The news has recently been flagging some issues that UK expats are facing in Spain. In no particular order: A planeload arrives in Spain and are then promptly refused entry and have to take the same plane back. This is because they don’t have a valid residence document (TIE). The Spanish rules are clear: No TIE no entry. A quoted response from one of the affected expats: “People with letters from Alicante Foreigners Office asking them to collect their residency cards were turned away…what more proof do you need of residency?” It’s not a TIE though is it? You could argue that it is a bit of a harsh interpretation but the intent is that only people who can prove they are legally resident in Spain are allowed to enter. I may be stretching it here but I’m guessing the TIE is maybe a bit harder to forge than say a letter from Alicante Foreigners Office? That may be why they want an official document rather than rely on a letter? Or where do you draw the line? “I’ve got a letter from my mate’s grandma saying I live in Spain – what more proof do you need?” For that matter why on earth didn’t they clarify the requirements before travelling? No sympathy.
Expats deported for not having the correct paperwork to remain in Spain. It’s been reported that approximately 500 UK nationals face deportation after the 31st of March as they do not have the correct residency documentation and have therefore overstayed the 90 day Schengen limit from the 1st January when the UK formally exited the EU. Firstly, this shouldn’t be a surprise: the Referendum was in 2016! So no excuse for not applying for residency if you wanted to stay – this has been flagged for the last two years in Spain. Some of those affected have had their applications for residency turned down as they didn’t meet the criteria: Spain thinks you should have adequate funds (varies on a regional basis) which I think is reasonable; among other things. That’s unfortunate but you should then take steps instead of pretending you won’t be affected.
Some of the expats facing issues are the ‘swallows’ who have a second home in Spain and spend the winter months there. So, a couple of thoughts here: A 3 month visa costs £80 per head so not a huge amount. Alternatively, decide where you want to live and act accordingly. My parents emigrated to Spain in 2002 and had 13 happy years there. Once they moved they applied for residency as soon as possible as they were adamant that this was now their home. They paid tax for many years and therefore both had free healthcare and, in my mother’s case a carer to help her. The expats who think Spain is ‘England with Sun and cheap booze’ and don’t see any reason to make any adjustments to living in someone else’s country like getting residency or paying tax are now feeling the heat. No sympathy there either.