Guide to Residency in Spain

Obtaining a residency visa in Spain is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Spain gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

Obtaining Residency Status in Spain

• Determine the Type of Residency
• Non-lucrative residency: For individuals with sufficient financial means to support themselves without working in Spain.
• Work and residency visa: For individuals who have a job offer or wish to set up a business in Spain.
• Student visa: For individuals enrolled in a Spanish educational institution.
• Gather Required Documents
• Valid passport
• Completed application form (Form EX-01)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Medical certificate
• Specific documents based on the type of residency (e.g., job offer, enrollment letter, etc.)
• Apply for a Tax Number (NIE)
• Schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country or at a local police station in Spain.
• Complete the EX-15 application form: EX-15 Form
• Pay the fee (Modelo 790 Código 012)
• Submit the application with required documents (passport, copy of passport, EX-15 form, and fee payment receipt)
• Apply for a Residency Visa
• Schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
• Complete the application form (Form EX-01)
• Pay the visa fee
• Submit the application with required documents
• Register as a Resident (Empadronamiento)
• Go to the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) where you live in Spain.
• Complete the application form (Volante de Empadronamiento)
• Provide proof of address (e.g., rental contract, utility bill)
• Submit the application with required documents (passport, NIE, and proof of address)
• Obtain a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE)
• Schedule an appointment at the local police station or immigration office.
• Complete the application form (EX-17)
• Pay the fee (Modelo 790 Código 012)
• Submit the application with required documents (passport, NIE, empadronamiento, and passport-sized photographs)
• Renew Your Residency
• Schedule an appointment at the local police station or immigration office.
• Complete the application form (same form used for initial application)
• Pay the renewal fee
• Submit the application with required documents (passport, TIE, empadronamiento, proof of sufficient financial means, etc.)

Note: The process and requirements may vary depending on your specific situation and the region of Spain where you apply. It is recommended to consult the official Spanish government immigration website or contact the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Spain?

"Best to consult Spanish website,. We are here on a non-lucrative visa which requires minimum financial assets," commented one expat living in Granada, Spain.

"In order to travel to Spain, most visitors must first apply for a visa from the Spanish Embassy in their country of residence. The requirements for obtaining a visa generally depend on the individual’s country of origin, the type of visa requested, and the purpose of the visit. For example, some people may need a Schengen visa to travel to Spain, while others may only need a basic Tourist visa. The application process usually requires a valid passport, visa application form, bank statement, and proof of return flight or travel plans. Once in Spain, non-EU citizens can apply for residence if they wish to stay longer than three months. The most common type of residence visa is known as a NIE (Numero de Identificación de Extranjero). In order to obtain a residency visa, applicants must submit a valid passport, NIE application form, proof of health insurance, proof of sufficient funds to stay in Spain, a criminal background check, and other applicable documents. Depending on the visa type, additional documents may also be required. Once all documents have been collected and submitted, a residency visa appointment must be booked at the local Foreigners Office," mentioned one expat living in Spain.

"To live here, one can get a non-lucrative visa and is considered a temporary resident. After 5 years, we can become permanent resident. These are the main requirements to get non- lucrative visa - background check, health certificate, proof of available funds, health insurance," said an expat in Spain.