Temporary measures to adapt to Brexit after the transition period ends

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would adapt Spanish law to the consequences of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union once the transition period in the Withdrawal Agreement ends. From January 1, 2021, UK citizens would be subject to the rules for third-country nationals, except as provided in the bill itself and in the Withdrawal Agreement.
2. Measures with a set duration would stop applying when that period ends, unless the Government extends them. In addition, after two months, measures that say so would be suspended if the British authorities do not give Spanish individuals and companies equivalent treatment.
3. On professional and labor matters, UK nationals who practiced a regulated profession in Spain could keep doing so without extra steps, recognition of qualifications filed within five years would be preserved, their status as public employees would be kept, and workers posted to Spain before December 31, 2020 could finish their posting without a prior residence and work permit.
4. On Social Security and unemployment, the rules to decide which law applies would be kept, and contribution periods in the UK up to December 31, 2020 would count toward unemployment benefits. Cross-border workers who commute daily to Gibraltar could claim unemployment benefits until December 31, 2022.
5. On health care, education and the economy, Spain would keep providing health care on the previous terms until June 30, 2021, students from UK education systems could enter Spanish universities in the 2021-2022 school year on the same terms as EU students, financial contracts with UK entities would remain valid, and a UK driver's license would allow driving in Spain for six months.
6. The bill also includes complementary measures: extra positions at ICEX and Port Authorities, dropping the apostille requirement for degree recognition applications filed before July 1, 2021, extending the 2020 minimum wage until the 2021 one is approved, and changes to air and port rules. It would take effect on January 1, 2021, with exceptions if a future relationship agreement already covers those areas.

Who it affects

• UK nationals living or working in Spain: They could keep practicing their profession, working as public employees, contributing and receiving benefits under conditions similar to those before Brexit, often in exchange for reciprocity toward Spaniards.
• Workers posted by Spanish or UK companies: Those posted to Spain before December 31, 2020 could finish their posting without a prior permit; those arriving later would need a visa or a residence and work permit.
• Cross-border workers who commute daily to Gibraltar: They could access unemployment benefits until December 31, 2022, with no reciprocity requirement.
• Customers of UK financial entities and companies with contracts with the UK: Their financial services contracts and public procurement procedures started before January 1, 2021 would remain valid.
• Holders of UK driving licenses and permits: The UK driving license would be valid in Spain for six months, and authorizations for weapons, waste shipments or defense trade would stay valid until they expire.

Words worth knowing

Estado tercero (third country)

A country that does not belong to the European Union and therefore does not benefit from its rules and freedoms.

Periodo transitorio (transition period)

The time after the UK left the European Union, until December 31, 2020, during which EU law kept applying to allow preparation.

Reciprocidad (reciprocity)

The condition that the measures only stay in force if the UK gives Spaniards the same treatment Spain gives Britons.

Real decreto-ley (royal decree-law)

A rule with the rank of law that the Government can pass urgently in cases of extraordinary need; it must be validated by the Congress of Deputies.

Apostilla del Convenio de La Haya (Hague apostille)

A stamp certifying that a foreign document is authentic; the bill would drop this requirement for certain degree recognition applications.

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries