The UK will exit the EU with a Withdrawal Agreement on Friday January 31. 2020.
United kingdom nationals (UKNS) and their non-EU family members who are legally residing in Spain before the end of the transition period of December 31, 2020 should maintain the right to reside and work in Spain.
The green registration certificates and family members photo cards, will serve as proof of residency.
Please note that children must also be in possession of a registration certificate
As drafted into “Citizens Rights” in the Withdrawal Agreement, the Spanish government have the right to ask resident UK nationals to update their residency status”.
It appears that the Spanish government will not insist on a change of residency documents for those holding the green certificates and card size registration documents. They are encouraging the updating for TIE ( Foreigners Card) which will be provided evidencing that they have been issued under the Withdrawal Agreement.
The Spanish government advises that “All British nationals and their family members will be well advised to have a TIE format document, as they may benefit from a TIE format document that explicitly states that they are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement”. That “the TIE may be requested during the transitional period, although a planning of the applications may be established in order to avoid all of them being submitted at the same time”.
Permanent residents (have resided in Spain legally for five years or more), have the opportunity to update their registration certificates to have the wording ‘permanent’ included. This is likely to facilitate an easier procedure if wishing to update for the new foreigners ID card (TIE).
Residents who are in possession of a UK driving licence can change these for a Spanish permit up till the end of the transition period. Those who have been resident for two years should exchange the permits as soon as possible.
Up until today CAB advisers did not have at hand the explanatory details on the future freedom of movement for UK nationals who are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. This includes those who own holiday homes or spend long holidays in Spain. Yesterday late afternoon we contacted the European Commission by telephone and today received the information which we have posted below:
“Thank you for contacting the Europe Direct Contact Centre.
On 13 November 2018, the Commission proposed to include the United Kingdom (UK) in the list of countries whose nationals should enjoy-visa-free access to the EU for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
On 10 April 2019, the legislative process came to a positive conclusion. The legislation will become applicable once EU law ceases to apply to the UK. This will take place either:
– as of the date of the UK withdrawal from the Union in case of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, or
– after the end of the transition period (end of December 2020) provided by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement agreed between the Union and the United Kingdom’s government, if it enters into force.
Until either of this occurs, British citizens nationals remain EU citizens or continue to be treated as EU citizens for the duration of the transition period and thus maintain the full right of free movement within the EU in line with Directive 2004/38/EC”.
During the transition period the UK/EU are to negotiate the future relationship. When further information becomes available members will be notified.
Source:- Citizens Advice Bureau Spain
