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UK Nationals Citizens’ Rights update
Bobby – Do you have any updates on UK Nationals and citizens’ rights in Greece, going forward with regards to Brexit? As there seems to be quite a lot of confusion and conflicting information on the internet.
That’s right Bobby. It seems that at the moment, with so many sources of information, we are receiving reports that there are many sources of information some misleading or confusing. Resulting in UK nationals living in Greece becoming concerned about the action they need to take and when, in order to put their affairs in order and secure their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate some of the key facts.
Bobby – Where should my listeners go to ensure that they have all the correct info?
I encourage all your listeners to rely on the Living in Greece Guide on the www.gov.uk website, our posts on the BritsInGreece facebook page and our tweets on @UKinGreece for the latest official, authoritative information about the necessary arrangements you need to make as these emerge from our continuous and direct engagement with Greek authorities.
Bobby – So are British Nationals that currently have registration documents issued here OK to remain after the Transition Period ?
Yes Bobby, holders of registration certificates and permanent residence certificates are legally resident in Greece and automatically meet the conditions in the Withdrawal Agreement. They will not have to meet different criteria at a later stage.
Bobby – Presently people that arrive before the end of the Transition Period are they able to register with the authorities in Greece?
Yes, Greece has not introduced a new registration system. UK nationals can continue to register until the end of 2020, as per the existing process in place for EU citizens and in line with Freedom of Movement provisions*. On the facebook page BritsInGreece we have a detailed guide on how to register.
Bobby – You mentioned Freedom of Movement provisions, what are they exactly?
For stays of over 90 days: one must have sufficient resources and sickness insurance to ensure (s)he does not become a burden on the social services of Greece (same provision for all EU member States).
After a five-year period of uninterrupted legal residence, one can acquire the right of permanent residence. This right is no longer subject to any conditions.
Bobby – What will happen next after the UK leaves the EU?
In line with the Withdrawal Agreement, Greece will, require UK to obtain a new residence document to evidence their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. All UK nationals who hold an existing residence document (registration certificate or permanent residence certificate) will have to take action later this year to get this new residence document.
I would like to say to your listeners also that the exact details of this administrative procedure and the steps UK nationals will have to take are not yet available but we expect them to be announced by the Greek authorities later this month. We will be sharing them through the channels I mentioned earlier as soon as we have them.
Bobby – Could you please just go over the information channels that you mentioned earlier? Just in case some of my listeners missed that part of our chat.
Yes of course, they are:
The Living in Greece Guide on the www.gov.uk website
Our posts on the BritsInGreece facebook page and
Our tweets on @UKinGreece for all the latest official and authoritative information
The Greek authorities will announce the details on the official Greek Brexit website: brexit.gov.gr
