How to get a Spanish Residency Card (now TIE)?

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Posted and filed under Legal Issues in Spain, Legal Paperwork (NIE, Residencia, Padron), Spanish Residency.

Spanish resideny card for EU

There is a good deal of discussion in place regarding how to get the Spanish Residency card (now TIE) and Brexit.

We have had been inundated with new enquiries from people living in Spain, who have not yet become a Spanish Resident and wish to take that step now. Thus, if you wish to become registered as Spanish Resident with a Residencia (now called a TIE), please contact us.

We are not talking specifically about fiscal residency here, although if someone lives more than 183 days in Spain, or the centre of their business or family interests is there, then they should be considering being a fiscal Resident also.

We are just talking about getting a Spanish Residency Permit (now TIE) which registers you as living in Spain and is done with the police. You have to be able to demonstrate that you can support your self financially to live in Spain.


Documents needed for Spanish Residency card (TIE)



If you are not retired or not EU worker

If you are not retired or you are not working in the EU you will need:

  • health insurance policy with FULL cover for one year
  • Proof that you have 9,000€ single person or joint 12000€ in a Spanish bank account
  • Photograph Passport size
  • Passport
  • Padron less than 3 months old
  • NIE

If you are retired or EU worker

If you are retired or you work in the EU you will need:

  • Form S1 (for UK), E121 (for Belgian clients and some other countries) or E106 stamped by the authorities in their country (this is for contracted workers abroad): original plus a copy.
  • Pension letter
  • Last 3 month of Bank Statement that the pension is paid
  • If the pension is paid in Spain, a bank statement with proof of payment

If you are working in Spain:

  • Working history in Spain (vida Laboral) original
  • Work contract
  • 3 last payroll
  • Income after tax of around 850 euro per month into your Spanish Bank account, with evidence of this going into the account for 3 months

How to get a spanish residency (TIE) Appointments

You can pop into our office anytime to bring your paperwork, a prior appointment is preferred.

You have to be present at the appointment at the foreigners’ office.

Please contact Yann  if we can help you with anything to do with Residencia/TIE.

216 Comments

  • Peter

    My wife and I would like to live in Spain permanently in rented property.
    We are both retired and we live on our UK state pension.
    Are we able to live in Spain with just our state pension as income?
    Do we have to open a Spanish bank account?
    Any information would be very grateful.
    Best regards

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Peter,

      To live in Spain permanently and obtain your residencia with your state pension will be no problem at all. When you apply for your residencia it will be as a “retiree”. For the purpose of the residencia application you will need the Spanish bank account as you need to present 3 months bank statements to prove you have been staying in Spain. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • John

    My name is John i am a UK citizen i am retired having my age pension, i have enough money to buy a house on Spain’s Costa Blanca,and leave me with some savings, can i still live in Spain permanently now the UK are no longer in the EU

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning John,

      If you intend to relocate to Spain we would recommend you do this as soon as possible and before any changes in the residencia process take place. Spain have spoke of a grace period for people who have been living in Spain pre-brexit but the conditions of this, we do not know at this stage. We are sorry.

      Should you need any assistance in finding your dream home, here in the Costa Blanca, please do not hesitate to contact us. We work closely with some of the leading real estate companies. We would also be delighted to help you with the conveyancing or anything else you may need upon your relocation, exciting times ahead for you. We wish you all the best.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Val

    Hello, we have a house here and have been here since April with a 2 week stay in the UK in June. We want to apply for residencia but our birth certificates are in the UK. I have £20,000 in my UK account and my husband and I have a joint Spanish account with about 3000 e . We have a business in the UK and take dividends from it. My husband d also has an occupational pension. What paperwork would we need to show for residencia please? Thank you

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon,

      When you apply for residencia, there are three catagories:
      Unemployed
      Working here in Spain
      Retired (receiving state pension)

      The documents will depend on the catagory in which you belong. We will contact you directly to discuss this matter further.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Mark Ford

    Hi, my wife an I have just moved to Spain. My wife starts work at the beginning of October and we were advised when collecting our NIEs that the paperwork she has regarding this role will be sufficient once she starts work for the residencia certificate. What I cannot establish is once she has her residencia whether I can successfully apply by virtue of being her husband or I would also need to prove proof of income etc? Thanks. Mark.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good morning Mark,

      If you are married and have a marriages certificate, you will be able to apply for residencia as your wifes dependant and be registered on her social security number, this will allow you full medical cover. Should you need any assistance obtaining your residencia please do not hesitate to contact us.

      Kind regards Nicola

  • G Matthews

    Hi we are looking at getting residency in Spain, I am receiving my state pension, so will qualify for health car, my wife is 57 and not receiving her pension, we have herd she can get health care as a dependent is this correct

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Mr Mathews,

      Yes, this is correct.

