Extract from Sixth joint report on the implementation of residence rights under part two of the Withdrawal Agreement

24. Spain

Residence

The new residence scheme opened on 6 July 2020. The procedure for obtaining the new residence document under the WA depends on the situation in which UK nationals and their family members find themselves.

• Those holding a residence document issued under the EU Free Movement Directive will need to visit the police station to have their residence document replaced by a residence document issued under the WA (with the sole exception of family members with a temporary residence card who apply for a permanent one, for which a two-step procedure has been established).
• Beneficiaries of the WA without an existing residence document and family members with a temporary card who apply for a permanent one will have to undergo a two-step procedure. First, they will have to visit the Immigration Office that will evaluate compliance with the requirements as established in the WA. If the conditions are met, they will have to request the residence document from the police station.

The residence document will indicate whether the residence is permanent or temporary. There is no deadline for the exchange of current residence documents for those in new format. UK nationals and non-UK family members can use current residence documents. In case of travel, possession of the new residence document will facilitate border crossing as it will be the proof of the status of the beneficiaries of the WA.

Communication and outreach

Spain, since the first quarter of 2020, has implemented a robust communication campaign, pushed forward by its authorities in traditional and also in social media. The Office of the Prime Minister is leading a communication strategy based on reaching out to the largest possible amount of people throughout the websites of the different ministries and also via social media platforms. The goal of this campaign is to inform citizens, not only about residence rights, but also about other related issues, such as traveling or voting rights, tourism, study programmes, etc. Furthermore, Spanish authorities have also published a document (in the form of a guidebook in Spanish and also translated to English) that answers questions related to residence procedures. In addition to this, Spanish authorities have worked - and continue working closely - with the British Embassy in Madrid. Thanks to this cooperation, the Spanish authorities have produced a number of joint videos and have also shared various joint messages in order to improve confidence and to provide security to UK nationals and their family members living in Spain. The Spanish authorities also have shared information via the “tripartite labour commission of immigration” with trade unions and business organisations.

Assistance

All measures the Spanish administration offer to vulnerable citizens are also available for UK nationals. To facilitate the application process for vulnerable persons who may be unable to lodge their applications in person, the Spanish authorities accept applications submitted by legal representative. Furthermore, enquiries and questions can be solved by phone (“060” phone number). This line, inter alia, provides information and prepares UK nationals for the new application process. In addition to this, questions can be posted in Twitter accounts of competent national authorities.

The full joint report is available here