Welcome to our quick starter guide to becoming a resident in Spain.
We cover the rules and regulations concerning becoming a resident of Spain from the perspective of a foreign national.
Did you know that if you spend more than three months a year in Spain, you are obliged to apply for Spanish residency!
Clearly, for expats buying property in Spain, perhaps as a second home, this is something that you perhaps did not realise!
On the other hand, perhaps you have made the decision to relocate to Spain on a permanent basis and you’re wondering about how to proceed officially, in becoming a resident of Spain.
Of course one of the main considerations is your tax status and whether becoming a Spanish resident, is beneficial to you or not.
Please do not take our advice as gospel, because new rules and regulations are constantly being introduced. Nevertheless, at the time of writing this information is correct and gives you a good indication of where you stand regarding residency.
Get as much information as you can and when you are ready to make your decision to move to Spain and become a resident, consult a lawyer (abogado) or accountant (el contador).
How do I Get Residency in Spain?
EU citizens should go to the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros (foreigners office) or failing that, to the nearest police station.
The Oficina de Extranjeros will issue you with a Residence Certificate. This certificate displays your name, address, nationality and NIE number (Número de Indentifación Extranjeros) with the date of your registration.
This is also the place to go to get your NIE number, if you haven’t got one already:
You are lost in Spain without your NIE number – Why you need an NIE…
- To open a bank account (residents account with better rates)
- To receive unemployment benefit
- To work in Spain
- To buy and sell property
- To get a loan or a mortgage
- To set up a business
- To register with social services and receive benefits
- To apply for a driver’s licence
- For tax payments.
- To open utility accounts, such as gas, water, electricity, ADSL, mobile phone contract
It is possible to apply for an NIE before arriving in Spain by going to your local Spanish consulate or embassy.
What if I Change Address?
Unfortunately you are required to renew this if you change your address at any time.
Yes another trip to the Oficina de Extranjeros!
Can I Work Legally in Spain?
If you are from an EU country then you have the right to work in Spain. You can begin to search for work and jobs immediately upon your arrival, regardless of whether you have obtained your residency certificate or not.
Obviously at the earliest opportunity, you should begin the procedure of applying for the certificate which can take some time to be issued.
Becoming a Resident of Spain – You Need to Prove You Can Support Yourself
What’s this about proving my income?
A number of readers have been asking us about this and it appears they are asking about a new law which was passed in July 2012.
Due to the economic troubles in Spain, this law has been passed whereby new residents may be asked to prove that they are able to support themselves and their family.
If you have secured official employment, in other words with a proper contract, then this will not be so much of an issue for you.
If however you do not have a job and you are applying for residency you are bound to come under scrutiny.
In recent years Spain has suffered a wave of migration from immigrants from South America and North Africa who clearly have been a burden to the social system of Spain and unfortunately many of these immigrants have significantly raised the crime levels in Spain.
In short, Spain is looking for desirable immigrants who can add to the country’s economy, not take from it.
As part of this new law you may also