Expat Community > Spain

Ozcelt
Joined 2022
Posts: 2

Dual citizenship dilemma!

2 years ago

So, this is going to seem initially like one of those "good problems" to have!
We're both Australian citizens AND Irish (EU) citizens. We're keen to retire permanently in either Spain or Portugal (still deciding).
We both qualify for an Australian aged pension (at 67...so not quite yet) and have also a chunk of money in self-funded Australian superannuation (pension). So, crudely, we have a more than adequate recurring income. There is also a social security/services agreement between Australia and both Portugal and Spain (we think), which probably means we can avail ourselves of healthcare etc to some degree.
But, even so, if we come in ONLY on an Aussie passport, we have still to go through the whole non-EU citizen visa process - which seems to require a lot of up-front cash (which we really don't have).
We want to do the right thing wherever we choose to go: so, is it OK for us to claim permanent residency in either Spain or Portugal USING OUR EU citizenship - and possibly have to use healthcare etc in the (distant) future, but then still use our Australian citizenship to "prove" our income qualification etc? Anyone out there who has some knowledge or advice or expertise in this sort of juggling act?

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