Spain post Brexit for British residents.

Has anyone investigated the contents of the recent law passed by the Spnish parliament that protects UK citizens resident in Spain should the UK leave the EU on the 29th?

I have been told they are waiving language qualification rules should residents wish to become citizens.

There is a big difference between nationality which demands having Spanish to a high standard and having registration as a Citizen with residence status, which at present demands proof of income and medical cover 

Non EU nationals who want to live in spain need residencia status, no language requirements.  If Brexit happens then probably that’s what U.K. nationals will require. 

** EDITED - Against forum rules **

This message was last edited by Kavanagh on 12/03/2019.

As updated 13 th March

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain

But ads, this is only guidance, best guess, maybe, could be. We have not left yet. We don’t know anything for sure. No deal has been done, no laws are in place. What happens if Teresa jacks and Diane Julie Abbott takes over?

Yes it is guidance of course.

That is what any update system is for Angeleyes....to endeavour to accommodate for changing circumstances when they arise.

It's very useful Ads, thanks. 

I've made a note of the URL for the benefit of the next EOS newbie who asks that question.

A thought about emergency healthcare for Brits when traveling. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, chances are the EHIC will no longer be available for British citizens traveling in the EU/EEA. I wonder, therefore, whether British residents of Spain who are pensioners and currently registered for healthcare in Spain under an S1, will be able to apply for an EHIC from Spain? At the moment, since their healthcare is funded by the UK, they must apply for a UK issued EHIC. Or will they no longer be eligible for an EHIC at all? (Bit of a bummer for anyone who travels through France regularly, for example). And what about British residents registered for healthcare in Spain who are not pensioners? If they wish to visit the UK, a (Spanish issued) EHIC may no longer be accepted in the UK, and since access to the NHS is (theoretically) residency based, citizenship or previous National Insurance contributions will mean diddly squat - like any other EU citizen visiting the UK, they'll supposedly need private medical insurance to cover their trip.

Of course, all this is only in the event of No-Deal (for now) - just another one of the many "opportunities" that await us 

Yes Roberto I agree this is all very confusing. Spain supposedly announced a new law for free public healthcare for all, legal or non legal resident. Seems the frontline authorities and some provinces are treating that law as if it was part of a Bernard Manning performance.

At the moment EHIC is only for tourists and not overseas residents. If there is a no deal situation the EHIC may not exist at all. Worst case scenario tourist and residents will have the same status as travelling or residing in non EU countries, it will be insurance, credit card or die at the hospital door entrance.

As for overseas Brit residents under pension age going back to the UK for treatment I don’t know, I suppose it will be the same as Brit non EU overseas resident current rules, whatever they may be. However seeing as the UK NHS is the world health service I would not worry about that too much, just turn up and give anyone’s address.