Residence • Residencia

The rules on “residencia” cards in Spain have recently changed. People applying for a residence in the past used to get a plastic card which fitted into any wallet or purse. The plastic card has now been replaced a with piece of a green paper with your name and NIE number on it together with an official stamp.

If you are an EU-citizen, you must register at your local “Oficina de Extranjeros” which is usually in the local Comisaria. You will need to fill out a form and to pay a small fee. You will get a certificate which shows your name, address, and your NIE number. You can download the Residencia application form here.

The UK government provides comprehensive advice for UK citizens moving to Spain. The given information is also valid for any EU-citizen wanting to move to Spain or already is living in Spain: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/Files/KFile/living_spain.pdf. If you are not an EU citizen and you are not married to an EU citizen, then you will need:

• Your NIE number
• Your Passport
• Proof of income (job, pension, or another income source; students: grant or funds)
• Proof of social security registration or of a private medical insurance
• If you are married you will need your marriage certificate.

Having Spanish residency doesn’t loose you any citizenship rights of the country for which you are a passport holder. 

You are advised to contact an English speaking lawyer or a “gestor”. They can prepare all the paperwork for you.
Non-EU citizens need to choose between a Residency only permit and a Residency and Work permit. 

• Residency only permit
  In the case that you receive an income without working. The most usual cases are as follows: 1) Receiving an income from property you own, eg. renting accommodation; 2) Pensioners; 3) Investors with business involvements in Spain.
• Residency and Work Permits
  The application procedure for applying for Residency and work permits depends on whether you are going to be setting up your own business and self employed or - as in most cases -  working for an employer. 
• Student Residency Permits
  Non-EU students must have a Spanish Student Visa for the duration of their course, as well as a student card that is valid for the duration of their course. 

All applications must be made to the Spanish Embassy in your country of origin. 

The first residence permit that will be issued is for 1 year, to carry out a specific job.  At the end of this year, if you have been working and paying Social Security for at least half this time you will be issued with a temporary 2 year residence permit which also allows you to apply for work in another sector.  When these 2 years are up, the same criteria applies.  At the end of 5 years, you will receive a permanent 5 year residence permit. To renew this, you just need to request renewal without providing supporting social security documentation.

We strongly advise you to consult a lawyer (or gestor) for the proceedings and especially for exceptional circumstances; e.g. already in Spain with a tourist visa or illegally, having established roots here, severe illness, being victim of domestic violence, and discrimination.

If you speak Spanish you will find more information here: http://www.extranjeros.es.

Have a question about residencias and work permits in Spain? Ask it in our Legal & Financial Spain Forum.