Year after year, Spain attracts thousands of foreigners worldwide with its diverse landscapes, friendly locals, delectable cuisine, and year-round pleasant weather, making it an ideal destination for a fresh start. However, before this dream becomes a reality, navigating the process of obtaining a residence permit is a common challenge that raises many questions. In this article, we will explore the various residency options available in Spain, breaking down the requirements for each permit to help you determine the best path for your unique situation.
How to get a Residence Permit in Spain?
Residence permits in Spain fall into two categories: temporary residence for short-term stays exceeding 90 days but less than five years, and long-term or permanent residence for extended periods, mirroring the conditions of Spanish citizens.
For non-EU citizens, various visas cater to specific purposes, such as the student visa for academic pursuits, the entrepreneur visa for launching projects, and the highly qualified professional visa for skilled employment. Family reunification options are also available for those residing in Spain for at least a year.
The application process and requirements vary based on your origin, with EU citizens benefitting from a simpler process. Non-EU citizens need to obtain a residence card, with additional possibilities like the EU card for relatives of EU citizens. The documentation required includes passports, criminal record certificates, passport photos, and proof of financial means or employment.
Renewing your residence permit in Spain follows a similar process to the initial application, demonstrating continued eligibility. The renewal can be done online or in person, involving the presentation of necessary documents and payment of applicable fees. Understanding these intricacies will help you navigate the Spanish residency landscape smoothly.
For non-EU citizens, various visas cater to specific purposes, such as the student visa for academic pursuits, the entrepreneur visa for launching projects, and the highly qualified professional visa for skilled employment. Family reunification options are also available for those residing in Spain for at least a year.
The application process and requirements vary based on your origin, with EU citizens benefitting from a simpler process. Non-EU citizens need to obtain a residence card, with additional possibilities like the EU card for relatives of EU citizens. The documentation required includes passports, criminal record certificates, passport photos, and proof of financial means or employment.
Renewing your residence permit in Spain follows a similar process to the initial application, demonstrating continued eligibility. The renewal can be done online or in person, involving the presentation of necessary documents and payment of applicable fees. Understanding these intricacies will help you navigate the Spanish residency landscape smoothly.
Residence permit Spain for non EU citizens: features
If you plan to stay in Spain for less than a year as a non-EU citizen, you initially apply for a short-stay visa, also known as the Schengen Short Stay Visa, which allows a 90-day stay within a 180-day period. If you intend to extend your stay beyond 90 days, a residence card, or "tarjeta de residencia," must be obtained within the first three months of being in Spain.
The cost of non-EU residency visas can vary, with standard processing fees around €80 per applicant. However, depending on factors like your country of origin, the type of visa, and the need for legal support, fees may range from €300 to €600 for US citizens and potentially higher for entrepreneur and Golden Visas.
To apply for Spanish residency, non-EU citizens need to present necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport photos, proof of financial stability, proof of address in Spain, a clean criminal background check, a medical certificate, and medical insurance covering the Schengen zone.
The application process duration varies based on the visa type and could range from 15 days to several months. It's crucial to apply well in advance to ensure a smooth transition and avoid expiration of your current visa.
There are various non-EU residence visa options in Spain, such as the Employed Work Visa, Entrepreneur Visa for business ventures, Golden (Investor) Visa for substantial investments, Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees, Student Visa for educational pursuits, and Family Members Visa for family reunification. Each visa type has specific requirements and processing times.
Ultimately, choosing the right visa depends on your circumstances and goals, and seeking advice or consulting with immigration experts can be beneficial to navigate the complexities of the application process.
The cost of non-EU residency visas can vary, with standard processing fees around €80 per applicant. However, depending on factors like your country of origin, the type of visa, and the need for legal support, fees may range from €300 to €600 for US citizens and potentially higher for entrepreneur and Golden Visas.
To apply for Spanish residency, non-EU citizens need to present necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport photos, proof of financial stability, proof of address in Spain, a clean criminal background check, a medical certificate, and medical insurance covering the Schengen zone.
