Dear All,

I’m writing to you with a couple of updates, which you may find useful to share with your groups.

Firstly, for the benefit of those who are unable to attend an outreach event in person, we recorded our recent event in Madrid. Notwithstanding the fact that things are moving very quickly at the moment, the video reflects the information as at 21 March and reinforces Lorna’s key messages around residency, healthcare, travel, driving and pensions. You can view it here.

Also, because we know that many people are worried that they haven’t got their residency certificate yet and are unable to get an appointment, the latest advice from the Spanish Government may help to put minds at rest. Even if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the Spanish Government has given a 21-month grace period when UK nationals who were living in Spain before exit day will be legally resident, whether you have your document or not. It has just updated the residency information on the Moncloa website with more detail on the process both for those with a certificate already and those without. The advice is to make sure you have proof you were living here before we leave the EU (eg padrón registration), keep checking the online appointment system for new appointments with “Trámite para la documentación de nacionales del Reino Unido” and register for email alerts at gov.uk/living-in-spain for new info..

I will keep you posted on any key developments.

Best,
Debbi

Debbi Christophers | Consular Communications Officer | British Embassy Madrid |