United Kingdom has ceased to be part of the European Union in January 31, 2020. This departure will be made under the terms agreed in the “Withdrawal Agreement” which sets a transition period until the end of 2020. In this paper we are going to explain the current situation of British citizens in Spain, regarding the context of Brexit.
British citizens who have completed the residency procedures in Spain before the transition period and who have continued to reside in the country during this time, they will continue to have the same rights as hitherto, i.e., the same rights as a Community citizen. Those who arrive after the end of the transitional period (December 31, 2020) will be subject to the immigration law as they are third-country nationals. Therefore, until the end of the transition period, the EU law continues to apply to British citizens and their families; Both if they are already living in Spain legally or if they intend to start doing so before December 31 of this year.
From 1 January 2021, British citizens will be considered non-EU and the general regime will apply. Regularization in Spain in this second case will be more difficult and will be subject to stricter requirements.
“Dirección General de Migraciones y de la Dirección General de la Policía” requiere the following procedures:
1. British citizens holding an EU registration certificate must exchange the certificate at the Police Station by appointment (Police-issuing card associated with the withdrawal agreement for British citizens and their families).
2. Non-EU family members of British citizens holding a residence card for a family member of a Union citizen will also have to change their residence card. (Police-issuing card associated with the withdrawal agreement for British citizens and their families).
3. British citizens residing in Spain WITHOUT a registration certificate will have to apply at the Immigration Office. (Request for appointment: mail to brexit.barcelona@correo.gob.es)
4. Non-EU relatives of British citizens residing in Spain WITHOUT a residence card will also have to apply at the Immigration Office. Request for an appointment: email to brexit.barcelona@correo.gob.es)
We recommend you start your procedures as soon as possible. Contact us for a personalized legal advice .