The application process duration varies based on the visa type and could range from 15 days to several months. It's crucial to apply well in advance to ensure a smooth transition and avoid expiration of your current visa.
There are various non-EU residence visa options in Spain, such as the Employed Work Visa, Entrepreneur Visa for business ventures, Golden (Investor) Visa for substantial investments, Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees, Student Visa for educational pursuits, and Family Members Visa for family reunification. Each visa type has specific requirements and processing times.
Ultimately, choosing the right visa depends on your circumstances and goals, and seeking advice or consulting with immigration experts can be beneficial to navigate the complexities of the application process.
Residence permit Spain for EU citizens: features
For EU citizens seeking residency in Spain, the process involves obtaining a Foreign Identity Number (NIE) and a Spain Foreign Identity Card (TIE). The NIE, a unique identifier for stays over six months, is crucial for various transactions, while the TIE serves as a residency card confirming legal status. Application typically starts within the first month of arrival, with a temporary confirmation page issued until the original card is processed.
Alternatively, EU citizens can opt for the EU Registry Certificate, also known as the "green card," allowing legal stay for over three months without the need for a separate NIE or TIE. This certificate, obtained within three months of entering Spain, is associated with an assigned NIE number and is valid for five years, with options for renewal or permanent residency.
Application requirements vary based on the purpose of relocation, such as employment, studies, or entrepreneurship, and may include social security registration, job contracts, business-related documents, proof of financial means, health insurance, and enrollment certificates for students.
For those considering long-term residency, options include the Permiso De Residencia a Larga Duracion (Long-term Residence Permit) and the associated Tarjeta de Larga Duracion (Long-term Residence Card). These are suitable for individuals continuously staying in Spain for over five years and not citizens of an EU member state or Switzerland.
There's also the Tarjeta de Larga Duracion UE, the European Union version of the long-term residency card, allowing mobility across EU member countries. The application process is similar, with additional financial and work-related documents required.
For EU citizens relocating to Spain, various visa routes include the Spain Student Visa, Work Visa, Golden Visa for investors, Entrepreneur Visa for business ventures, and Non-lucrative Residence Visa for those not intending to work in Spain. The application involves filling out forms, collecting necessary documents, scheduling a visa appointment, attending an interview, and paying the required fee. The process is tailored to the individual's purpose of relocation, encompassing diverse visa options, documentation requirements, and specific application procedures.
Alternatively, EU citizens can opt for the EU Registry Certificate, also known as the "green card," allowing legal stay for over three months without the need for a separate NIE or TIE. This certificate, obtained within three months of entering Spain, is associated with an assigned NIE number and is valid for five years, with options for renewal or permanent residency.
Application requirements vary based on the purpose of relocation, such as employment, studies, or entrepreneurship, and may include social security registration, job contracts, business-related documents, proof of financial means, health insurance, and enrollment certificates for students.
For those considering long-term residency, options include the Permiso De Residencia a Larga Duracion (Long-term Residence Permit) and the associated Tarjeta de Larga Duracion (Long-term Residence Card). These are suitable for individuals continuously staying in Spain for over five years and not citizens of an EU member state or Switzerland.
There's also the Tarjeta de Larga Duracion UE, the European Union version of the long-term residency card, allowing mobility across EU member countries. The application process is similar, with additional financial and work-related documents required.
For EU citizens relocating to Spain, various visa routes include the Spain Student Visa, Work Visa, Golden Visa for investors, Entrepreneur Visa for business ventures, and Non-lucrative Residence Visa for those not intending to work in Spain. The application involves filling out forms, collecting necessary documents, scheduling a visa appointment, attending an interview, and paying the required fee. The process is tailored to the individual's purpose of relocation, encompassing diverse visa options, documentation requirements, and specific application procedures.
Temporary residence permit in Spain: pros and cons
A Temporary Residence Permit in Spain allows foreign nationals to stay in the country for a period exceeding 90 days but less than 5 years. This permit can be renewed, contingent upon the applicant's continued compliance with the stipulated requirements. Temporary residency is applicable to various situations, including those linked to work permits, specific types of employment, and investment purposes.
