Applying for residency in Spain after Brexit

If you are asking yourself “how can I get residency in Spain after Brexit” we can help. Check out our little guide that will explain to you how to get Spanish Residency now the UK is no longer part of the European Union (EU).

Brexit means that if you’re now planning to move to Spain after Britain exited from the EU, you’ll have to complete an application process before doing so.

The good news is that this isn’t as difficult or time-consuming as it might sound at first glance. The Spanish government has promised to be flexible with its rules when it comes to applications like these, but they will still require some work. They may also take longer than other similar processes.
You should expect to spend between two and six months completing all of the necessary steps, although there are plenty of people who have submitted their paperwork within weeks. It depends very much on how quickly you want things done. and who you may choose to use to help with your Spanish residency application.

What kind of documents does Spain ask for as part of the Spanish residency application process?

Spain requires many different types of documentation during the Spanish residency application process, depending on which type of visa you plan to use while living here permanently. Some examples include proof of health insurance coverage, copies of bank statements and receipts showing income over the past year, evidence of employment and any rental contracts signed by yourself and your landlord.

In addition to those, the following documents are likely to be requested:

A letter explaining why you wish to immigrate to Spain;

Evidence of legal residence status in another country;

Any relevant certificates from medical examinations required under Spanish law;

Proof of vaccination against tuberculosis, hepatitis B and Covid-19;

Copies of ID cards issued by countries other than the United Kingdom;

Your passport must be valid until 30 days prior to arrival into Spain unless otherwise specified. In cases where it is not possible for you to obtain new travel documents sooner, you must submit them no later than 90 days before arriving into Spain;

Original documents supporting your identity such as birth certificate, marriage license, etc.;

Passport sized photos of yourself;

Proof of payment for fees associated with your immigration procedure.

Will I receive my NIE number in Spain?

Yes! You’ll be sent your National Identity Document (Spanish NIE Number of the Número de Identidad de Extranjero) once everything else is completed. This document acts as your “passport” to prove your nationality upon entry into Spain. The Spanish NIE number is a personal and unique tax identification number that is used to track all financial and legal activities in Spain. Your NIE is your all-purpose identification number, you need it for everything that involves any official process in Spain. You even need to provide it to your delivery driver when receiving parcels from Amazon!

Is there anything special I should do before submitting my application?

There are several important points to keep in mind before beginning the process for Spanish residency. First, make sure you’re eligible to enter Spain using one of the visas listed below. Second, ensure that you provide accurate information regarding your personal details including name, address, date of birth, marital status, occupation, educational background, social security numbers, national identification numbers and current email addresses. If you don’t provide the correct data, the application could be rejected. Finally, if you’re seeking permanent residency, remember to attach any relevant supporting documents. These may include agreements such as lease or rental contract, credit card bills, utility records, etc.

Which types of visas am I eligible to enter Spain under?

Spaniards tend to view foreign residents differently based on whether they intend to stay temporarily or permanently. As mentioned above, temporary visitors generally only need to present basic documentation and pass through airport security without being questioned too closely. Permanent residents, however, have more stringent requirements.

Permanent residents must complete a long list of administrative procedures including providing detailed biographical information, presenting original documents proving their identity, paying taxes, proving eligibility for welfare benefits, attending interviews and passing various exams. All applicants must meet certain criteria related to education level, age, family relationships, professional experience, criminal record, language proficiency, etc. Even if you fall into none of the categories deemed suitable, you may still qualify if someone close to you meets the requirements.

To find out which category best fits your situation, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and fill out an online form requesting further information. Afterward, you’ll receive instructions detailing exactly what documents you’ll need to supply when applying for Spanish residency along with a timeline for filing each step.

Can I get a multiple-entry visa to go back and forth between Spain and the UK every three months?

No. Multiple-entry visas allow visitors to come and go freely between Spain and other EU member states, but non-European citizens cannot use them. Non-EU nationals can acquire short term tourist visas allowing stays up to 180 days per trip. However, due to strict regulations governing this type of visa, most tourists end up staying in Spain for less than 60 days. Visas obtained through this method usually expire after three months regardless of the actual duration spent in Spain.

Do I have to pay extra tax in Spain?

Absolutely not! Immigrants who live in Spain for more than 183 days annually are automatically considered residents. If you reside outside of the EU for fewer than 183 days in a given year, you won’t owe tax. However, Spaniards typically consider residents to be responsible for paying municipal taxes just like local residents. Residents are expected to register themselves at the city hall closest to their home. Taxes vary substantially across municipalities, but the average rate is between 0.4% – 1.1% depending on the Spanish region.

Am I allowed to bring pets to Spain?

Yes, you can bring dogs and cats to Spain provided that they remain leashed at all times. You will need a pet passport to prove your pets are fully vaccinated and that it has had recent rabies tests and injections. Your vet should know what’s expected of your pets for EU entry.

Are there any restrictions on older immigrants?

Older foreigners who entered Spain more than 15 years ago can choose to either gain full citizenship or retain their British passports. Applicants aged 65+ must undergo a lengthy naturalization process lasting around four years. Citizenships granted by way of naturalization are limited to a maximum of five per year. Those wishing to maintain dual citizenship rights can continue holding both identities indefinitely. Note that anyone under 18 on April 1st 2021 becomes a citizen of Spain subject to approval by the Parliament.
As a final note, please be aware that many aspects of life in Spain depend heavily on regional laws. For example, the minimum wage differs greatly among regions and even varies significantly within cities. Similarly, healthcare costs differ widely depending on location. Therefore, it’s always wise to consult experts familiar with the region you hope to call home.