ARCHIVED - Update for British nationals returning to Spain in the process of residencia applications
The British Gov. has updated its webpage with further information
Since Brexit UK nationals have lost their automatic right to live in Spain as EU residents and anyone intending to stay in the country on a permanent basis must register for residency.
There are British nationals who were undergoing this process when the coronavirus pandemic began and since then the various retsrictions have made travel between the two countries difficult to say the least.
Entry requirements have continued to change and the UK Foreign office has amended the information about "Entry requirements for Spain" pointing out that Spanish border control staff will refuse entry to anyone who in their opinion does not demonstrate sufficient proof that they are residents in Spain and those who fail to do so will be sent back to the UK on the next available plane.
The agreement by which those in the process of obtaining residency may provide documentation to prove this is NOT a means by which those owning holiday homes can enter Spain!
This is the amended text:
Additional requirements for UK nationals resident in Spain
The Spanish government has formally confirmed to the UK government that UK nationals who were legally residing in Spain before 1 January 2021, and as such are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement, can use any of the following documents to prove their residence status when entering Spain:
Residence card issued under Article 18.4 of the Withdrawal Agreement (the TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
Temporary or permanent EU residence certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadanos de la Unión)
Receipt of application for the TIE (Resgaurdo de presentación de la solicitud de la tarjeta de residencia)
Confirmation of the positive outcome of your residence application (Resolución favorable por la que se concede la tarjeta de residencia)
In the absence of any of the above, other documents that credibly evidence your legal residence in Spain before 1 January 2021, such as a padrón certificate (issued by your town hall), a work contract, a rental contract, or proof of property purchase may be presented. However, due to current travel restrictions, be aware that you may be questioned on arrival by Spanish border authorities to ensure you meet the legal entry requirements. Spanish border authorities will only grant entry if they are satisfied that you are returning to Spain to your habitual place of residence, and reserve the right to deny passage.
In the case of students, documentation must be presented that demonstrates enrolment in an on-site or in-person course that started prior to 1 January 2021 and proof of accommodation.
The Spanish government has confirmed that students enrolled in on-site or in-person courses starting after 1 January 2021 will not be permitted entry while the current restrictions on passenger travel from the UK by air and sea are in force. Once these restrictions are lifted, regular entry requirements will apply.
As always, check this page before travelling to Spain at the moment as there are constant changes to the travel information.