Have you ever lived or considered living abroad?

Lived in Germany just short of a year now. Love it.

They do so many things better IMO than the UK. Some are subtle, small thing’s and some are big improvements. The sum all of parts makes a huge difference for me.

What does Germany do better mate? Subtle, small and big? Genuinely curious!
 
What does Germany do better mate? Subtle, small and big? Genuinely curious!
I was over there a few months back and it was good to see shopping centres with shops in them again. The public transport system was superb (€9 a month was all we paid) and it has a feeling of a place not in a downward spiral. It will have its fair share of social problems but they're not as overt as here. Oh yes, they had visible policing too.

It started back in the 70's when they lost more hours to strikes than we did but chose negotiation with unions rather than confrontation. It's worked by the looks of things, and that's without an oil and gas sector propping then up in the 80's and 90's.

I used to go to Spain in holiday in the 70's and 80's and wonder at how far behind us they were, didn't take them long to pass us. Same for Ireland.

Wake up time.
 
See also Scandinavia, in fact most Western countries. It's difficult to distil (although CtC does a good job above) but they feel like more "mature" societies, problems are addressed in pragmatic and sensitive ways with a general desire to make improvements for all. I think quite a bit boils down to high taxation, it's an equitable regime but as such there is a high degree of expectation that things just work and are high quality.

The UK has suffered a lot from "race to bottom" economics in my opinion - we're used to paying very little for absolutely appalling quality. The mindset is very different elsewhere.
 
Yes, although I’ve not followed it closely as it does not affect me. However, it’s not straightforward from what I’ve been reading where children are involved.

As your friend no doubt knows know, french children cannot be disinherited by their parents and the law sets reserved portions of the deceased’s estate for biological children.

In 2015 France respected a EU directive that the law of the country of the deceased’s last residence applies to the whole estate if they state this in a will - this allowed for example English people to choose flexible English law.

In 2021 a new law was introduced which seems to clash with this. It says that when a foreign law system is to apply to an estate involving french property and that system does not have forced heirship rules (as with English law) the notaire should contact any children saying they have a right to compensation up to the value of the reserved portion. However, the children do not have to opt to claim this.

I’ve read that this is causing a bit of a stir in the legal profession as nobody is really sure how the law will work in practice with so few cases as the law was only introduced last november.

Your friend is wise to seek professional advice, although even some notaries seem confused. Something to watch if he has children. There are ways to get around much of the tax, but measures must be put in place well in advance.

Great, really helpful. Thanks, Pierre
 
What does Germany do better mate? Subtle, small and big? Genuinely curious!
Yes. To add to what @Corcaigh_the_Cat has already written…

The roads always seem to be in better nick.
The anti social behavior, especially where I live, is next to nothing.
The youth seem to be much more respectful and well mannered.
I can make a doctors appointment and get seen within the same day and be in and out of the practice in 30 minutes.
They have a policy of returning all plastic bottles and you get your money back for them. As well as beer cans/bottles. Therefore you never see any lying about because at the very least…the homeless collect them. The large beer brewers then collect, clean and reuse them.
They generally offer more holidays as standard for employees (they also have more bank holidays)
Extra time worked can be used as additional holidays…of course this can happen In UK, but it seems to be common practice here.
As mentioned, the policing is more abundant and more visible.
The football ticket pricing is cheaper. That’s despite the fact that includes U Bahn (metro) transfers. You can also stand and watch and have a beer if that’s your preference.
Companies that you work for usually offer deals and discounts to other local companies. They try and help each other out.
German efficiency isn’t a gimmick. They pride themselves on it. They’re punctual and thorough in the things they do and it shows.

I could probably sit and think of more but I’m not as efficient 😉
 
It doesn't feel like my country anymore, since the tories came in and turned it into a brexity 'hostile environment'.

I'm definitely looking for a life boat.
Me too.
I really hate this country. I’m trying to convince the Mrs to head to northern Spain for a more settled and secure future….

