Hello Brian, I thought I needed to bring to your attention this new and important law. Of the 45 articles, I have only published those relating to the expat community.
CAB Spain considers that some of the articles are discriminatory and are willing to assist in taking cases to the European Court of Justice. Full version of the law is available by googling the royal decree.
Real Decreto 2018/0401
Article 1: All those who sold or have purchased a property in the last four years, must contribute towards the expenses of legalising homes that have been purchased in the main by expats. This community is considered to be responible for not having made themselves aware of the planning regulations beforehand. Forms to complete with your name, address and full details of your bank account can be obtained from the planning department of your town hall.
Article 2: All property holders resident or not will have to apply for a “licencia de compatibilidad”. The licence will prove that the property is structurally sound and compatible as a dwelling. Properties in towns and communities will have to meet a stricter criteria than villas that are not on the main roads. The licence will include liability insurance for falling debris that could endanger life.
Article 3: UK nationals will be able to apply for a special blue photo card to continue using the blue channel post Brexit at entry points into Spain from the UK. The card which will also include fingerprints, will cost 50 euros annually.
Article 5: Driving licence new protocol. The ministry of the interior has fixed the date as March 2019 for all UK licence holders to take a Spanish driving test. The present EU right to change a UK licence for a Spanish version will not be available from April of 2019. UK residents, entering Spain after that date, will need an international licence to drive legally.
Article 6: All EU citizens who have lived here for ten years or more, must take out Spanish nationality. All those who do not choose to do so must present themselves at the office of ‘extranjeria’ in their town and give good and acceptable reasons. Children will not have to comply until they are 18.
Article 7: All non Spanish speakers must take a registered translator to all government administrative offices and hospital appointments. You will not be attended if you do not.
Article 8: To ensure social uniformity in all member states, no more than 1 immigrant per 10 indigenous citizens. This originates from northern EU countries where they try to avoid ghettos with foreign workers. As we´re all one Europe, anti-discrimination laws dictate this rule to be put into force in Spain as well..The calculations: 1 non Spanish resident in each 12 square meters.
Article 9: All British citizens must immediately update their padrón registration. Take your escritura/rental contract, passport and details of any ex spouses or partners who will now also have the right to ask to be registered at the property.
Article 10: Following Catalonia and now made law on the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol. Prohibiting parading along the boulevards or alongside the beach in beachwear” Torso and bottoms to be covered in clothing at all times when not on the beach...Fines for non compliance, can reach the sum of up to 3000 euro’s
Article 11: To be able to differentiate between UK nationals and others from the EU, Britons will have to put a union jack on the front and back of their vehicles. Mobility scooters are not exempt.
Article 12: The tax on sun and solar panels, now taken a step further and to be used for sunbathers. Tickets to be bought on entry to the beach from authorised inspectors on the promenades. Anyone leaving the beach with noticeable sunburn may be fined for excess.