The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation has launched an informative campaign to facilitate the adaptation of individuals and economic operators to Brexit as from 1 January. The campaign includes consular attention with a One-stop Window to resolve doubts and help Spanish residents in the United Kingdom, through the Spanish Embassy in London and the consular offices in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. It also includes leaflets and factsheets that contain the main questions and answers regarding the new situation.
What should Spanish citizens do who currently live in the United Kingdom? Where and how should I apply for a new residency permit? Are Spanish driving licences valid? Do I need a visa to go into the country? Will roaming exist on phone calls? Can I study in British education centres? Do I need health insurance? Are professional qualifications still valid? The campaign launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs answers these and many other questions, while also offering phone numbers and web pages that can help you.
One of the keys to this process to adapt to the new reality is the consular assistance through the One-stop Window with telephone assistance from 9 am to 6 pm. Attention will be provided from the Spanish Embassy in London and the consular offices in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, for any doubts over Brexit, and, above all, to help in processing new residency permits.
As from 1 January 2020, all EU citizens and their families, including children, that have been resident in the United Kingdom prior to 31 December 2020, must apply for a residency permit as established in the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), issued by the British Home Office. This application can be made until 30 June 2021.
The new legislation establishes two resident statuses: an indefinite residency permit for those EU citizens and their families that have been living in the United Kingdom for more than five years, and a limited residency permit for those that have been resident for less than five years.
Information can be requested by electronic mail at
emb.londres.brexit@maec.es or by calling the Brexit call centre: from the United Kingdom: +44 (0) 1158 575508 or from Spain: +34 91 8362248.