EU aftereffect

[shauna]

Hi everyone

I guess its really to early for anyone to say, but what are your thought's/guess's on the effect of Brexit for us ex pats?

I for one, am dreading going back to those dark days of paying 500 or so Kn each year for the privilege of living here

Anyway let me know what you think will happen?

thanks in advance

[crojoe]

500 Kuna ain't much (unless you got a big family) for the "privilege" to live here. But no one at this time can give an educated guess as to the final outcome. It could all crash out and we have a United melt down, global implosion or things could be better off (over time... seeing Rome wasn't built in a day). In some ways Brexit "OUT" was a wake up call for the UK and could be a good thing. On the other hand the EU could get real nasty and make life real tough for us (just see the reaction received so far to last weekends results by EU leaders... very aggressive, pushy, verbal and nasty... hardly a kind word of understanding). I just don't see the EU biting one of the hand that feeds it (such as in trade) with the UK. Of course one never knows seeing the EU has put sanctions on Russia which is a pretty big trading partner with the rest of the EU. The big problem with trade with the EU is movement of peoples. They are dead set on this subject and it is a founding pillar/fact that those who dreamed up the EU empire want to get rid of it's members cultural identities, introduce multiculturalism and squelch nationalism. Might not be a bad thing, but problem is to achieve such lofty goals one has to be a dictator (as human nature hates to be told what to do). One rule of law, one government, one army, one nation all sounds a bit like the past. Oddly enough one certain country has tried it twice by war, maybe now they are trying it from a different angle... by stealth (and financially)? I'm not talking about the peoples of Europe, but the powers that be... seeing they do enjoy a bit of control over us peons and peasants.

[Ribaric]

I've been canvassing a few friends, all resident here but with varying methods of obtaining residence. None can see any reason why the four categories should change.

Residence via.....

1. Property ownership - As individual
2. Property use permission (as a residence) via a company ownership
3. Marriage/partnership
4. Business/employment visa

All require proof of residence, income, health insurance and an absence of criminality.

I can't see why MUP would change any of these as a result of Brexit other than 2. and 4. may be predicated on being an EU citizen.

[fidobsa]

Does owning property impart residence rights then? I did look at the possibility of a buy-to-let investment in USA a few years ago but found there was no suitable visa for staying there a couple of months whilst viewing properties and making a purchase.

[Ribaric]

Owning property in your own name is accepted as a reason for you to remain in HR, full time. Your spouse/kids are then granted a similar visa via the "family reunification" process. Owning a company (which owns a property) does not qualify directly but there are ways around this too.

[indianalindsay]

Jun 30, 2016 20:43:15 GMT 1 Ribaric said:

Owning property in your own name is accepted as a reason for you to remain in HR, full time. Your spouse/kids are then granted a similar visa via the "family reunification" process. Owning a company (which owns a property) does not qualify directly but there are ways around this too.

I assume what you say means that you can get some type of visa, but not a passport

[Ribaric]

Frankly, I've not yet investigated the passport or citizenship thing, I just don't know.

[MartinM]

I've had Croatian citizenship since 2010 (whilst keeping my UK passport). I'm thinking of applying for a Croatian passport now.

[shauna]

Hey Martin

Off topic, I know...but can I just ask you what are the benefits of citizenship?

[MartinM]

Hi Shauna - well I never have to go to MUP about my status or worry about paperwork complications.

[crojoe]

Jul 3, 2016 18:38:46 GMT 1 MartinM said:

I've had Croatian citizenship since 2010 (whilst keeping my UK passport). I'm thinking of applying for a Croatian passport now.

Just note that you will have to give up your other passport as Croatia does not allow duel citizenship.

[MartinM]

crojoe - Please can you provide some info? I was not asked to give up my British passport when I obtained Croatian citizenship.

[prkbrk]

Jul 4, 2016 10:22:49 GMT 1 crojoe said:

Jul 3, 2016 18:38:46 GMT 1 MartinM said:

I've had Croatian citizenship since 2010 (whilst keeping my UK passport). I'm thinking of applying for a Croatian passport now.

Just note that you will have to give up your other passport as Croatia does not allow duel citizenship.

No need if non EU...so when and if (highly unlikely as Brexit is falling apart) it happened you can have both. If it dont then I understand you surrender UK passport..but just apply for a new one next vidit to UK

[crojoe]

Jul 4, 2016 11:25:52 GMT 1 MartinM said:

crojoe - Please can you provide some info? I was not asked to give up my British passport when I obtained Croatian citizenship.

If you where not asked to give it up then great! There are exceptions or maybe things have changed recently? I don't have an HR passport nor would I desperately seek one. Others who have gotten them have said they needed to surrender their other nationality. I don't think too many EU citizens bother, but non EU folks do go for it! My advice to anyone doing legal stuff is to go straight to the source... call the Croatian Embassy or go to MUP and get it from the horses mouth. There are many variables in the Croatia way of doing things, the legal way, the friendly way and the street way. I suggest always do things in a "legal friendly way"!

[MartinM]

Interesting piece from BBC - link