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Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, British citizens are affected in a number of areas.

In order to try to help clients in their day to day lives we have prepared this document to try to answer their most frequently asked questions.

STAYING IN SPAIN: How long can they stay in the country? Do they need a visa to enter?

They can stay in our country for a maximum of 90 days per period of 180 days, either in one or several visits.

On entry they must identify themselves with a passport that is not more than 10 years old and has at least 6 months of validity left when they enter the country.

They do not need a visa to travel to Spain as long as they do not exceed the maximum permitted duration.

On arrival in Spain, they may be required to prove that they have a return ticket or enough money to buy one.

So that you can plan your visits, the EU has a stay calculator available at the following link: https://www.visa-calculator.com/en

DRIVING IN SPAIN: Can they drive with their British licence in Spain and do they need any other documentation?

The British driving licence is valid for driving in Spain for a maximum period of 6 months from the date of entry of the holder into Spain or from the date of obtaining legal residence.

For British citizens who were resident in Spain on 31 December 2020, the DGT has established that the six-month period starts to run from 1 January 2021.

If they are travelling to Spain with a UK registered vehicle they must carry the Green Insurance Card.

RESIDENCE:  How can they obtain Residence in Spain?

A distinction must be made between those British citizens who, although they do not have an EU Citizen Registration Certificate, can prove by any means that they were resident in Spain before 31 December 2020 and those who do not.

Those who can proof their residence still benefit from the procedure established last July and can apply for their residence as we have been doing through MERCURIO or at the Foreigners’ Office where they reside.

For the those who cannot prove their residence, their residency application will be governed by the provisions of the Immigration Law LO 4/2000 and Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation.

There are different procedures to obtain residence in these cases, to be highlighted:

  • TEMPORARY NON-PROFIT RESIDENCE

For those citizens who are not going to carry out work or professional activity in Spain.

It has an initial duration of one year.

Among other requirements for obtaining it, applicants for this type of residence must prove that they have sufficient financial means to live in Spain; in 2021 this is justified by proving that they have at least € 27,115.20 per year in their bank account.

  • RESIDENCE AND SELF-EMPLOYED WORK VISA

This has an initial duration of one year and authorises residence and self-employment in Spain.

Among the economic requirements, it is established that in 2021 for a family unit of 2 members, it must be proven that income of at least € 10,168.20  and for each family member plus € 3,389.40  must be received.

  • RESIDENCE VISA FOR INVESTORS. GOLDEN VISA

For foreign citizens acquiring property in Spain with an investment equal to or greater than € 500,000.

It is processed by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit and entitles the holder to reside and work in Spain for the duration of the visa.  The initial residence permit is for two years.

To find out more about how to obtain residency in Spain or any other area, please contact us.