On January 31, 2020 the United Kingdom ceased to belong to the European Union. Said departure is regulated by the Withdrawal Agreement that entered into force on February 1, 2020.
This Agreement establishes a transitional period that will last, in principle, until December 31, 2020. During the term of the Agreement, citizens of the United Kingdom will keep their rights as if the United Kingdom were still a member of the EU.
This means that UK nationals will be able to enjoy their free movement rights in Spain until the end of the year. Those who arrive after January 1, 2021 (after the end of the transitional period) will be considered nationals of third-party countries and will be subject to the general immigration regime.
Timeline Transitional Period
If you need more information, contact our global mobility experts.
Residence documents after UK leaves the EU
However, the Agreement also includes the conditions of residence of UK nationals and their family members in the Host State, as well as the documentation that will be required in each case. A different documentation process has been established for those who are residing in Spain before December 31, 2020 and those who arrive in Spain after the end of the transitional period.
On June 29, the General Directorate of Migrations (DGM) together with the General Directorate of the Police (DGP) issued an Instruction establishing the anticipated Procedure for UK citizens according to the conditions of the Agreement. The diagram summarizes the documentation process established in each case, both for applications for residence during the transitional period and for applications for residence afterwards, that is, from January 1, 2021.
