The withdrawal agreement for the Brexit enters its final stretch: from the

On February 1, 2020 the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland withdrew from the European Union and the Withdrawal Agreement entered into force, establishing a transitional period until December 31st, 2020.

Until that date, all the rights deriving from the application of Union law shall be maintained, except for the political rights, such a voting or stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament.

However, it is not too late to benefit from the transitional period by which you can acquire Spanish residence as EU member. Additionally, on July 6, the Spanish authorities put in practicenew procedures to facilitate the acquisition of the residence before December 31. Through this process, you will be able to keep the same rights and benefits as if you were a EU citizen. So, If you want to reside in Spain for more than three months you only have to register before the immigration authorities in Spain (Registro Central de Extranjeros). However, you do not need an administrative authorization.

Once you are registered, you will enjoy the same uninterrupted freedom of movement as any other EU citizen.

What changes occurred on the 6th of July?

Under the new procedures, the Spanish authorities have set two paths to access Spanish residence before the 31st of December 2020.

1. Holding a “Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión” in order to secure your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement for as long as you continue to meet the conditions of residence in Spain. Once you hold such certificate, it is highly recommended that you exchange it for a TIE before the 31st December 2020. Indeed, the latter will explicitly mention your status as a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement and should facilitate any future administrative procedure.

2. From 6 July 2020 on individuals who do not already hold a “Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión” must now apply directly for a residence document in the format of a Tarjeta de Identidad del Extranjero (TIE). As the end of the transitional period is near, this is a two in one procedure intended for last-minute applicants.

What requirements must be fulfilled in order to be able to apply for

Spanish residence?

The current requirements to live in Spain for European, and thus UK, Citizens are:

• Application form (EX – 20)
• Valid passport
• Payment of fee (model 790, code 012)
• Documentation proving that the applicant is within the assumption of starting residence in Spain.
• Supporting documentation on the ownership of an employee or self-employed worker or documentation that proves sufficient financial means (as the case may be)
• Health insurance
• Enrolment of studies (as the case may be)
• Responsible declaration of sufficiency of financial means (as the case may be)

At Goy Gentile Abogados we are specialists in immigration law and can advise you on the application for visas, residence permits, and other matters related to stays and residences for foreigners in Spain.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact:

Lucía Goy Mastromiechele
luciagoy@goygentile.com
+34 626 118 451

Annie Palacios Puentes
anniepalacios@gentileges.com
+34 604 510 577