In order to reside in Spain you need to obtain a permit that differs depending on the case.
There are different types of residence:
Temporary residence: this residence allows you to stay in the country for more than 90 days (the days allowed for tourism), but for less than 5 years. In any case, this residence can be renewed as it expires, depending on the requirements to do so. Some temporary residence permits allow you to work in Spain, but others do not.
Permanent residence: this residence allows you to stay and work in the country indefinitely. To obtain it, it is necessary to have obtained temporary residence in Spain for 5 years, continuously (except for short periods, for example, vacations) and, at the same time, meet the established requirements.
People who have citizenship of countries belonging to the European Union are considered community citizens. In this case, the established regime is different, since they are allowed to reside without a limit of time in the countries that make up the European Union, as long as they carry out some procedures to have the necessary documentation.
RESIDENCE FOR EU COMMUNITY CITIZENS
The only requirement they must meet to move and live in different countries from the European Union is to have a valid passport or personal ID from their EU country. This is the same case when you apply and get a Digital Nomad Visa that allows you to live in different European countries for three years.
After entering the country it is necessary to carry out the following procedures:
- City hall registration: consists of a registration flyer issued by the City Council, where your new residence appears. It is essential for subsequent procedures. You will find the step by step here.
- NIE: the foreigner’s Identity Number will be your personal and exclusive identification number in Spain. It will replace your personal ID and passport.
- Social security number: everything related to health, contributions and pensions will be related to this number. It is necessary to be able to work (either self-employed or for someone else).
RESIDENCE FOR NON-EU COMMUNITY CITIZENS
Non-EU citizens must ask for a visa to live in Spain legally. There are several types of visa that you can opt for if you do not have a citizenship of a country that is part of the European Union.
Employment Permit with a Fixed-term Contract
This visa must be processed by the employer, justifying the request for it with evidence that demonstrates that this job position cannot be occupied by a Spanish resident. For this reason, the employee must have specific characteristics, such as being highly qualified.
Self-employment Work Permit
To obtain this visa, it is necessary to present a business project with the licenses already approved and with studies or experience in the sector. It is also essential to demonstrate economic solvency to reside in the country.
Highly qualified professionals Work Permit
You should apply for this visa if you have received a job offer for a position that requires a high level of skills and/or academic qualifications. Examples of such positions are high-level managerial positions and jobs with specialist technical knowledge.
Non-lucrative Residency Permit
This visa applies to non-EEA nationals only who wish to live in Spain without carrying out any work or professional activity for a Spanish company or employer. You need to have sufficient funds.
VISAS
Golden Visa – investors in Spain
This visa allows you to gain a residence permit in Spain through investment in property, shares or bonds or in a business venture in Spain.
Entrepreneur visa
This visa is for entrepreneurs who have a business project they wish to invest in to set up in Spain. The project must be deemed and proved of general interest. Investors may also apply for this visa if they wish to stay in Spain for one year with the sole or main purpose of making preliminary arrangements for developing a business or enterprise in the country.
Digital Nomad Visa
It is a residence permit that allows you to live and work remotely from Spain.
Once you have your residency permit, you will need to carry out the same procedures as the EU citizens:
- City hall registration
- NIE
- Social security number
- TIE: it is the foreign identity card – a plastic card that contains the data and photos of the resident and that will replace the passport or ID. The foreigner identity number is included among the data.
