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RESIDENCY IN SPAIN AND CHANGE OF LICENCE -
 DID YOU MISS THE DATE ?
 Unfortunately, I have many clients who have lived here for many years, under the radar so to speak, and did not seek advice before 31 December as to how they may become legal after Brexit and obtain permanent residency here.  Also, I have many clients who did not actively seek to change their UK driving licences over before that date and now it seems an impossible task.
 
At the moment this no way to make the change from a UK to Spanish licence.   Even though we are informed that there is still a 6 month transitional period, we have no idea when this will open again for clients to make the change.  This is a very worrying situation in that several clients´ UK licences are due to expire and the DVLA are also not interested in renewing if you live in Spain.  If this changes we will let you know.  From the UK Government website is a stated below
  
Residency rights of UK Nationals under the Withdrawal Agreement (WA)
• The UK has left the EU and the transition period has ended.
• UK Nationals who were residing in Spain before 31 st December 2020 have obtained the rights set out in the Withdrawal Agreement.
• To prove that they are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement and therefore their residence status, they can use the registration certificate (known as, green certificate) either A4 size or credit card, or the new residence document-TIE artículo 50 TUE.
• Registration certificates issued more than 5 years ago also remain valid, even if they do not say ‘permanente’ on them. • However, many British people living in Spain have missed the deadline of 31 December 2020.  There are other ways to become resident but it is more difficult and the paperwork is immense.  If you did miss the boat or you are a UK National looking to get Spanish Residency in the future (if you are living in the UK still and will require it in the future), there are some other options to consider.
 
NON-LUCRATIVE VISA APPLICATION
If you just want to retire in Spain and do not want to work here, then a Non-Lucrative Visa could be an option.  To apply for this type of residency you will need¨
 
Private Health Insurance (private health policy without excess)
Confirmation that you have 26000 euros in the Bank but this may be increased in the future.
 
If you were able to apply for this type of Visa you would not be allowed to work in Spain.
 
Business Permit to obtain Residency
You can set up a company with an Entrepreneur Visa.  The business however would need to be of economic interest for the Country and involve a high level of technology.  An individual can also create a work permit as a self employed individual but it depends upon the type of business whether this would be acceptable or not.
 
Investor Visa or Golden Ticket Visa
The need to invest at least 500,000 euros into a property in Spain would give access to the Golden Ticket Visa.  This I am informed is one of the easiest routes to obtain residency in Spain.  However this has to include no debts and no mortgage.    
 
Student Visa
This allows non-EU citizens to study in Spain and if after your studies a work contact is issued then it is possible to obtain residency permit.
 
Work Permit Visas
Depending upon the type of work a Work Permit Visa must be applied for from the UK.  Your employer from Spain has to request the residence permit.  It will depend upon the occupation of the worker but for a highly qualified worker, for example, office Manager or other technical position they must earn in excess of 40,000 euros per year to qualify.
 
Family Members of UK Residents that have been granted Residency may be able to be granted residency and work and live in Spain, further criteria applies however.
 
Spanish Residency through marriage
If you marry a Spanish National or an EU Citizen, this helps to obtain a visa in Spain as long s the EU Citizen has been living in Spain for at least one year.
I am not entitled to Free Healthcare in Spain so not registered with the local Health Centre, how do I get the vaccine?
 
Vaccines for all
 
Firstly, be assured that the Spanish government has emphasized that no distinction will be made between citizens and non-citizens and has pledged to vaccinate everyone in the country, regardless of their legal status and that includes those not registered within social security system including ‘illegal' immigrants and the homeless.

"All those living in Spain will be able to receive the vaccination against the virus as the campaign unrolls. Vaccination is universal, it includes all people," insisted a Health Ministry spokesman.

So how will they find you?
We don’t have full information yet on how the people will be called up to be vaccinated but it will be organised by the regional health authority where you live.  It appears that the appointments will be made by phone however.    Those living in Spain have been advised to contact their local health centre to register regardless of whether they are entitled to free health care or have private health insurance.

Before you do just drop in, it is advised to call ahead as some health care centres require an appointment.

You should provide the following information:
  1. Your passport (bring a copy just in case)
  2. Your residence card (green certificate if EU member or TIE if third country national). If you have one.
  3. “Certificado de empadronamiento” (registration with the Town Hall) which is no older than three months.
  4. In the case of minors, you should bring their documents and birth certificates as well. Children do not need to be present.
Keep checking the health authority announcements online in the region where you are living as each regional government will be responsible for administering the programme in their community.
Own a home in Spain but not Resident
 For many clients it is sufficient to own a property in Spain and travel here for up to 3 months at a time.  Many clients have UK properties and do not wish to become resident but the maximum amount of time spent in Spain for a non-resident now that we are out of the  EU is 90 days out of 180.  For countries in the EU then this isn’t a requirement and the UK being part of the EU for many years before Brexit had these advantages.  This is the major change.
 