Residence permit in Spain for the self-employed
Obtaining a self-employed work visa in Spain involves a two-stage process, starting with acquiring an initial residence and self-employed work permit. To initiate this process, applicants must submit various documents, including a completed application form, passport copies, activity permits, professional training credentials, and a plan outlining the establishment or activity details. Financial means, payment of fees, and additional requirements specific to certain applicants are also part of the documentation.
Once the initial residence and self-employed work permit is secured, applicants proceed to the second stage for the self-employed work visa. This phase involves submitting a national visa application form, a recent photograph, a valid passport, criminal record check certificates, a medical certificate, proof of residence, and other supporting documents. The visa application period must be within one month of receiving a favorable decision on the initial permit. The applicant can then submit the visa application at the designated Spain Visa Application Centre, and upon approval, the visa is valid for 90 days, with additional steps required upon arrival in Spain.
Once the initial residence and self-employed work permit is secured, applicants proceed to the second stage for the self-employed work visa. This phase involves submitting a national visa application form, a recent photograph, a valid passport, criminal record check certificates, a medical certificate, proof of residence, and other supporting documents. The visa application period must be within one month of receiving a favorable decision on the initial permit. The applicant can then submit the visa application at the designated Spain Visa Application Centre, and upon approval, the visa is valid for 90 days, with additional steps required upon arrival in Spain.
Residence permit Spain for family
For EU citizens seeking a residency permit card for a family member in Spain, demonstrating financial sufficiency is a requisite. Specifically, they must provide evidence of possessing €10,029.32 annually for one family member. If there's a desire to bring in additional family members, the obligation increases to substantiating €4,000 for each extra family member.
Can a foreign child born in Spain get residence permit?
Offspring born in Spain to a non-EU national with legal residency in Spain, not covered by the Union citizen regime, will inherently obtain the same residence authorization held by either parent. In this context, a parent can initiate the process of securing residence authorization for the child either at the time of birth or when either parent attains legal resident status.
Who can receive a residence permit to stay in the Spain long-term?
Several categories of individuals may be eligible to receive a residence permit to stay in Spain long-term. Here are some common scenarios:
- Non-EU Citizens
- Self-Employed Individuals
- Investors
- Employees
- Family Members
- Students
- Refugees
- Long-Term Residents
- Citizenship Applicants
How long is an EU long-term residence permit in Spain?
A Long-Term Residence Permit grants the privilege of residing in Spain for a duration of five years, with the option for renewal upon its expiration.
If I buy a house in Spain, do they give a residence permit?
Certainly, as a non-EU citizen, you have the opportunity to secure a 3-year residence permit in Spain by investing in a property valued at €500,000 or more. This initiative, commonly known as the golden visa, has been a key component of the 2013 Entrepreneurs Law, designed to attract foreign talent and investments to the country.
Under this regulation, many individuals and their families have availed themselves of the benefits associated with this special visa, allowing them to establish long-term residence and even pursue citizenship. While the primary criterion is the purchase of a property meeting the €500,000 threshold, the investment can be spread across multiple properties or include additional features like a garage, as long as the total value meets the requirement.
It's important to note that financial arrangements or loans cannot be utilized to fulfill the investment criteria. Alongside the property investment, applicants are required to meet two other conditions:
With these considerations fulfilled, you can take advantage of the golden visa program in Spain.
Under this regulation, many individuals and their families have availed themselves of the benefits associated with this special visa, allowing them to establish long-term residence and even pursue citizenship. While the primary criterion is the purchase of a property meeting the €500,000 threshold, the investment can be spread across multiple properties or include additional features like a garage, as long as the total value meets the requirement.
It's important to note that financial arrangements or loans cannot be utilized to fulfill the investment criteria. Alongside the property investment, applicants are required to meet two other conditions:
- Obtain private health insurance with comprehensive coverage and no copayments within Spain.
- Request and provide a criminal record certificate.
With these considerations fulfilled, you can take advantage of the golden visa program in Spain.
Spain residence permit: price
The cost of a Spanish Long Term Residence Permit ranges from €80 to €674, depending on various factors.
