Migration questions Spain

Spain offers several types of residence permits depending on the purpose of stay. 

1. Residence permit without the right to work:

   - For those who do not plan to work in Spain but have sufficient financial resources for living.

   - Requires proof of funds amounting to at least 28,800 euros per year (2023).

2. Work visa:

   - For those who have a job offer from a Spanish company.

   - Must have an employment contract and proof of qualifications.

3. Student visa:

   - For studying at Spanish educational institutions.

   - Requires an admission letter, financial guarantees, and medical insurance.

4. Golden visa:

   - For investors ready to make significant investments in the Spanish economy, for instance, through purchasing real estate worth at least 500,000 euros.

5. Residence permit for entrepreneurs:

   - For starting a business in Spain.

   - Requires a detailed business plan and proof of financial capability.

Required documents

To obtain a temporary residence permit, the following documents must be prepared:

1. Completed application form (form EX-17 for most types of visas).

2. Valid passport and a copy of it.

3. Three passport-sized photographs.

4. Proof of accommodation in Spain (lease agreement or proof of ownership).

5. Medical insurance valid in Spain.

6. Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment contract, etc.).

7. Payment of an administrative fee of 15.76 euros.

Application submission procedure

1. Document preparation: Gather all necessary documents.

2. Application submission: The application is submitted to the Spanish consulate in your country or the immigration office in Spain.

3. Waiting for a decision: The application is reviewed within three months.

4. Obtaining a resident card: After approval of the application, you will receive a resident card within three months.

Terms and processing time

The process of obtaining a residence permit can take up to three months from the submission of all necessary documents. It is important to apply within 30 days after arriving in Spain on a long-term visa. After five years of continuous residence in Spain with a temporary residence permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

For more information, it is recommended to refer to official sources and advisory services on immigration matters.

1. Before submitting documents for a residence permit, determine the type of visa that corresponds to your situation:

 

- Work Visa: For those who received a job offer from a Spanish company.

- Student Visa: For studying in Spanish educational institutions.

- Entrepreneur Visa: For opening a business in Spain.

- Non-Lucrative Visa: For those who have sufficient funds to live in Spain without the need to work.

- Golden Visa (Investment Visa): For investors placing funds into the Spanish economy, for example, through purchasing property.

 

2. Document collection.

 

3. Application submission.

Visa application submission: It is necessary to submit a visa application at the Spanish consulate in your country. Each visa has its requirements, but the general process includes submitting the application, providing all necessary documents, and paying fees.

After obtaining a visa and arriving in Spain, you need to apply for a foreigner's card at the local police station or foreign affairs office within 30 days of entering the country. The card confirms your resident status.

 

4. Review process

Processing times: The process may take up to three months. Meanwhile, you will receive a temporary document confirming your application.

Receiving the card: After approval, you will receive your resident card, which will contain information about your name, address, and foreigner number.

 

5. Important tips

For confidence in the correctness of filling out all documents and following all procedures, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer or immigration consultant.

 

Additional information

For more detailed information on applying for a residence permit in Spain and document requirements, it is recommended to consult official sources.

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area have several advantages when staying and working in Spain compared to citizens from third countries.

 

Stay in Spain

 

1. Right to stay for up to 3 months:

 - EU/EEA citizens can stay in Spain for up to 90 days without needing a residence permit or registration. During this period, they can move freely, seek employment, or engage in other activities.

 

2. Registration for long-term stay:

   - If an EU/EEA citizen plans to stay in Spain for more than 3 months, they need to register with the Central Register of Foreign Nationals and obtain a registration certificate. For this, they need to:

     - Provide a valid passport or national identity card.

     - Prove they have sufficient financial resources for living expenses.

     - Have health insurance, which can be private or public.

 

3. Documents required for registration:

   - Completed application form (form EX18).

   - Valid passport or national identity card.

   - Proof of financial sustainability (e.g., bank statements, income documents).

   - Proof of health insurance coverage.

 

Work in Spain

 

1. Right to work:

   - EU/EEA citizens have the right to work in Spain without needing a work visa or permit. This right extends to both employment and self-employment.

