Since January 2021, UK expats in Europe have been regarded as non-EU nationals for immigration procedures, which implies very important changes in order to obtain their residence permit. However, they still have the option of regularizing their situation as long as they meet the requirements of both countries.
The Spanish government, for instance, created a new type of residence permit specifically for UK citizens living in the country. It granted the same rights to British citizens in the Spanish territory as if they were Europeans. There are two different alternatives: If an expat has already lived in Spain since 2020, they just needed to transform a then-current green card into this new special type of permit. This also applied to the spouse, children, and parents of the British expat. They can get Spanish residency as they are relatives of a “European Union individual” (UK). For expats who were still in the UK after January 2021 but wanted to move to the Spanish territory, they had to start a new application procedure directly in the UK. That is to say, they have to apply for a regular residence permit in the same way an American or Japanese citizen, for example, would do.
Besides, the same “shortcuts” to move abroad used by expats from Latin America or Asia, can work now for British citizens willing to live abroad. There are residence permits that make the process of immigration faster, such as non-lucrative residence, which only requires the possession of sufficient economic means and private health insurance. This could work for expats interested in participating in humanitarian work and volunteering. The investor visa is intended for expats who wish to invest in real estate to obtain residency. The student visa usually allows them to switch afterwards to a work permit.
Living in Europe as a Brit
For European Union citizens, working application procedures are straightforward; they can get a work permit in Spain in just 24 hours. Now, they must apply for a residence permit that explicitly allows them to work (because some alternatives, such as the student visa, does not allow a regular job contract, just a 20h week one).
Alice Hanako, British expat who lives in Spain, hasn't been massively impacted by Brexit as she was already living in Spain before the transition period. “It is very difficult to say exactly how it affects me, but for example, I can't vote here. It is strange to live in a country for four years and not be able to contribute to change. Besides, the immigration process for my partner, who is a Spanish citizen interested in going to the UK, is going to be very difficult.” However, as Alice has lived in Spain for four years now, she has the right to work, has residency, and she was able to pay the same university tuition fee as European students.
In terms of British people moving to other countries, Alice's experience isn't going to be a current reality. “My move to Spain was incredibly smooth and easy. I booked the flights two weeks before coming, I found a job and flat. I don't know if I would do this again if I had to go through all the bureaucracy that exists now.”
Taxes
Non-EU citizens with a residence permit are required to stay in European countries for at least 183 days to maintain their residency. In Spain, that implies becoming a tax resident, therefore paying income tax on all the incomes generated. Thus, UK citizens who get their residence permit from 2021 onwards will become residents for tax purposes if they wish to renew their residency.
Driving license validity
The validity of British expats driving licenses is another serious concern when living abroad. They wonder if there is an automatic renewal or if it is disqualified. Driving license and social security will remain protected during the transitory period of 2 years. But what if an expat's driving license expires in 10 years time, by which the transitory period will have completely ended?
There is a way to exchange the European driving license. A lot of foreigners who are not from the EU, like Ukrania, can exchange the Ukrainian one for the European one, for example. Latin American expats also have the right to ask for permission to validate their licenses to be able to drive in the EU. Therefore, it is highly likely that expats from the UK need to update theirs, as others from non-European countries do.
