What is the Residence Permit?
The Spanish word ‘residencia’ means ‘place of permanent
living’. EU citizens coming to live in Spain are now asked
to report to a "Oficina de Extranjeros" in the nearist
National Police Station, ‘Comisaría de Policía’. They will
receive a card stating name, address and nationality,
identity number and date of registration. The card does not have a photograph.
Pensioners will probably have contributed to the British
social security system through their National Insurance
contributions and consequently also get access to healthcare,
provided they register with form E121 from the Department of
Social Security in the UK.
For how long is it allowed to live in Spain without a
residence permit?
Three months. When a foreign citizen moves in to Spain and
knows that she/he will live more than three months in the
country, she/he should apply for a residence permit. (REAL
DECRETO 240/2007, de 16 de febrero, Capítulo III, art. 7/1,
BOE 51).
Is it difficult for a EU citizen to apply a residence
permit?
Iit is very easy for a EU citizen to apply and get the
residence permit.
What means to be ‘non-resident’?
Non-resident is a person who lives less than three months of
the year in Spain or who has not applied for a residence
permit.
What is a NIE number?
The NIE it self does not give you any responsibilities or
rights. When applying the residence, you will get the NIE
automatically.
An NIE number is essentially a tax number for foreigners in
Spain. You need one if you are going to buy a house or a car
or open a bank account, if you are going to work for a
Spanish company.
When applying the residence, does one loose the
nationality and get the Spanish one?
No, you do not loose your nationality nor get the Spanish
nationality.
For how long time do I get the residence?
It is given with no time limit.
Can a non-resident person buy a property in Spain?
There are no limitations for a EU-citizen buying a property
in Spain.
When do I have to apply for the Spanish driving licence?
After having the residence it is recommended but not oblied
to apply one.
Who can own a car in Spanish register plates?
Who ever EU-citizen over 18 years.
Other information
Since between the EU Countries there has been signed the
Schengen Agreement, the travelling of the citizens is free.
There fore many citizens are staying long periods in Spain,
longer than 3 months a year, without residence permit or any
consequences. This is not recommended.
Although according to the present trend the residence permit
is not needed in Spain, in practice e.g. the pensioners and
the ones of working age do need it when visiting Social
Security office, banks etc. Sooner or later the EU countries
will have a common identity card.
FAQ
| LINKS
- 
-