[Ptt]

My sister wants to live in Spain and wants to know if post BREXIT it will be possible to get a Residencia in Spain. Might it be that we can only get one if she buys an expensive house 450,000 or more. Otherwise will it be a matter of only being allowed to visit as a tourist for up to 3 months. What I am thinking about will if we are treated the same as any other non EU entrant whether it will be possible to live there if you are not already there and protected post Brexit?

[icaru]

Your sister would probably have to go through the formal process of applying for a residence permit. Anyone from any country can do this if they meet the requirements.  You have to show a specific amount of income to cover your annual expenses, show proof of accommodation and medical insurance valid in Spain, etc.  As Americans, we just completed this process.  But many Brits live in Spain without even registering (which is illegal).

[Ptt]

Thank-you icaru . My understanding is that the amount required for income may be the basic social security level in  Spain. But it could reasonably be the amount they might assess you need. If you have a property particularly without mortgage your costs may be quite manageable for example you could get by on a UK state pension and quite well with a modest top  up private one as well. Maybe they will take account of savings or other property you own say in Uk – that they might some time be able to get tax from you for ! The Health insurance is something different and could be the sticking point if you have a medical history that has required a lot of  treatment. However an annually renewable policy probably all that is needed and may not be prohibitive- it would probably be foolish to not be covered anyway until such times as we might get a new reciprocal agreement with Spain. I will try and research further the way they assess the income requirement and any information further most appreciated. It seems to me that people wishing to remove permanently to Spain  particularly at retirement age who are of modest but adequate means should not write off the option because of BREXIT. There are some good reasons to – sunshine is one thing that you don’t pay for and can mean much for your health and well being. You do not have to live extravagantly  and there are things you can do when you are there that can help. Like having paying guests – renting a room growing food and fishing -riding a bicycle when you don’t need a car not to mention healthy persuits like sea bathing that help keep you fit!

[sunbeamray]

A while back the proof of income required for an individual, along with private health insurance, was 2130 euros a month for a non-EU resident card.  This is probably the criteria UK citizens will fall into after leaving the EU.

[Ptt]

Very useful sunbeamray – it’s obviously substantially above the basic social security level and maybe a hurdle for some.

[sunbeamray]

Yes, it is sad that Brexit will strip away many UE rights.   It could very well be that even the UK citizens who are existing residents will also have to demonstrate that they can meet the non-EU requirements in order to obtain the non-UE resident card to continue with right of residency, just the same as all the other non-UE nationals.

[Mark Stücklin]

We will have to wait and see. It’s still all one big questionmark. What I do know is that it’s a pain I could well do without.

On a train to Reading yesterday I overhead the conductor tell a fellow traveller how his plans to retired to Slovenia had been scuppered by Brexit. It has changed the direction of many people’s lives, and I doubt in a good way.

[Ptt]

We should still have the No Residente option up to 182 days per year that will suffice for many people. Maybe they will not notice and prefer not to notice people who overstay! – apart maybe from sending a tax return for the year for tax on world – wide income. If you are not wealthy and come with a tent maybe nothing to worry about and if you stay 5 years undetected and can prove it  you will get right to remain under the Vienna Convention.There may be more guided ‘walks’ over the Pyrenees and other more sophisticated ways of sneaking in and out perhaps!

[sunbeamray]

It is such a shame, but the Vienna Convention does not cover people.   A common  misconception.  It really should cover people as well!

I love the idea of “guided walks” over the Pyrenees!   But, unfortunately, normal  borders will be more controlled for non-UE visitors in the non-UE queue at passport control.

[sunbeamray]

Just realised that what I said about the Vienna Convention was not very clear!   Referring to the fact of rights acquired before a treaty is rescinded continuing afterwards – apparently this only relates to states not individuals.

[icaru]

Here is a link to general requirements for a non-lucrative visa.  http://ankaravisa.es/ingles/non_lucrative_residency.html

It is not definitive.  Our experience compared with that of friends was different, each consulate seemed to arbitrarily require or not require additional documents.  For example, in addition to proof of income of at least €36,000 / yr for a couple, they also requested from us a notarized letter from our bank manager (in Spanish) attesting to the validity of our account.  And a letter of intention stating why we wanted to live in Spain.  And a very specific statement in the health certificate “…. in accordance with the Internation Sanitary Regulations of 2005”.  Meaning, no contagious diseases in accordance with ….

Some consulates request health insurance that includes repatriation, ours did not but they said nothing, it was approved anyway.

[Anonymous]

You mention that your sister has a U.K. State pension that will be indexed,There has been no promise made that indexing of non EU countries will continue to receive that benefit,.UK pensioners living in Canada and Australia do not have indexation, so. until you have confirmation do not assume that you will.t

[Author]

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