This
information is the latest published by Citizens Advice Bureau Spain on their
invaluable site.
In Spain the Royal Decree issued under the rights conferred to EU Member States
is a contingency plan for a no deal Brexit and guarantees rights on residency
and health care, amongst others.
For the residency transition, your EU registration certificate will accredit
your legal residence in Spain. Even those residing in Spain without the registration
certificate before the exit date, will maintain legal residence until their
situation has been resolved.
Those
without permanent residence, will get temporary status under the foreigner’s
regime.
For those with permanent residency the process will be almost automatic.
Healthcare
According to the Decree: “In relation to access to healthcare, the Royal
Decree-Law establishes that Spain will continue to provide United Kingdom
nationals with healthcare in Spain on the same terms and under the same
conditions established prior to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the
Union. European Union, provided that the United Kingdom complies with the
following:
That guarantees these same conditions to those people who have the right to
receive healthcare in the United Kingdom from Spain, reciprocity that will be
subject to verification within 2 months of entry into force of the Royal
Decree-Law.
That guarantees the reimbursement of expenses for health care provided in Spain
by health services in the same terms as currently.
That guarantees these same conditions to those people who have the right to
receive healthcare in the United Kingdom from Spain, reciprocity that will be
subject to verification within 2 months of entry into force of the Royal
Decree-Law.
That guarantees the reimbursement of expenses for health care provided in Spain
by health services in the same terms as currently.
Therefore, workers, pensioners, tourists and students who are entitled to
British healthcare will continue to receive this assistance in Spain for a
specific period of time, unless an international agreement (between the EU and
the United Kingdom or, bilaterally, between Spain and the United Kingdom) that
regulates this matter”.
The EHIC is also valid for temporary stays.
Driving Licences
The validity of driving licenses issued by British authorities during a period
of a transitional period of nine months is recognised. In this period you can
exchange your driving license for another Spanish permit, which will allow them
to continue driving in our country, despite the withdrawal of the United
Kingdom from the European Union.
After that period of nine months, the driving licenses issued by the British
authorities would be subject to the Spanish regulations for driving licenses
issued by third countries, and the exchange for another Spanish will no longer
be possible until, in the future, a bilateral agreement of exchange of driving
license with the United Kingdom is signed.
For full text, which includes information on many issues including employment
and freedom of movement, please go to the webpage of CAB Spain.
We recommend that readers keep informed by regularly visiting the CAB site or
joining the group and receiving news updates.
Readers are reminded that the CAB is a voluntary service, unfunded in Spain, and
voluntary contributions are welcome.