Anyone lived in northern Spain where the weather isn’t too hot and can suggest areas close to a decent city ?
 
Me too.
I really hate this country. I’m trying to convince the Mrs to head to northern Spain for a more settled and secure future….

Anyone lived in northern Spain where the weather isn’t too hot and can suggest areas close to a decent city ?
San Sebastian/Donostia is gorgeous. It's also one of the most expensive cities in Spain so maybe not. Depends what you want out of a place though. Is nice as it is its also very remote. You can't even get to a proper train to get to its closest big city, Bilbao. If you like the British seasons and unpredictable weather (I know that soinds odd but if I ever did move to Singapore weather variability is something I'd really miss) then Galicia is the place for you. It's as far removed from the siesta, flamenco, sangria image of Spain that most of us have but it seems nice, if rugged.
 
After Brexit is it still possible to just up sticks and go to Spain?

I would imagine that all EU countries have a system similar to that in France where you apply for a long-stay visa (1 year) and during that time go through the process of obtaining a residence card.
 
I would imagine that all EU countries have a system similar to that in France where you apply for a long-stay visa (1 year) and during that time go through the process of obtaining a residence card.
I think in some countries you have to provide evidence that you're able to support yourself financially.
 
I would imagine that all EU countries have a system similar to that in France where you apply for a long-stay visa (1 year) and during that time go through the process of obtaining a residence card.
Not all, we've been trying to get into Sweden for months. A job or study is pretty much the only way, unless you have family ties.
 
Not all, we've been trying to get into Sweden for months. A job or study is pretty much the only way, unless you have family ties.
Yes, i was generalising as the question was about Spain in particular which I believe is one of the easier countries to enter. I was hoping someone in Spain would clarify as i know the details such as financial independence will vary from country to country.
 
What about Portugal seem to be good to retire to or earn your income from another country.
I lived near Estoril and Cascais for 3 years when working at the NATO base.
It was in the mid 90’s when Portugal was being pulled up by the scruff of its neck into tech and modernisation.
It was quite amazing that most people under 30 grasped the nettle and embraced the changes, however, people over 30’ish chose to remain in the past, regaling historic traditions.
Nevertheless, it was an amazing place to live, and the people were very friendly, especially more towards Lisbon and the Benfica supporting Labour population.
Some of the Sporting Lisbon supporting Conservative types could sometimes be a bit more stuffy.
Beautiful scenery and secluded beaches could be found almost anywhere.
I quite enjoyed the 5 course lunches, especially Porco Alentejo (a dish from over the river) which is pork and clams with onions, tomatoes and garlic served with Batata Mourou, which are baby potatoes (skin on) roasted in garlic butter. Followed by Arroz Doce, rice pudding Portuguese style. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it !!
 
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I lived near Estoril and Cascais for 3 years when working at the NATO base.
It was in the mid 90’s when Portugal was being pulled up by the scruff of its neck into tech and modernisation.
It was quite amazing that most people under 30 grasped the nettle and embraced the changes, however, people over 30’ish chose to remain in the past, regaling historic traditions.
Nevertheless, it was an amazing place to live, and the people were very friendly, especially more towards Lisbon and the Benfica supporting Labour population.
Some of the Sporting Lisbon supporting Conservative types could sometimes be a bit more stuffy.
Beautiful scenery and secluded beaches could be found almost anywhere.
I quite enjoyed the 5 course lunches, especially Porco Alentejo (a dish from over the river) which is pork and clams with onions, tomatoes and garlic served with Batata Mourou, which are baby potatoes (skin on) roasted in garlic butter. Followed by Arroz Doce, rice pudding Portuguese style. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it !!
Love Cascais, spent a week there a few years back (and Portugal in general)

I *think* they may have some sort of Visa waiver scheme or similar depending on the industry you work in. Might be worth following up. I had mates who moved to Lisbon from London years back, took up jobs as teaching assistants and lived like royalty in comparison with their standard of living in London.

Did not realise that re: Sporting Lisbon by the way, are they the team of "money" in Lisbon?
 
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