What you need to know to get residency in Spain

The residency permit (Tarjeta de Residencia) is a card which shows all of your personal details including your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) number.

The two kinds of residency:

 Temporary residence permit             Ordinary residence

1. If you intend to reside in Spain for less than one year but for more than 90 days the temporary residence permit is what you will need.
2. If you intend to stay in Spain for a minimum of one year then you need the "ordinary residence" permit. This can be renewed after 5 years.

 If you have worked legally in Spain for 3 years or more and reached your retirement then permanent residency is available to you, also if you have to leave your job (after 3 years) because of a permanent disability then this also entitles you to permanent residency. 

How to become a resident and who should apply if you are from the EU

European Union Citizens

From March 07 People from EU countries will need to register at Oficinas de Extranjería if they need to stay in Spain for more than 90 days where they will be issued with a certificate allowing them to reside in Spain. This certificate will state their name, address in Spain, nationality, identity number and date of registration. You will no longer be issued with a residency card. If you already have a residency card you need to re register when the card expires, whereupon you will be issued a certificate.

You do not need a residence certificate if: 

• You are living and working legally in Spain and paying contributions to the Spanish Social Security system
• You are retired and paid into the Spanish system for at least one year before retiring and lived in Spain for more than 3 years. For more info click here Age Concern Espana website
• You are a Student
• EU national dependants of an EU national
• If you are a self-employed worker who is paying into the  Social Security system in Spain  Seguridad Social website.

You need to apply for and carry a residence card if: 

• You are a pensioner who is retiring to Spain.
• Anyone planning to live in Spain and not earn an income (living off investments and/or savings)
• You are a dependant of an EU or Spanish citizen and are not an EU citizen 

UK Citizens

• See the British Embassy website for more information on moving to Spain.
• Information in English about the Spanish Social Security system Go here  Seguridad Social website

Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU members can stay in Spain for a year on an initial permit (residencia), which can be renewed.

Members of non-EU countries wishing to reside in Spain for more than 90 days must have a residency permit. You should apply for a residency permit within the first month from the Oficina de Extranjeros. Your nearest office can be found by clicking here.

Before you leave your home country you must apply for a Visado de Residencia  from the Spanish Embassy in your home country. This is not a tourist visa as it allows for the residency application process to begin.

 For more information (in English): see Seguridad Social.

Applying for your Residence Permit

 (Tarjeta de Residencia)

• Go to a local Foreigners' Office (Officina de Extranjeros). To find the nearest one: Click here  
• You will be given a form (Form 037 for EU nationals, Form 120 for non EU citizens who have employment, Form 140 non-EU citizens who are not employed)

Ask at your local office what paperwork you will need as different areas require different documents.

 You will probably need: If you are from the EU

1          The application form plus 3 copies.

2          A valid passport with a photocopy

3         3 passport size photos. Write your name on the back.

4         Proof of your address in Spain

5         Money to pay the administration fee

You may need Further documentation Ask at the office.

You may need certified translations of documents.