 

2. Registration for work:

   - When starting work in Spain, one must register with the social security system and obtain a social security number. If you are employed, your employer will do this. If self-employed, registration is your responsibility.

 

3. Social benefits:

   - EU/EEA citizens are entitled to the same social benefits and working conditions as Spanish citizens. This includes access to healthcare, social benefits, and pensions.

 

Special provisions for family members

 

1. Rights of family members:

   - Family members of EU/EEA citizens, who are non-EU citizens, also have the right to live and work in Spain. They need to apply for a residence permit for family members of EU citizens.

   - Required documents include a passport, proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate), EU citizen's documents, and proof of financial sustainability.

 

Thus, EU and EEA citizens can freely live and work in Spain, benefiting from a simplified registration process and access to a wide range of social and labor rights.

Citizens of non-EU countries can obtain a residence permit in Spain through various types of visas:

Work visa

:

- To obtain this visa, you need a job offer from a Spanish company. The employer must apply for a work permit from the Spanish Ministry of Labor and Migration, and then provide you with the documents to apply at the Spanish consulate in your country.

- The requirements include a signed employment contract, proof of professional qualifications, and the company's financial solvency.

Non-working visa

:

- This visa is intended for those who have sufficient financial resources to live in Spain without the need to work. You must provide proof of financial means (such as bank statements), health insurance, and a housing rental agreement.

- To obtain this visa, you need to apply at the Spanish consulate in your country.

Entrepreneur visa

:

- Suitable for those planning to start a business in Spain. A business plan, proof of financial means, and appropriate qualifications are needed.

- The application is submitted at the Spanish consulate in your country, and after obtaining the visa, you need to register the business in Spain and apply for a residence permit.

Golden visa

:

- For investors willing to make significant investments in the Spanish economy, such as purchasing real estate worth at least 500,000 euros. This visa grants the right to live and work in Spain and also allows you to bring family members.

Registration and documentation

After arriving in Spain with a long-term visa, you need to:

Register with the police: Within a month of arrival, you must apply for an alien identification number and a resident card at the local police or immigration office.

Registration in the social security system: If you plan to work, you need to register in the social security system. This is done by the employer for employees or by yourself if you are self-employed.

Rights and Responsibilities

Right to work: Work visa holders have the same rights and responsibilities as Spanish citizens, including the right to social security and medical care. Visa holders without the right to work are not allowed to work in Spain but can change their status to a work visa after residing in the country for one year.

Education and medical care: Children of residents have the right to free education in Spanish public schools. All residents can access the Spanish healthcare system with medical insurance.

Extending a residence permit in Spain is an important process requiring compliance with a number of conditions and the submission of relevant documents. Procedures may vary depending on the type of your residence permit, whether it be a work visa, student visa, non-commercial permit, etc. Let's consider the main steps and requirements for extending a residence permit.

 

Regardless of the type of your permit, the following general conditions must be met:

1. Application submission period: Documents for extension must be submitted within 60 days before the expiration of your current permit or within 90 days after its expiration.

2. Valid passport: You must have a valid passport. If it has expired, it must be renewed before submitting documents.

3. Absence of criminal record: You should not have any criminal record in Spain.

4. Medical insurance: You must have medical insurance covering all necessary cases.

5. Registration with the municipality: You must be registered with the municipality at your place of residence.

6. School-age children: If you have school-age children, they must attend school.

 

Documents for extension

- Completed application form (form EX-17 or corresponding to your type of permit).

- Copy of the passport and all its pages.

- Current resident card.

- Documents proving sufficient financial resources.

- Medical insurance.

- Proof of registration at the place of residence.

 

Application Process

1. Online appointment booking: The first step is to make an appointment with the immigration office through the official website (https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es).

2. Collection and submission of documents: Gather all necessary documents and submit them on the appointed day at the immigration office or send them by mail.

3. Fee payment: Pay the administrative fee and provide the payment receipt along with the other documents.

4. Receiving the new resident card: After your application is approved, you need to pick up the new resident card at the police station.

