British residents and non-residents have seen plenty of changes recently, and there are a number of areas that all of them should sort out. It’s sometimes possible to do it yourself, but the guidance and advice of a professional can be invaluable.
Residence
British residents in Spain are discovering that, although the old green residence documents are still nominally valid, it is becoming more convenient to switch to the TIE (foreign ID card).
Appointments at the police station in Arrecife are notoriously hard to get, and many have headed over to Fuerteventura to get theirs.
Wherever you get it, this should be on your todo list for 2022.
Inheritance
The agreement between Spain and the UK that permits residents here to choose which inheritance law applies to their assets remains in place. The UK law allows greater latitude for disposal of property, and it is highly recommended that you contact a local lawyer to set your affairs fully in order
Finance & Tax
If you’re a UK non-resident owner of property on Lanzarote, Brexit will have dealt you a blow. It’s not just the 90-day rule, there are several tax changes that will apply to you, and you need expert advice to deal with them.
If you signed a mortgage contract in Spain between 2000 and 2015, there’s a good chance that you may be entitled to reclaim compensation for floor clauses and charges that were standard practice among lenders, but have since been ruled as abusive and illegal. If you haven’t enquired already, now’s the time.
Nationality
Some British residents are now finding that changing nationality can be a real benefit, allowing the continued benefits of EU membership. Those Brits who are lucky enough to have Irish relatives may even obtain dual nationality (which is not possible when changing to Spanish nationality).
Depending on your circumstances, there are many other matters that may require expert local legal advice. Fortunately, the island has lawyers who are well aware of the challenges faced by their non-Spanish clients, and they can become a valuable ally in your life on Lanzarote.
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