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Spain | What are the visa & residency requirements in Spain? | Expat Exchange
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Peniscola, Spain

What are the visa & residency requirements in Spain?

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We asked people about the visa & residency requirements in Spain, they wrote...

"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 expat who made the move to Spain.

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"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," remarked another expat in Granada, Spain.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in Spain?

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Peniscola, Spain
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