British Residents in Malaga Seek Advice on Residency and Tax Rules
The province of Malaga is home to over 40,000 British residents, with many more owning properties and living part-time in the region. Many have recently relocated to the Costa del Sol and are seeking guidance on complying with residency, tax, and visa regulations, as well as securing the right insurance. British consular services in Spain are providing assistance and information to British nationals to help them avoid issues during their stay in Spain.
Post-Brexit Changes for British Residents in Spain
The UK’s departure from the EU five years ago led to changes in the rights and obligations of British residents in Spain. On 4th April, SUR in English, in collaboration with British consular services and Marbella town hall, held an informative event at the Palacio de Congresos fair and conference centre in Marbella to address these issues.
Expert Panel Addresses Legal and Insurance Matters
The event featured a panel of experts including Lucy Gorman, consular regional operations manager for Spain & Andorra, and Malaga vice-consul Miram Pérez. They discussed a range of issues affecting British residents in Spain, from residence permits to welfare. Other panel members included legal, insurance, and taxation experts who addressed related questions.
Importance of Expertise in Assisting British Residents
Remedios Bocanegra, advisor in charge of the Foreigners’ Delegation at Marbella town hall, thanked the panel members for their crucial expertise in helping British residents adapt to life in Spain with security and confidence. She also thanked SUR in English for organising the event.
British Consulate Teams in Spain Provide Assistance
Lucy Gorman explained that there are eight British consulate teams in Spain that provide assistance to British nationals living or visiting the country. They offer support and advice in various situations, including family member’s death, road traffic accidents, domestic violence, assault, and welfare matters. They also work closely with Spanish authorities during major incidents.
Advice for British Nationals Residing in Spain
The British Embassy in Madrid urges all British nationals residing in Spain without a TIE to apply for one as soon as possible. This is to avoid problems when leaving and entering Spain once the EES is introduced in autumn this year.
Case Study: Assistance for Vulnerable British Residents
Miriam Pérez Martín, Vice Consul at the British Consulate in Malaga, shared a case study of an elderly lady living in a rural area of Malaga province. The consulate was able to step in and help, ensuring that both the relevant Spanish and UK authorities were made aware of the situation and that the lady received the help and support she needed.
Panel Discussion on Planning for the Future
The panel discussion, chaired by Rachel Haynes, addressed the most common things that UK nationals living, or thinking about living in Spain, should be doing to plan for the future. The panel members stressed the importance of checking insurance policies, registering on the Padrón, making a will, registering with the tax office, and keeping a valid British passport.
Post-Brexit Changes for Brits in Spain
The panel also discussed the post-Brexit world and how the situation has changed for Brits who have lived in Spain for a long time, those who have moved here since Brexit, and anyone who is still considering the move. They highlighted the importance of setting up a network of trusted advisors and learning some Spanish.
Concluding Remarks and Audience Questions
The panel members concluded the discussion with key messages and advice for British residents in Spain. The audience was then given the opportunity to ask questions before Rachel Haynes thanked the panel members, Marbella town hall, and the British Consulate, and concluded the session.