 

Specific Requirements for Different Types of Visas

 

Work Visa: If you are employed, you need to provide a copy of the employment contract. If you are temporarily unemployed, you need to provide proof that you are actively seeking employment.

 

Non-Working Visa: You must confirm the availability of sufficient financial resources (400% IPREM for the main applicant and 100% IPREM for each additional family member).

 

Visa for Self-Employed

- Confirmation of registration as self-employed.

- Documents confirming the payment of taxes and social security contributions.

 

For more detailed information and assistance in filing your application, it is recommended to consult an immigration lawyer or visit the official Spanish immigration office website.

Obtaining medical insurance in Spain is an important step for immigrants. Depending on your status (work, study, retiree, etc.) and purpose of stay, you may require either public or private medical insurance.

 

Public Medical Insurance

 

The Spanish National Health System (SNS) provides free or low-cost healthcare for residents. To access the public healthcare system, you need to:

 

1. Registration in the social security system: If you work in Spain, your employer must register you in the social security system, which entitles you to medical care.

2. SNS Card: After registration, you will receive a medical card that allows you to access services in public healthcare facilities.

 

The public healthcare system covers a wide range of services, including treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and emergency care. However, there are limitations, such as long waiting times for specialist appointments and a limited choice of doctors.

 

Private Health Insurance

 

Private insurance is a popular choice for immigrants as it provides faster and higher quality service, the ability to choose a doctor and clinic, as well as additional services such as dental and psychiatric care.

 

1. Choosing an insurance company: The main providers of private health insurance in Spain are Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, and others. You can choose a suitable plan based on your needs and budget.

2. Coverage and cost: The cost of private insurance varies depending on age, health condition, and level of coverage. On average, the cost ranges from 50 to 200 euros per month. For students, there are cheaper options starting at 60 euros per month.

3. Documents required: To arrange private insurance, you will need a passport, a foreigner identification number, and bank details for payment.

 

Specific Visa Requirements

 

For obtaining certain types of visas, such as a non-working visa, student visa, or "Golden Visa," having private health insurance is mandatory. Such insurance must:

 

- Be without franchise and co-payments.

- Cover all types of medical services from the first day of the policy.

- Be issued by an accredited Spanish insurance company.

Obtaining Spanish citizenship is a multi-step process that requires meeting a number of conditions and submitting the necessary documents. There are several paths to obtaining citizenship, including naturalization, citizenship by origin, marriage, or special conditions. 

 

Main paths to obtaining Spanish citizenship

 

1. Citizenship by origin

 - If you have Spanish parents or grandparents, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.

 - Children born in Spain to foreign parents may also be entitled to citizenship if their parents cannot pass on their citizenship to them.

 

2. Naturalization

 - For most people, this process requires continuous residence in Spain for 10 years.

 - There are shorter periods for certain categories: 5 years for refugees, and 2 years for citizens of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal.

 

3. Citizenship through marriage

 - You can apply for citizenship one year after marrying a Spanish citizen, provided you have lived in Spain continuously during this time.

 

4. Citizenship for Sephardic Jews

 - Spain offers the opportunity for citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. You must prove your ancestry and cultural connection to Spain.

 

Main requirements for obtaining citizenship

 

- Residence: Continuous residence in Spain for the required period (usually 10 years).

- Language and cultural knowledge: You need to pass exams on the Spanish language (level A2) and fundamental Spanish culture and constitution (CCSE exam).

- Clean criminal record: You must provide a certificate proving the absence of a criminal record both in Spain and your country of origin.

- Integration into society: You need to demonstrate integration into Spanish society, such as membership in local clubs or participation in community events.

 

Documents for application submission

 

- Completed citizenship application form.

- Valid passport.

- Birth certificate.

- Certificate of residence registration.

- Certificate of no criminal record.

- Certificates of passing the DELE A2 and CCSE exams.

- Marriage certificate (if applicable).

 

Application submission process

 

1. Collect documents: Gather all the necessary documents.

2. Submit application: You can submit the application in person at the Civil Registry or online through the website of the Spanish Ministry of Justice.

3. Awaiting Response: The process of reviewing the application may take from 2 to 3 years. If you do not receive a response within a year, you can file an appeal.

