EA3EWO

I have a green credit card size Residencia card permanant resident I've been told by my bank LA Caixa I need to change it for a plastic one with photo, is this correct.
Terry.

Fred James

Johncarzx

Hi Fred

I've still got the green A4 document from several years back. Is that OK or does it need updating. There is no expiry date.

EA3EWO

Hi Fred. When I lived in Catalunya We had a plastic residences card with photo on, it was then changed to a A4 size piece of paper, then when we moved to Valencia we changed it for the green credit card size.

EsuriJohn

Fred James

I still use my A4 version. They will probably charge another €10 to change it so I can't be bothered. We hopefully will get proper ID cards after Brexit.

Dondurma

I only got mine a few weeks ago and there's no mention of permanante nor indeed any time limit

snikpoh

After 5 years you can, if you so wish, change it to one that says permenent. However, like Fred, I can't be bothered.

With Brexit looming (in some form or other) it may well all change anyway.

Dondurma

Not for me it won't......I'm Irish

spainrico

I know many people think that being fiscally resident and making a tax declaracion is more proof of residency than a residencia but the system was to renew it after the first 5 years and have the con caracter permanente inscribed on the form - I prefer belt and braces so I renewed mine (many years ago) when my first 5 years were up - this is also the opinion of

Madrid-based lawyer Margaret Hauschild Rey, who specializes in citizenship and civil law (quoted in an article in El Pais)'

• Ensure that on your green residency card, it says: “Residente comunitario con carácter permanente” (permanent EU resident). This will justify on an official basis that you have been living in Spain for more than five consecutive years, which currently gives you the right to have permanent residency as a European citizen. If the card does not say this and you have lived in Spain for more than five years, get an appointment to renew your residency card and make sure that the new version states that you are a permanent resident.

https://elpais.com/elpais/2018/10/23...62_501829.html

Johncarzx

But shortly non of us Brits will be European citizens, so we will all change to non EU resident status, or have I got this all wrong?

bobd22

This link seems to outline the situation quite well. Obviously not an official government post but some good info.

https://www.spanishsolutions.net/blo...ing-residency/

Fred James

Johncarzx

Lets hope Spain does not treat us like the UK treats them.

Currently, EU citizens applying to become a permanent resident in the U.K. have to fill in an 85-page form (!), pay a £65 fee, and prove that they’ve been residing in the country for over five years and that they’ve been covered with health insurance for the whole time.

bobd22

John I don't think that is totally correct? If someone is legally resident in the UK they are entitled to UK state provided health care? That being the case majority will not have health insurance or indeed have needed it. The rules do differ for those from outside the EU. One important thing is the guidelines do state that those legally resident for 5 years can apply for this "settled status" those resident but under 5 years can remain and apply once they have the required 5 years. They must meet the requirements set identity conviction history etc but no mention of proving health care insurance, maybe that is those who stay after ? Date waiting to comply with 5 years will have to go private unless paid under equivlent of s1. However legally that was how it has been in Spain until the change this summer? My understanding so long as there is a deal done is it has been agreed in the last stage that the same or very similar must apply to UK residents resident in the EU with the same agreed terms re close family members not currently resident being applied. Here's the UK government link on settled status for EU Nationals resident in UK.
https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu...settled-status
Overall my view is legalise your position now. Many expats seem to burry their heads when Brexit is mentioned as if by not speaking of it then it will go away? It won't it's with us but if you ignore it then you may well miss something important, ignorance may be bliss but as always is no excuse if you then get it wrong. Those with 5 or more years residency with or without it actually being stamped on the card (the date obtained is on there) probably have nothing other than bit of paperwork possibly to worry about. Those resident under 5 years but legally resident probably similar but may have another bit of paperwork to do to achieve the 5 years. Those clever people that have or are flying under the radar? Well who knows but the clock is ticking if come 30 March they say you are illegal and not welcome blame yourselves no one else. It is confusing but there is information available so be prepared.