Hi,
Me and my girlfriend are currently stuck in London (where I am from) and trying to figure if we can enter Spain in April/May to live in Barcelona which we've planned to do but been stuck because of Covid. I've been fully vaccinated.
She is Peruvian and planning to start studying in July, I am planning to enrol in a short course which can start in May. So we would be entering as people who are enrolled in courses but I'm not sure if this is enough. We will obviously move ahead and get required documentation in Spain (NIE, student visas etc.)
The language on the current Spain law states you can enter if:
Students enrolled in courses starting after 1 January 2021 who carry out their studies in an EU Member or Schengen state and who have the corresponding permit or visa and medical insurance, provided that they are travelling to the country where they are studying, and that entry occurs during the academic year or 15 days previous. Students who started an on-site or in-person course in Spain prior to 1 January 2021 will not require a permit or visa to enter, but should be prepared to provide evidence of this, such as a residence document or proof of enrolment and accommodation (dated prior to 1 January 2021).
I also have access to a French passport which I need to renew. This is currently impossible in London due to limits on appointments due to covid. My plan would be as follows:
1. Enter Spain on my British passport as a student who is enrolled in a course and starting in May.
2. Within my 90 days in my British passport go to France from Barcelona and renew my French passport
3. Enter Spain as a French Citizen
I'm not sure if I've overlooked anything and how foolproof this plan is. The issue seems to be entering Spain initially on my British passport. We are looking to live in Spain, not go as tourists but want to do research before starting down this route and obviously avoid getting turned back at the airport.
Any advice or help appreciated!