Becoming a Resident In Spain
Indeed, you may have to deal with a mountain of paperwork and other tedious procedures necessary to become a legitimate resident. You need to fully understand the process and the requirements so that you won't end up contending with numerous issues and setbacks. Moving and living in Spain must be dealt with earnestly in order to enjoy a truly remarkable experience and a lifetime of satisfaction. Fortunately, if done property it will not cost you an arm and a leg to become a resident in Spain.
The Basics: Rules and Requirements
Your right to work and/or live in Spain depends upon your citizenship. In essence, all EU or EEA (European Economic Area) citizens including their family members have the right to work and live in Spain. They are entitled of a three-month stay without having to worry about any paper works. On the other hand, tourists are allowed to stay for six months. In the event that you want to stay any longer or have decided to live in Spain, you will need to get some sort of a residence permit.
In the past, residence permits for EU residents come in the form of a Residence Card. As of April 2007, all EU/EEA citizens can no longer obtain a Residence Card. Instead, they should have themselves registered on the Central Register of Foreign Nationals/National Register of Foreigners or Registro Central de Extranjeros. They must register to get a Certificate of Registration or Certificado de Inscripcion en el Registro Central de Extranjeros/Certificado de registro como residente comunitario.
You will need to get a Residence Certificate if you are an EU/EEA citizen who aims to reside in Spain. This is very important if you are also considering buying a Spanish property. An NIE or Número de Identificación de Extranjero, your tax identification number, will be automatically issued along with your Residency Certificate. You may be required to provide proof of financial means that is sufficient enough for your stay in Spain. A proof of (public or private) healthcare insurance may also be needed.
A Residence Certificate is not subject for renewal and it is valid indefinitely or for as long as possible. Nevertheless, it will not serve as your valid identity document like your passport. You will need to present your Residency Certificate for various important transactions along with your passport or other means of identification. Most people do not carry their certificate with them to avoid it being ruined. If possible, always bring a certified copy of your certificate. You will need your NIE most of the time as it will be your identification to the Spanish tax authorities. It is necessary for banking and other transactions.
However, only EU/EEA as well as Switzerland citizens can register for a Residence Certificate. Non-EU/EEA citizens including the non-EU/EEA spouse or family members of an EU/EEA citizen should apply for its equivalent, the Residence Card. Application for an EU-Family member Residence Card or Tarjeta de Residencia de Familiar de Cuidadano de la Unión must be done within three months of arrival. The card must be renewed, and different terms apply compared to that of a Residence Certificate. Non-EU/EEA citizens will get their NIE separately as it will not be issued with the card.
There are times that other proof of residency in Spain will be asked from you. You may have to present your utility bills, rental contract of your accommodation or your Certificado de Empadronamiento. Actually, in some cases, you may need this Certificado de Empadronamiento in your application for residency. It could also be a requirement for NIE and/or local healthcare insurance card application. Its use and the process for getting this certificate depend on the region where you intend to reside.
It is a must that you be registered on the census record/municipal register or empadronamiento/Padrón Municipal de Habitantes if you want to reside in Spain or if you are already staying in a certain region. This will place you on the list of local inhabitants, and you may register an as individual or as a family. In addition, you may also be required to apply for a Social Security Card or Tarjeta de la Seguridad Social and a health certificate or tarjeta sanitaria, particularly if you intend to work in Spain.
Becoming a Spanish Resident - The Registration Process
(For EU/EEA citizens applying for Residence Certificate)
Application must be done within three months upon your arrival.
What you Need:
- Passport, national identity card or other valid means of identification
- A signed EX18 application form or Solicitud de certificado de registro de residencia comunitaria
- A proof of payment or a bank-stamped Modelo 790 payment form
What to Do:
- Go to the Foreign Nationals’ Office or Oficina de Extranjeros. You may also check out the nearest local police station or Policia Nacional.
- You may call to set an appointment. Confirm whether you can complete the payment form in advance.
- Ask for instructions and guidance should there be any changes in the process and required documents.
- Complete the form, and make your payment at the bank.
- Present your completed and signed application form along with other requirements.
- Wait for your application to be processed. If you're lucky, you can leave with your certificate on hand.
(Application of Residency Card for EU Citizen Family Members and other Non-EU/EEA citizens)
Know about the applicable visa requirements before leaving for Spain. Visit the nearest Spanish consulate in your area for guidance and specific requirements. Application must also be done within three months of stay in Spain.
What you Need:
- Passport, national identity card or other valid means of identification
- Proof of family relationship with the EU citizen (e.g., marriage certificate)
- Identity document of the EU resident family member
- A completed and signed EX18 application form or Solicitud de certificado de registro de residencia comunitaria
- Three recent, coloured passport photographs
- A bank-stamped Modelo 790 form as proof of payment
What to Do:
The same process applies.
There are many things to consider and get done with if you want to become a legitimate resident in Spain. It is wise to seek for professional guidance before deciding to move to Spain. More importantly, you need to fully understand the pros and cons that come with your decision along with the responsibilities and problems that you are likely to deal with. All the time, effort and money that you spend will be rewarded accordingly if you are knowledgeable and prepared enough to take on the many challenges of becoming a resident in Spain. Therefore, research well and plan systematically.