Guide to Residency in Spain

Obtaining a residency visa in Spain is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Spain gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research the different types of Spanish residency permits
  • Non-lucrative residence visa for those who can support themselves without working.
  • Work and residence visa for those who have a job offer in Spain.
  • Student visa for those who will be studying in Spain.
  • Entrepreneur and business activity visa for those starting a business in Spain.
  • Golden Visa for those making a significant investment in Spain.
• Check eligibility and requirements for the chosen residency permit
  • Ensure you have a valid passport with at least one year remaining before expiration.
  • Prepare documentation proving financial means, health insurance, and, if applicable, a criminal record certificate.
  • For work visas, ensure you have a job offer from a Spanish employer.
• Apply for a Tax Number (NIE - Número de Identidad de Extranjero)
  • Download and fill out the EX-15 form from the official Spanish Ministry of the Interior website.
  • Make an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country or at a police station in Spain if you are already there.
  • Submit the form along with your passport and a passport-sized photo, and pay the fee.
• Prepare the necessary documentation
  • Gather personal documents such as your passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate if applicable.
  • Obtain a criminal record check from your home country and any other country you've lived in for the past five years.
  • Acquire proof of health insurance coverage in Spain.
  • Provide proof of financial means, such as bank statements or income declarations.
• Submit your visa application
  • Complete the appropriate visa application form for your residency permit type.
  • Book an appointment and submit your application at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
  • Include all the required documentation and the visa application fee.
• Wait for the visa application to be processed
  • Processing times can vary, so be prepared to wait several weeks or months.
  • Check the status of your application online if the service is available at your consulate or embassy.
• Collect your visa
  • Once approved, you will be notified to collect your visa from the consulate or embassy.
  • Review the visa to ensure all details are correct.
• Travel to Spain
  • Enter Spain within the validity period of your visa.
  • Keep all travel and entry documents on hand for presentation at the border if required.
• Register with the local authorities in Spain
  • Within 30 days of arrival, register at the local Oficina de Extranjeros or police station to obtain your residency card (TIE - Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
  • Make an appointment and submit the required documentation, including your visa and proof of address in Spain.
• Enroll in the Spanish social security system
  • Visit the local Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social office.
  • Provide your NIE, residency card, and employment details if applicable.
• Open a bank account in Spain (optional but recommended)
  • Choose a bank that offers services in English if you are not fluent in Spanish.
  • Present your NIE, passport, and proof of address to open the account.

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and the exact process may vary depending on your specific circumstances and any changes to immigration laws. It is always best to consult the official Spanish government websites or seek professional legal advice for the most current and detailed information. Here are some useful links: - Spanish Ministry of the Interior (for NIE application): [Ministerio del Interior](http://www.interior.gob.es/) - Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for visa application): [Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores](http://www.exteriores.gob.es/) - Spanish Social Security (for social security enrollment): [Seguridad Social](http://www.seg-social.es/) Remember to check if there is an English version of the website available for easier navigation.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Spain?

"In order to travel to Spain, most visitors must first apply for a visa from the Spanish Embassy in their country of residence. The requirements for obtaining a visa generally depend on the individual’s country of origin, the type of visa requested, and the purpose of the visit. For example, some people may need a Schengen visa to travel to Spain, while others may only need a basic Tourist visa. The application process usually requires a valid passport, visa application form, bank statement, and proof of return flight or travel plans. Once in Spain, non-EU citizens can apply for residence if they wish to stay longer than three months. The most common type of residence visa is known as a NIE (Numero de Identificación de Extranjero). In order to obtain a residency visa, applicants must submit a valid passport, NIE application form, proof of health insurance, proof of sufficient funds to stay in Spain, a criminal background check, and other applicable documents. Depending on the visa type, additional documents may also be required. Once all documents have been collected and submitted, a residency visa appointment must be booked at the local Foreigners Office," commented one member living in Spain.

"To live here, one can get a non-lucrative visa and is considered a temporary resident. After 5 years, we can become permanent resident. These are the main requirements to get non- lucrative visa - background check, health certificate, proof of available funds, health insurance," mentioned one expat living in Spain.

"Best to consult Spanish website,. We are here on a non-lucrative visa which requires minimum financial assets," said an expat in Spain.