BREXIT: Uncertainty on the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol has long been a home away from home for thousands of Brits. There are long-standing, established expat communities across the Andalusian coastline in areas surrounding Malaga, such as Mijas, Marbella, Fuengirola and Benalmadena. British nationals make up a significant proportion of the population mix. There is a mezcla of cultures and a Spanglish way of life which could be threatened by the UK´s decision to depart from the EU.
British communities have left their mark on the Costa del Sol with shops, bars and restaurants. Many are anxious that the decision to leave the EU might mean they have to return home.
Uncertainty continues to rise over the infamous southern Spanish coastline as Britain leaving the European union has been pushed back yet again to the 31st January 2020. Many Brits settled on the Costa are in a constant state of apprehension as it seems the British government have barely progressed towards leaving the Union or creating a deal. Now a general election looms and the result could determine in which way Britain will cut ties with her European neighbours.
Originally, the Brexit deadline was the 31st October, thousands of Britons living in expat communities followed home office advice and officially registered as citizens in Spain. The number of Brits registered living in Malaga rose for the first time since 2013 to 47,193. Here at CBLingua our team have been working alongside Brits residing on the Costa del Sol to carry out sworn translations (official translations) of Birth certificates, marriage certificates and other identity documents that are all needed to complete the registration process. The government advice remains the same; all Britons wanting to stay on the Costa must register as Spanish citizens. To do so a certain number of sworn translations (official translations) are necessary for example, of identity documents, banking documents and employment documents.
The new quickly approaching deadline means that many Brits are biting the bullet and ditching the gloomy British climate to settle in the Iberian sunshine before the 31st January so they can register as citizens and enjoy the rights that EU member states have before Britain departs. For those who are making the move or who want to reside in Spain permanently, the same applies; sworn translations of personal documents will be required to complete the registration process.
Although the future of Britain´s relationship with the EU and Spain remains unclear, the new surge in Britons registering to stay in Spain is seen positively by regional councils. Marbella´s population has grown by 10,000 in one year as expats seek to retain their rights and remain in Spain after Brexit. With more officially registered residents, local municipalities can receive more funding and investment, improving community life and infrastructure. Here at CBLingua, we pride ourselves on helping people complete tricky bureaucratic processes. Sworn translation is a vital part of the Spanish registration process and we are passionate about helping Brits stay on the Costa del Sol and happy to respond to your Brexit translation needs and can offer guidance in these uncertain times.