Expat Brits In Spain Finally Have Guaranteed Post-Brexit Rights

After long periods of silence unappreciated by British expats living and retiring in Spain, the UK Ambassador is urging all to register as residents.

Although the message conveyed had already been a central focus of expat media outlets, Britain’s man in Madrid took it on himself to point out there are only 25 weeks to go before the transition period ends and the UK is all alone in the dark. At present, according to social media, both British residents and British expats in Europe are now fearing a governmental rush to compromise as they’ve spent valuable time attempting to deal with the pandemic rather than concentrating on the Brexit effect.

Referring to the Spanish document released last week, Ambassador Hugh Elliot reiterated that Brit expats can continue with their lives and work in Spain, pensioners will be granted lifelong Spanish healthcare and the none-too-generous UK state pension will be uprated annually. All the above depends on each British expat entitled to these benefits being registered as a legal resident in the popular expat hub.

Adding the Spanish government is there to help confused British expats, he said Spain is your home and always will be. Rights granted to British expats include freedom of movement, residency and social security, all of which are recognised as part of the original withdrawal agreement, and those arriving after the transition period ends on December 31 will be given three months to make their residency applications. All told, the result is a victory for common sense and compassion, but the initial, unnecessary scare stories won’t be forgotten.