Can I drive my Spanish Registered Vehicle in Spain with my UK licence if I am a Non-resident here but own a holiday home?
 Many clients have asked this question as they are non-resident of Spain and do not want or need to change their licence to Spanish.  You are able to still purchase a Spanish vehicle here as long as you have proof that you own a property, have an up-to-date Padron certificate (3 months or less) and are in position of an NIE Number and of course valid UK licence. You are also allowed to drive on your UK licence a spanish plated car being a non resident of Spain.

My ITV has run out and I cannot get an appointment for 3 months due to the situation, am I still legal and insured? 

This has been many a question on Facebook recently and with Liberty Seguros you will still be covered even if your ITV has expired as long as you have booked your appointment and keep a printout in the car.  Your insurance is still all fully covered.  If you are unable to get to Spain then as soon as you know you can travel, book appointment online and keep it.  However, I have heard that some insurers are not covered without an in-force ITV so best to check with your Insurer if not with Liberty..  Please keep the printout for the appointment in the car or on your phone,.

My property has been empty now for almost a year will my Home Insurance still be valid in the event of a claim?

Yes, again Insurers know the situation with travel restrictions so there is no need to change unoccupancy days to confirm cover is in place.    Of course, it is always beneficial if you have someone who can visit the property on a regular basis just to check it, or a key holder.  But in the event of any claim, it won’t be declined if you are gone over the unoccupancy days on the policy.
 
I haven’t been here for a year I don’t want to reinsure my car…

We understand totally this statement, but as mentioned if you own a vehicle in Spain it is a legal requirement to maintain insurance on it.  We don’t have SORN here and so the need to renew your car insurance for just the minimum liability even is necessary.  Due to the amount of people who do not wish to reinsure while they are not using the car, the DGS (Trafico) are issuing fines for insurances that haven’t been renewed, fines of at least 600 euros and more.  This may not seem fair but we have had many occasions where cars that are even locked in underground or private garages have been damaged, stolen even and also damaged by floods.  Contrary to what clients believe even if a car is still parked at an airport car park, their insurance cover only basic liability and if a car is damaged whilst in their care, it will not be covered.  So, the need to maintain insurance is vital.  If u do receive a fine and know nothing about it as you aren’t here…..   it could double and triple by the time you get here..  Clients also ask,,,,  well if i dont drive the car how can they know?  There is an electronic database for all insurers as they are all online, an electronic system confirms if a car is insured or not. so they have this information.  

A useful website to use is www.buscamultas.com .  You can register online; it is a free site and check regularly if you do have a fine pending.  You can also set up your email address so that you can receive an email if your car is involved in a fine.    
 

LIBERTY SEGUROS:  CAR BREAKDOWN NUMBERS

900101369 (FROM A SPANISH PHONE)

0034 934 955 125 IF OUTSIDE OF SPAIN OR IF CALLING FROM A NON SPANISH NUMBER

 

LIBERTY SEGUROS HOME ASSISTANCE NUMBERS

900556000

0034 917229123 (if calling from a non Spanish phone)

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL…?
Who knows?  But with vaccines being rolled out and the proviso that Spain has said they want everyone vaccinated by the Summer lets hope that we can look forward to a brighter end of the year.  Perhaps travel restrictions will ease, lets hope for Spain that they do, with so many businesses that have closed their doors and the tourist industry suffering, can Spain afford a Summer of lockdowns and no tourists.  

For those who are against the vaccine (I know there are many who don’t want to have it) I don’t know how this will affect travel restrictions, as I see it we will all need a vaccine passport to travel in the future.

Whatever happens COVID-19 is not going away; it will be with us like the common cold for may years to come and we will carry on with our lives in a different way.  In the outbreak of the virus in 1918 (Spanish Flu) took 2 years for it to come under control.  In 1918, the studies found, the key to flattening the curve was social distancing and people becoming immune to the disease.

So, lets keep safe and abide by the rules and look forward to a better future whatever that holds…
 
FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS UNDER ONE ROOF CONTACT

EU INSURANCE DIRECT
www.euinsurancedirect.com

email: info@euinsurancedirect.com
0034 952830843/ 951080118 /635592610

Speak to Wendy, Ashley, Emma or Claire






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EU Insurance Direct · Framire Residencial · Local Commercial 6, Cerrado de Elviria, Elviria · Marbella, Malaga 29604 · Spain

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