 

Additional Information

 

After obtaining citizenship, you are required to renounce your previous citizenship, except in cases where you are a citizen of an Ibero-American country, the Philippines, Andorra, or Equatorial Guinea, which allows for dual citizenship.

Yes, holders of a temporary residence permit in Spain can leave and return to the country. However, there are several important aspects to consider:

 

1. Length of stay outside Spain:

   - Previously, there was a rule that temporary residents could not stay outside Spain for more than 6 months a year. In 2023, this rule was abolished, and now temporary residents can stay outside Spain for more than 6 months without losing their temporary resident status.

 

2. Return Authorization:

   - If your residence card expires while you are abroad or is in the process of renewal, you will need to obtain a return authorization. This document allows you to legally return to Spain if your temporary resident card is invalid.

   - To obtain authorization, you must submit an application (form EX-13), pay the fee, and provide a passport and proof of application for the renewal of the residence card.

 

3. Special Circumstances:

   - If you are waiting for a new resident card, you may also apply for a return authorization. This is especially important in cases where you need to leave the country for valid reasons, such as urgent family matters or business trips.

 

Important Tips

 

- Plan ahead: There is a high number of return authorization applications in the summer, so it is recommended to apply in advance to avoid delays.

- Direct flight: The return authorization is valid only for entry into Spain. If you plan to return via another country, you will need a direct flight to Spain.

 

For additional information and assistance with document processing, it is recommended to contact professional consultants or immigration lawyers.

If you have been denied a residence permit in Spain, it is important to know that you have several options to appeal this decision and improve your situation.

 

1. Analyze the reason for the denial

   - First of all, it is necessary to understand the reason for the denial. Carefully review the denial letter and find out which specific documents or conditions were not met.

 

2. Consultation with a lawyer

   - It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer who can help assess your situation and suggest the best course of action. A lawyer can assist in preparing an appeal and gathering documents.

 

 

There are two main ways to appeal a denial:

 

1. Appeal the administrative decision

   - This type of appeal is filed with the same authority that issued the denial. You have one month to submit such an appeal. The appeal should include new evidence or explanations that may change the outcome of the case.

 

2. Administrative complaint

   - If the appeal to the administrative decision was rejected or you prefer a different path, you can file an administrative complaint with the judicial authorities. You have two months to file this complaint after receiving the denial or rejection of the first appeal.

 

Important tips

 

- Gather the necessary documents: Make sure you have all the documents confirming your stay in Spain and compliance with the residence permit requirements. These may include documents about your place of residence, work, income, marital status, etc.

- Ensure the correctness of the documents: Any error in the documents can be a reason for denial. Carefully check all forms and documents before submitting them.

- Pay attention to deadlines: It is very important to submit appeals and complaints within the established deadlines to avoid additional issues.

 

Additional resources

 

- Seek assistance from immigration lawyers or visit the official website of the Spanish immigration service for detailed information and consultations.

Yes, translators are often necessary for migration procedures in Spain. All official documents submitted to immigration authorities must be in Spanish. This includes documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, income statements, medical certificates, and others. If the originals of these documents are in another language, they must be translated into Spanish.

 

What translations are required?

 

1. Certified translations: Most migration procedures require a certified translation, which is conducted by an officially accredited translator. Such translations are confirmed with the translator's signature and stamp, certifying their accuracy and conformity to the original.

 

2. Document legalization: In some cases, documents must be legalized, which confirms their authenticity and legality. This process may include apostilling or other forms of authentication, depending on the country of origin of the document.

 

How to find a translator?

 

1. Official agencies and translation bureaus: In Spain, there are many agencies specializing in certified translations for migration purposes.

 

2. Recommendations and reviews: Look for reviews and recommendations about translators and agencies online. Positive reviews from other immigrants can help you find a reliable translator.

 

3. Consulates and immigration lawyers: Seek advice from your country's consulate or an immigration lawyer in Spain. They may recommend verified translators who are familiar with the requirements of the Spanish immigration authorities.

 

4. Internet platforms: Many online platforms offer the services of certified translators. You can compare prices and choose the most suitable option.