How to Get a Residence Permit in Spain (2024 Ultimate Guide)
If like me you’ve been dreaming of sunny days on the Spanish coast? Spain's vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming communities make it a top destination for many.
Whether you're an EU citizen seeking a new home in Europe, a non-EU citizen chasing your career aspirations, or a UK resident navigating post-Brexit options, making that dream a reality is more attainable than you might think.
But before you pack your bags, securing a residence permit is crucial. Don't worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, and all the new rules to obtain your residency in Spain in 2024.
General Procedure Applicable to All Applicants for a Residence Permit in Spain
Here are the general steps that all applicants, regardless of their nationality, typically need to follow to obtain a residence permit in Spain:
Step 1: Determine the type of residence permit you need based on your circumstances (e.g., work, study, family reunification).
Step 2: While specific requirements vary depending on the type of residence permit and individual circumstances, some essential documents are mandatory for all applicants:
Valid Passport: Submit your original passport and a clear photocopy.
Clean Criminal Record: Provide a certified document proving a clear criminal background for the past five years. This document needs to be apostilled or legalised, depending on the issuing country.
Passport Photos: Include three recent passport-sized photos.
Private Health Insurance: If you're not employed by a Spanish company and contributing to the social security system, private health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory.
Completed Application Form: Download and complete the specific application form corresponding to your chosen residence permit. You can find all the different forms here.
Step 3: If applicable, obtain a long-stay visa from the Spanish consulate in your home country before travelling to Spain.
Step 4: Register with the local authorities within the specified timeframe (usually within three months) upon arrival in Spain.
Step 5: Make an appointment at the Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in your area to submit your residence permit application.
Step 6: Attend the appointment and provide all necessary documentation. You may also need to pay a fee for the application.
Step 7: Wait for your application to be processed. This can take several weeks to months, depending on the type of permit and the workload of the immigration authorities.
Step 8: Once your residence permit is approved, you may need to collect a physical residence card from the relevant office.
Step 9: Ensure that you comply with any additional requirements or conditions attached to your residence permit, such as maintaining health insurance or renewing the permit before it expires.
Applicants need to follow these steps carefully and comply with all requirements set out by the Spanish authorities to obtain the residence permit successfully.
How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Spain According to Your Citizenship
Having outlined the general steps for applying for a resident permit in Spain, we will now delve into the specific requirements tailored to EU, non-EU, and UK citizens. It's important to understand the distinct criteria based on your citizenship for a successful application process.
Residence Permit in Spain for EU Citizens
As an EU citizen, you enjoy the freedom to live and work in Spain without a residence permit. However, if you plan to stay longer than three months, you must register your residency by obtaining a European Union Citizen Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea).
The additional required documents can differ based on each unique case, but typically include:
Proof of sufficient financial resources (possession of €6, 000 in a bank account or a salary from your job in Spain)
Completed EX-18 application form in the official Spanish version
Proof of payment of the required fee (790 012)
Residence Permit in Spain for Non-EU Citizens
The process is a bit more complex for non-EU citizens. You typically need to apply for a long-stay visa at the Spanish consulate in your home country before applying for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Office in your place of residence once in Spain.
The specific visa type required depends on your purpose for staying (work, study, investment, etc.). Here are a few residency options available for non-EU citizens:
Non-Lucrative Visa: Demonstrate sufficient funds without the need to work in Spain.
Work Visa: Have a job offer from a Spanish company.
Golden Visa: A substantial investment in Spanish property or other assets.
Student Visa: Enroll in a recognised Spanish educational institution.
Each visa category has its own set of requirements, which may additionally include:
Proof of sufficient financial resources (up to a minimum of €26, 000 for a non-lucrative visa)
Proof of accommodation or housing
Supporting documents specific to your visa type (e.g., employment contract, university acceptance letter)
Residence Permit in Spain for UK Citizens
Post-Brexit regulations have resulted in changes to Spain's residence permit requirements for UK nationals. UK citizens looking to obtain Spanish residency will now be required to adhere to non-EU application procedures.
It is recommended to always seek guidance from official sources for detailed and up-to-date information tailored to your situation.
How to Choose a Private Health Insurance for Spanish Residency
Regardless of your citizenship, having comprehensive private health insurance is mandatory for obtaining a Spanish residence permit. Spain's public healthcare system, while excellent, is generally not accessible to non-citizens without private insurance.
The Best Health Insurance for Spanish residency
Selecting the appropriate health insurance for Spanish residency can seem daunting. Below is an overview of some of the top choices for expatriates in Spain, offering exceptional coverage and value (for further in-depth details on how to choose the best private health insurance for expats make sure to read this article):
1. DKV
DKV expat insurance goes beyond basic health, offering tailored solutions for expats in Spain. Its extensive coverage, broad network, and additional benefits like no out-of-pocket costs, flexible terms, visa compliance, and repatriation make it a top choice for comprehensive and reliable healthcare abroad.
2. ASISA
ASISA shines with competitive rates, covering essential healthcare (similar to Spain's public system) at a good value. Flexible plans adapt to your stay, short or long. Multilingual support eases communication, and global coverage protects you even beyond Spain.
3. ASSSA
ASSSA cater specifically to ex-pats, with the industry's highest age limit of 79. Moreover, they offer competitive products, excellent service, and personalised support in your native language. Also, they assist with obtaining visa documents and adapting them to meet changing requirements.
4. FEATHER
FEATHER is a great choice for expats seeking English-friendly, fast and affordable health insurance for visa or temporary residence permits in Spain. The plan includes legal requirements and comprehensive medical coverage for doctor visits, medications, and ambulance services.
In all, most of these providers offer a variety of benefits, including:
Multilingual customer service for easy communication.
Network of English-speaking doctors for seamless healthcare access.
Wide range of coverage options to meet your individual needs and budget.
24/7 emergency assistance for peace of mind.
Remember, choosing the right health insurance for your Spanish residency ensures a smooth transition to your new life in Spain. Consider your specific health needs and budget when selecting a plan.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Transition
Start early: The residence permit process can be time-consuming.
Research thoroughly: Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements for your situation by consulting official Spanish government websites.
Seek professional guidance: Consider consulting an immigration lawyer for personalised advice, especially if you face any complexities.
Embrace the journey: Obtaining a residence permit can involve some administrative steps. Be patient, stay organised, and enjoy the exciting prospect of your upcoming Spanish adventure!
Learn Spanish: Even a basic level of proficiency in Spanish can greatly ease your transition.
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Ready to Start Your Spanish Adventure?
Spain awaits! With thorough planning, the right choices on healthcare, and following the correct steps for your citizenship status, you'll be living your Spanish dream sooner than you think. Good luck! ¡Suerte!