JWood424
11/12/2015 18:48 EST
Hello to everyone. This is my first post here and I am looking to hear others experiences in obtaining a Visa to live and work in Spain. I have visited the Spanish Consulate website and obtained a list of requirements and am in the process of gathering all the necessary information. I am just wondering what the experience was like for others. Is it relatively easy to go through the process, or did anyone find it very difficult? I am trying to obtain permission to work and that seems like it may be my biggest obstacle. I would really appreciate hearing anyone else's experience in the matter. Thank to all in advance.
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dawnstarr
11/15/2015 07:57 EST
I just completed my first renewal of my visa. I have posted 3 blog posts on my visa application experiences on my blog: www.starrtreks.com.
Dates of posts were 7-9-15, 7-26-15; 8-9-15. I am also happy to answer any questions you might have. Dawn Starr
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JWood424
11/15/2015 18:44 EST
Thank you so much for your response. While it seems you had many hoops to jump through, it all worked out in the end. My fears are a bit different, as I am looking to obtain a Visa that will allow me to work. Here's my story, in a nut shell. I traveled to Spain by myself in May of 2015. While in Madrid, I met a wonderful woman and we have remained in contact ever since. She recently visited me here in the United States and we decided that we wanted to live together in Spain. Unfortunately, we are not legally married nor do I have any relatives in Spain, so it is very difficult for me to obtain a Visa. Any suggestions in this matter would be greatly appreciated!
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anlgza
11/16/2015 00:44 EST
Try searching for jobs in Spain. The company that hires you will take care of the visa for you. Another option is to take an ESL course in Barcelona or other large Spanish city (cost is about $2500 for the certification which takes 4 weeks.) The school will help you find a job. You will then have 2 months more as a tourist to find a job as an English language teacher (tourists are allowed to visit 90 days per year.)
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JWood424
11/16/2015 06:03 EST
Thank you for the suggestion. I have been looking for jobs and I hope to have a connection with a rather major U.S. business over there, however when I see the list of paperwork required, etc. I get discouraged. I have also considered teaching English as a second option. Do you think that would speed up the process of getting a Visa?
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kwelbi
11/16/2015 07:20 EST
You could go the "pareja hecha" route.This is simple ceremony carried out in your local town hall (Ayuntamieto) and is basically a civil partnership. If your lady friend is willing to follow this route she needs to consult at her local Ayuntamieto but l'm sure you would need to register with them first.If it is possible to carry out the procedure you should be able to apply for residency as you are in relationship that carries status in Spain equal to all
intents and purposes to marriage.
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anlgza
11/16/2015 15:08 EST
Ah paperwork...the bain of our existance. I don't know if ESL would be faster but the course apparently is pretty intense. Either way once you do get any job I would think they would expedite the visa to make sure that you won't have to leave right after your get started. I hope you get some answers from someone who has gone through the employment visa process. All the best to you and your girlfriend.
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JWood424
11/16/2015 16:38 EST
I had never heard oh pareja hecha although it would certainly appeal to me. I will have to discuss it with my girlfriend. How difficult is it to register for something like that?
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kwelbi
11/17/2015 07:33 EST
To register you need to get to Spain,move in with your lady friend and register on the 'padron'(register)at her local Ayuntamiento.I'm assuming your lady friend is Spanish and if this is the case she should be familiar with the padron process.I went the pareja hecha route myself some years ago and I was in and out of the Ayuntamiento in less than half an hour although I didn't go through the process for visa reasons.I don't know if you would have any problems if you were to enter Spain on a tourist visa and then do a pajera hecha but the Spanish are very sympathetic regarding affairs of the heart and it seems completely feasible to me.To be sure I think a visit to your nearest Spanish consul would be advisable although your LF can contact the Spanish Ministry of the Interior as well.If you just go ahead and jump in feet first I can't see what problem might arise as far as regularising your situation in Spain would be.Good luck.
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JWood424
11/17/2015 09:13 EST
Thank you very much for that suggestion! It's actually very encouraging. I plan on moving in with my girlfriend in Spain regardless of my visa status. I am hoping to avoid traveling back to the US just to get the visa but at this point we are willing to do whatever is necessary. I plan on showing her this forum and getting her opinion.
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