There are many things you will need to know when starting a new life in Spain from the immigration process to how to stay within the law while you live there
Immigration
Tourist Status
The EU allows free movement in its member states for all its citizens provided they have a National Identity Card or a Passport. The UK is one of the few countries in Europe which does not, at the time of writing, issue an ID card. UK citizens need a valid passport to enter Spain and for internal identification purposes thereafter.
A person on a short-term stay is classed as a tourist and can enter Spain for a period of up to 90 days with:
- A passport;
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary reciprocal medical cover;
- A driving licence;
- Some euros;
- A credit card. Since the introduction of the euro virtually all Bureaux de Change have disappeared, but ATMs (cash dispenser machines) take all international cards with instructions in English.
A 90-day extension called a permanencia, can be obtained once per calendar year. With this extension it is possible to stay as a ‘tourist’ for a total of six months. To apply for a permanencia, which is stamped in the passport, go to the foreigners ‘department of the nearest police station with a passport, two photos, and some evidence of your ability to finance a stay in Spain for a further 90 days. The permanencia is a little used procedure, but it technically bridges the gap between a 90-day short-term stay and permanent residence over 180 days. A tourist is a person who spends less than six months in Spain in one calendar year.
Anyone who stays more than six months must apply for a residencia.
Fiscal Identification Number
All residents or non-residents with financial dealings in Spain must have an identification number –
Numero Identification de Extranjero (NIE), the significant word
extranjero meaning foreigner.
Numero de Identification Fiscal (NIF) is the equivalent for Spaniards which, in their case, serves as Fiscal, Identity and Passport Number.
To get an
NIE go to the foreigners ‘department of a police station with a passport (and one copy of the passport), and two photographs and complete the relevant form provided. Foreigners will quickly become accustomed to a way of life dependant on personal identification by an
NIE number. An
NIE is required for:
- Purchase of a property, a car and other expensive items;
- Dealing with the tax authorities;
- ID for other documents such as insurance policies or bank records.
Permanent Status
Intending to live permanently or to spend more than six months each year in Spain? Then no later than 90 days after arriving, begin the process of applying for a residencia (this is effectively an identity card). To do this, again visit the foreigners’ department at the designated police station with the following documents:
- Copy of a valid passport and NIE number;
- Three passport-size colour photographs;
- The completed form.
At the police station fingerprints are taken. In about six months a new style plastic residencia card is issued which is renewed every five years. The passport goes into the file at home to be used for international travelling. Obtaining a residencia also necessitates a visit to the bank to change personal details and account numbers reflecting a change from non-resident status. It also means paying income tax in Spain rather than to a ‘home’ country.
Someone entering Spain as a student or as a tourist and then taking up employment or self employment should read Chapter 8 –Employment, where details of a combined work permit/residencia application are outlined. A person entering Spain as a potential employee should still obtain a residencia.