Annex II.
9.5.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 115/197The Treaties shall not apply to those overseas countries and territories having special relations with the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which are not included in the aforementioned
list.
6. The European Council may, on the initiative of the Member State concerned, adopt a decision
amending the status, with regard to the Union, of a Danish, French or Netherlands country or territory
referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2. The European Council shall act unanimously after consulting the
Commission.
#195
Re: I am english, so where can i live without all the bloody forms
This thread is interesting, but it kind of boils down to
1st world infrastructure
3rd world cost of living
Hassle free residency
Easy employment options
Oh and a nice tropical climate and a place to live by the beach.
Bonus points for
English speaking
Good beer
Local female population throws themselves wantonly at any middle aged European guy
1st world infrastructure
3rd world cost of living
Hassle free residency
Easy employment options
Oh and a nice tropical climate and a place to live by the beach.
Bonus points for
English speaking
Good beer
Local female population throws themselves wantonly at any middle aged European guy