British nationals: Changes to Spanish Residency

Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt, July, 7. 2020

Solicitor Raymundo Larraín explains to us the new sweeping changes in Spanish residency for British nationals that came into force as from the 6^th July 2020. These changes apply nationwide.

Marbella-based Larraín Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) has over 17 years’ taxation & conveyancing experience at your service. We offer a wide range of 50 legal and corporate services. Our team of native English-speaking lawyers and economists have a long track record successfully assisting expats all over Spain.

You can review here our client’s testimonials.

DISCLAIMER: the new residency procedure has some grey areas that still require official confirmation. Until such time, some of the below-listed points are subject to change. This post will be edited accordingly as new information becomes available.

Inset photo: new TIE card

EDIT (06-07-2020): new residency changes apply to all of Spain as from 06-07-2020

EDIT (07-07-2020): added 3-month deadline for existing residency permit holders to swap green cards for new TIE cards

By Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt
Director of Larraín Nesbitt Abogados
Friday 3^rd of July 2020

The following blog post applies only to UK nationals.

There was a bit of a commotion early on this week when all appointments made by UK nationals were cancelled on Wednesday across all police stations on the CDS.

Due to Brexit, a new two-tier system has been brought into place on applying for Spanish residency.

The changes listed below apply nationwide.

New applicants

Newly arrived applicants will have all their residency applications handled directly from the capital of each province they wish to relocate to i.e. on the Costa del Sol they will all be handled directly from Malaga. Going forward, police stations and Centros de Extranjeria no longer deal with new applications. Any appointment made will be cancelled.

The requirements new applicants need to meet vary depending on each individual case, which is why we won’t go into specifics. You will receive a TIE card (see inset photo above).

We strongly advise all UK nationals applying for a residency permit in Spain for the first time, to take full advantage of the transition period and apply now before year’s end. The application requirements will change drastically as from the 01/01/2021, becoming very stringent, as you will be treated as a non-EU national. Many will not qualify as from 2021.

Existing residency permit holders: Swap you green cards for new TIE cards

We must distinguish between those that hold a 2 or 5-year residency permit. In both cases, their residency applications and renewals work the same as before – no changes until the 31/12/20. The new TIE card supersedes previous green cards.

They are regarded, for the time being, as EU nationals until the 31^st December 2020.

It is strongly advised that all UK nationals who are already on a two or five-year residency permit, take full advantage of the transition period, and apply now for a new TIE card before the end of this year. After 31/12/2021, you only have a 3-month deadline to apply for your new TIE card and you must be able to justify why you did not apply for it during the transition period.

TIE cards and Transition Period

Last June, Spain abolished its four-tier system for TIE cards and has now simplified it down to only two cards. All UK nationals on applying for Spanish residency, or for renewal, will be given a card for nationals of third countries (see inset photo).

At LNA, we can assist you to apply for Spanish residency for the first time, or renewals, for a very competitive fee. You will be assigned an in-house specialist to deal with your matter. Call or email us free of compromise. We only deal with residency permits on the Costa del Sol (Malaga province).

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados, small on fees, big on service.

Larraín Nesbitt Abogados is a law firm specialized in conveyancing, inheritance, taxation, and litigation. We will be very pleased to discuss your matter with you. You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, by telephone on (+34) 952 19 22 88 or by completing our contact form.

Immigration & Residency services available from Larraín Nesbitt Abogados (LNA)

Residency-related articles

Investor Guide to Spain’s Golden Visa Law – 8th November 2013
How to Apply for Healthcare in Spain – 8^th November 2014
Golden Visa Spain (Mandarin) – 8^th July 2015
Golden Visa Spain – 8th June 2017
Golden Visa Spain – 8/8/18
Golden Visa Spain: 10 frequently asked questions – 8th October 2019
Relocating to Spain? Immigration & Residency services – 8th January 2020

Article originally posted on Spanish Property Insight: British nationals: Changes to Spanish Residency - 3rd July 2020

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