Friend has DNI (Spain) - UK citizenship

[grholden]

Hi everyone,

One of my friends here in England at the moment is confused. He is South American, has a Spanish DNI (which I think is because he has family there already?), but wants to live permanently in the UK.

I haven't spoken to him in a while, so can't remember what he has said (his English isn't great). Does that DNI mean that he has Spanish citizenship, thus allowing him to live there for as long as what he wants? My main question though is: does his Spanish DNI enable him to live in the UK (i.e. within the EEA) for as long as he wishes? Can it grant him UK Citizenship?

I have done a lot of reading online but can't make sense of it all, so any response is really appreciated.

Thank you.

[secret.simon]

Apparently, DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is issued only to Spanish citizens. So, if your friend has a DNI, he is a Spanish citizen and can reside in the UK under EU law.

If he exercises treaty rights (working, seeking work, studying or being self-sufficient-the last two with private health insurance), he will, under current EU law, acquire PR after five continuous years of exercising treaty rights as listed above. He could apply for naturalisation as a British citizen a year after that.

[grholden]

Apparently, DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is issued only to Spanish citizens. So, if your friend has a DNI, he is a Spanish citizen and can reside in the UK under EU law.

If he exercises treaty rights (working, seeking work, studying or being self-sufficient-the last two with private health insurance), he will, under current EU law, acquire PR after five continuous years of exercising treaty rights as listed above. He could apply for naturalisation as a British citizen a year after that.

Thank you for your kind response - this is really useful and something to go off. Much appreciated!

[noajthan]

Keep in mind UK is not likely to be in EU in 5 or 6 years time.