Fred James

If that is her only income, she will not have to pay tax in Spain as the allowances are higher. Given that, why would she want to remain UK resident and UK tax resident ?

dougal03

Apart from having all documentation in place,this appears to be what I,& Fred James,are trying to bring to your notice.I have Spanish relatives & am aware how different our thought processes can be! So don't "think English".If your wife has only her British state pension,not accruing any tax revenue in Spain,indeed the Spanish authorities may well wonder why she is to remain resident in UK & for tax purposes.Remember also, we are entering unknown territory soon with Brexit.Because we British do not have an Identity card in our own country & cannot be easily traced, there has been a huge surge in British Nationals who have previously lived"under the radar" here who now have had to get their status corrected or return home.The Spanish are well aware of this,as so many of us legal residents here are too.

ValTay0607

Fred, wife wants to remain a UK resident because of young grand-children, we have a one year old g/daughter who she wants to be around for until she is ready for school - no other reason. I can then get on with Spanish matters and sort out wife's residency at a later date.

Bob, I will follow your procedures, thanks. When is the very latest for registering for residence? With the way things are developing with the virus, I'm wondering if I'll miss the boat?

Cheers guys, you and others have been most helpful.

Joppa

This is what the guidance document says about family member:
'Family members of United Kingdom nationals shall be beneficiaries provided that they satisfy one of the following conditions:
❖ Have resided in Spain before the end of the transition period and continue to reside here after this period;
❖ Have not resided in Spain before the end of the transition period, but have a direct link with a national of the United Kingdom before the end of the transition period and, at the time when they are to be reunited with them, (e.g. with regard to spouses, dependent ascendants).

So your wife will meet the second condition, as you are registered under the WA by 31st December 2020. She should apply for residency within 3 months of arrival.

bobd22

I would suggest that so long as you have arranged the appointment for phase 1 by 31 Dec you should be OK. Don't forget there is a further 6 months added on to the transition period for documentation to be completed so long as application is made before the end of transition period. Having said that I would advise to get it done as soon as you can.

Chipmonk

I think the biggest threat for people making new applications is the growing Covid19 resurgence in Spain. Admittedly we seem to be at a stage where its handled locally but the contagions are increasing daily. I have received a letter from my employer telling me that I need to be in Spain at least 2 weeks before the start of my work contract as there is a fear that Spain could close bring in a 14 day quarantine if other countries start to see spikes. So do remember we are not in anyway back to normal here.

bobd22

A very good point and why I suggested doing it as soon as possible and while one can.