Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Spain Expat Forum

resident visa

New Topic Newest First
richardmarks
  11/14/2016 05:20 EST

The rules for getting a resident visa require proof of having a residence in Spain and a mailing address. I do not want to lease before applying for a visa which can take three to four months. Any suggestions on how to avoid leasing so early would be appreciated.

HFOsle52
  11/14/2016 06:54 EST

Richard
I didn't have a rental property before I applied for a visa. Are you a USA citizen? First off, Americans don't need a visa to travel to Spain (I'm sure you know). Secondly you can apply for a one year non working visa without any rental agreement or proof of residency. We applied for a visa in France (we are Americans) and, yes, it took about three months but the requirements are usually medical insurance, proof of sufficient income to cover you while in Spain (I think it's 2000 euro per month per family) and then you need the FBI release, etc.
Besides, if I remember correctly you can not open a bank account or lease a property (or buy) without your NIE # and you can't get that number without the visa.
So I am pretty sure you info is wrong.
I suggest you go to the Spain Consular Website and investigate the requirements for USA citizens.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

dawnstarr
  11/14/2016 07:05 EST

When I inquired about that requirement and asked how I was supposed to get a place to live before I went to Spain, the staff simply said that was the requirement. When I checked with the San Francisco consulate, their application did not require a home in Spain. I called back to LA and asked and they told me different consulates might have different requirements! So I effected a "move" with an address that allowed me to apply in San Fran. When I submitted my application, I was asked about my housing in Spain, and I politely said I would get it as soon as I got to Spain, and that worked, but I can imagine it may depend on the whim of the staff person.

HFOsle52
  11/14/2016 07:13 EST

I just arrived in Spain in Sept. with my visa (non working). A residency is NOT required. go the the Spain Consulate Website and start there. I wouldn't bother calling them. You can also download the application straight from the website

richardmarks
  11/14/2016 07:27 EST

This is straight from the website:
6.
Proof of accommodation.
Provide one of the following documents:
?
Lea
se.
(In Spanish or translated into Spanish)
?
Title deed of property.
(In Spanish or translated into Spanish

dawnstarr
  11/14/2016 08:17 EST

Again, the LA and San Francisco consulates had different requirements re: housing. I don't know about other consulates.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

richardmarks
  11/14/2016 09:32 EST

Dawnstar, thank you, The Chicago branch seems to be different for some reason.

Glendall
  11/14/2016 11:05 EST

My wife and I used the Miami consulate and we had rented an apartment for one month in Spain from an internet site. We gave the address to the consulate and that was all we had to do.

Glendall

richardmarks
  11/14/2016 12:15 EST

Thanks Glendall!

anlgza
  11/14/2016 13:15 EST

To clarify the terms, there are several different forms of residency visas which allow you to stay up to a year before needing to renew. A visa is unecessary if you stay up to 90 days per 180 day period in the Schengen area which includes Spain. After 3 months, the Schengen agreement then requires you to leave the area which includes most of Europe. Thereafter to stay in the general area you could go to one of the Balkan countries and the UK, for several months depending on their individual rules. http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/how-to-legally-stay-in-europe-for-more-than-90-days/

We only put "Barcelona" on the form as our address, and like others, the consulate in Houston accepted that after we explained that we would find long term housing once we arrived.

prigotkulow47
  11/14/2016 13:25 EST

This visa only allows you to get into the country I believe. Once you get here you need to beta "padrone" for which you usually need a lease of at least 6 months.Then you must file for residency with the national police. department in the town where you are living. That residency card is what allows you to live in Spain--must be renewed yearly and you are supposed to report any change of address--this seems to be a census type of thing. Anyone else with different info? Pat

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

richardmarks
  11/14/2016 14:05 EST

Thanks, Pat.

richardmarks
  11/14/2016 14:07 EST

Anlgza, thank you.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Spain GuideLiving in Spain Guide

Expats Living in Spain offer their advice for others making the move to the nation on the Iberian peninsula. From what to bring, to learning Spanish, culture shock and more, read on to learn how to settle into your new life as an expat in Spain.

Spain Forum Spain Forum
Join our Spain forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Spain.

Contribute to Spain Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Spain.

Best Places to Live in Spain Best Places to Live in Spain

If you're thinking about living in Spain, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Spain in 2023.

Healthcare in SpainHealthcare in Spain

Expats in Spain share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Spain.

Cost of Living in SpainCost of Living in Spain

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Spain.

Moving to SpainMoving to Spain Guide

Expats move to Spain from all over the world. People of all ages move there to work, retire, or just enjoy the culture and Spain's natural beauty. With so many places to choose from, our tips for moving to Spain will get you started on picking the perfect place for you.

Real Estate in SpainReal Estate in Spain

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Spain.

Pros Cons of Living in SpainPros & Cons of Living in Spain

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Spain.

Retiring in SpainRetiring in Spain

Advice for people retiring in Spain.

10 Tips for Living in Spain10 Tips for Living in Spain

If you've recently arrived in Spain, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Spain.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Spain Network Contribute
Help others in Spain by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Spain.

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal