Residencia
TAKING
UP RESIDENCE IN SPAIN
It is adviseable that all residents obtain a residence card even
if it is not obligatory for them, as it is easier to carry than
a passport, and simplifies many of the other administration procedures
for new residents and since the change to the 'Foreigners Law'
in March 2003 you no longer need to provide proof of income. However,
the information below shows who is legally required to hold a
residence card.
WHO
DOESN'T NEED TO OBTAIN A RESIDENCE CARD?
UK nationals who are Employees, Self-employed, Students. EU national
dependants of an EU or Spanish national or pensioners who have
worked in Spain and receive their pension from the Spanish Social
Security system no longer need to hold a residence card, and can
live in Spain with a valid passport. (Dependants who are non-EU
nationals still require a residence card.)
WHO
MUST OBTAIN A RESIDENCE CARD?
Pensioners who have retired to Spain, people of independent means
and non-EU national dependants of an EU or Spanish national, are
still required to apply for a residence card.
They must apply for one of
the following two types of card:
Temporary residence card:
intended stay of more than three months but less than one year.
Ordinary residence card: intended
stay of more than one year with a maximum validity of five years
and renewable.
HOW
TO APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE CARD
All those who wish to apply should submit the application form,
available from the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros, to the local
Provincial Police Station (Comisaría de Policía)
or Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) for residents of
Manilva all matters regading residencia are dealt with
at the National Police station in Estepona, along with three passport
size photographs, their passport and a photocopy of the original.
The issue of a card is at the discretion of the Spanish authorities.
The process has been simplified greatly, but if you feel you need
assistance a local Gestor can process the application
for you for a reasonable fee.
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