Introduction
Brexit’s ripple effects span a multitude of spheres, but the impact on residency rights has emerged as a deeply personal concern for many. As UK nationals strive to understand their status in Spain, the recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling brings further clarity. In this article, we dissect the implications of the Supreme Court’s verdict, detail the requirements of RD 557/2011, and highlight their significance for British residents in Spain.
Brexit’s Withdrawal Agreement: Building on Existing Frameworks
The Withdrawal Agreement was crafted to protect the rights of UK citizens living in the EU. Instead of drafting an entirely new set of guidelines, the Agreement references Spain’s existing laws on foreign residency and immigration (like RD 557/2011) for matters not expressly covered. This means that for areas not explicitly addressed in the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules and regulations from Spain’s existing laws take precedence.
RD 557/2011: The Pivotal Framework
Integral to understanding the Spanish residency landscape is the Real Decreto 557/2011. Its main stipulations include:
- An absence limitation during the initial 5-year temporary residency, where an individual should not leave Spain for more than six months in any twelve-month period.
- Once permanent residency is achieved (after the first 5 years), the individual shouldn’t be absent from Spain for more than two consecutive years to retain this status.
The Supreme Court’s Clarity on Residency
In a landmark decision, Spain’s Supreme Court rendered specific absence requirements null and void, specifically, the six-month absence stipulation during the temporary residency. This ruling doesn’t solely affect traditional residency applicants but extends to UK nationals shielded by the Withdrawal Agreement. As the Agreement directs to RD 557/2011 for matters not distinctly covered, the court’s verdict grants UK nationals in Spain greater travel flexibility without risking their residency status.
Absence Requirements as Defined by RD 557/2011 and impact of Recent Supreme Court ruling:
Temporary Residency (First 5 Years):
- Original Rule: During the initial 5-year temporary residency period, a resident should not leave Spain for more than six continuous months in any twelve-month period.
- Effect of Supreme Court Ruling: This six-month absence stipulation during the temporary residency has been declared null by the Supreme Court. As a result, the strict six-month requirement no longer applies, offering residents greater flexibility in their travels.
Permanent Residency (After the First 5 Years):
- Rule: Once a resident has achieved permanent residency status after the first 5 years, they should not be absent from Spain for more than two consecutive years to retain this status. This rule remains unchanged.
Implications for UK Nationals Protected by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement:
The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement does not explicitly lay out absence requirements for UK nationals residing in Spain. Instead, it refers to Spain’s existing laws on foreign residency and immigration, like RD 557/2011, for issues not expressly addressed in the Agreement.
As such, the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify the six-month absence requirement during temporary residency also applies to UK nationals protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. It means that these UK nationals now have more leeway in terms of their absences from Spain during their initial 5-year temporary residency period without jeopardizing their residency renewal prospects.
However, it’s crucial to highlight that the two consecutive year absence rule for permanent residency remains intact and applicable to both regular residents and UK nationals under the Withdrawal Agreement
The Way Forward for British Residents
For UK nationals in Spain under the Withdrawal Agreement’s purview, this ruling has tangible benefits. They can now enjoy a wider travel margin without the constant worry of jeopardizing their renewal prospects, as long as they don’t exceed an absence of a continuous five-year span.
Wrapping Up: Navigating Residency in a Post-Brexit Spain
Brexit, along with Spain’s immigration laws and recent court decisions, has reshaped the residency narrative for UK citizens in Spain. The current legal scene offers a more straightforward path for UK nationals keen on understanding and securing their Spanish residency rights. In this evolving landscape, it remains essential for British residents to stay updated and seek specialized counsel.
For bespoke advice tailored to your circumstances as a British citizen in Spain, reach out to us for a personalized consultation.
Maria Luisa Castro