      Your wife can apply for her residencia and obtain the S1 as your dependent. When calling the HMRC to request the S1, you must request a certificate in your wifes name. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • faisal iqbal

    i want to live in Spain legally, i have Spanish visit visa. hoe can i get a padron or TRP in Spain? kindly help

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Faisal,

      It is with regret, that we ask you contact the Spanish Embassy regarding this matter as the residencia process for non EU nationals can be complicated. We hope you get this matter sorted swiftly.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • djk

    Hello. I have bought a house in spain, have an nie and padron. I am under the age for a state pension but receive a uk government pension as I was medically retired early from the uk police service. I know I will need medical insurance to apply for residency. Would I qualify for state healthcare if I applied for residency?0 I intend being in spain permanently. I dont intend on working. It’s all so confusing. I’ve read practically everything I can to try and find and answer to my particular scenario. Thank you

  • Mo Cottrill

    Hi can you advise me please? I have had Residencia since 2007. I returned to live in the UK in 2010, I still have my property in Spain and return regularly to stay for about 6 weeks at a time. Does my existing Residencia allow me to stay for longer periods post-Brexit? I pay Non-residents Tax each year and I’m fiscally resident in the UK. I’m just about to buy a car and I don’t know whether to show my Residencia or my NIE plus passport. Can you help? Many thanks.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Mo,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      If you have your Spanish residencia you should not be paying Non Residents Tax but a yearly tax return here in Spain. If you intend to make the UK your fixed abode we would recommend cancelling your residencia. We hope this helps.

      For the purpose of buying a car the NIE would be enough. Should you need assistance with any of the above please do not hesitate to contact us , we would be happy to help.

      Should you

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Lynne

    We are currently renting a property in Spain until June 2020 and intend to return again in September 2020.
    We need to apply for residency before brexit but are both under retirement age.
    We are registered on Padron here but no nie. Due to time constraints it is proving difficult to get copies of private pension statements in time. I do have £20,000 in an English bank in an isa account. My husband also has had a spanish bank account for 4 years which he uses to pay bills over here. Our pensions are paid into UK bank accounts and then he transfers money over here as and when we need it. Therefore there is never more than about €500 in Spanish account and usually a lot less.
    Would we be able to use my British isa bank statement and his Spanish bank account for proof of income? Or will we have to provide pension statements? Thanks

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Evening Lynne,

      We understand the urgency and your concern.

      You can apply for the NIE and residencia at the same time.

      When you apply for residencia , it will be under one of the following categories
      Unemployed
      Retired, receiving state pension
      Working

      Please see below, a link to our blog discussing the paperwork required for residencia in the Alicante region.

      https://www.spanishsolutions.net/blog/legal-issues-in-spain/residencias-in-spain/

      If you apply for residencia as unemployed, the 10,000 euros would have to be in Spanish bank account, we are sorry.

      Should you need any assistance with your residencia, please do not hesitate to contact us, we deal with residencias on a daily basis and would be delighted to help.

      Kind regards
      Nicola.

  • Tahsen

    Hi, I am british citizen,and i want move to spain get res­id­en­cia for myself, how much money do i need in my bank account? do i need open bank account in spain put money in or my bank account Lloyds okay in uk thanks.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Evening Tahsen,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      When you apply for residencia, you do so under one of the following categories
      Unemployed
      Retired
      Working

      The documents required will depend on the category in which you fall under. Please see below a link discussing the documents required.

      https://www.spanishsolutions.net/blog/legal-paperwork-nie-residencia-padron/what-documents-do-i-need-to-apply-for-spanish-residencia/

      For the purpose of residencia, you will need a Spanish bank account, the Foreign Office will ask for 3 months bank statements, in your name to prove you live in Spain. We hope this answers your questions.

      Should you need any assistance in obtaining your residencia please do not hesitate to contact us, we would be delighted to help.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Venetia House

    Hi there, I feel like I’m hitting a brick wall everytime I go for residencia, Benidorm turned me down twice due to in their words not the correct healthcare. I finally got all that sorted, changed providers and paid a year up front with santas. Then they turned me away having booked an appointment last week saying no British. (Other nationals where there at the time) and said Alicante only, Alicante said I need my spanish account with my 7000 for 3 months, I’ve had it a month. How can I have a 3minth bank account when I’m supposed to apply within 3 months? Csn you help me and how much is your charge please?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Venetia,

      We understand, applying for residencia and ensuring the paperwork is correct can be tricky but we can help you for sure, we deal with residencias on a daily basis.

      When applying for residencia you have to have 3 months bank statements, to prove you have been living in Spain. If your bank account has only been open for one month, you will need to wait a further two months before attending another residencia appointment. We will contact you directly to discuss a residencia appointment for the future.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Chris

    Hi Nicola, My husband is retired I am 62 so not receiving state pension. We have both got good work pensions that allow us to travel as well as have our home in UK. We hope to stay in rented accommodation in Tenerife longer than 3 months and possibly longer than 6 months. As we are holiday makers do we have to conform to any of the residential or tax criteria?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Chris,

      Exciting times ahead for your both, if you are in Spain for more than 183 days of the year, you should become resident and pay your taxes in Spain. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Paul DILLEY

    Hola, we have owned a property in Spain for a number of years and we are Non-residents from the UK. It appears that we are now only allowed to stay in Spain for a maximum 90 days at a time in any 180 days so we will be making two trips a year totalling 180 days (below 183 days). Can you please confirm that we do not need to apply for residencia in this situation. A second question, if I may, We also wish to bring our UK car to Spain and re-register the car, after changing the headlights and passing an ITV, to Spanish plates (Spanish registration) – can I do this as a Non-resident – especially after Brexit? In anticipation, thank you very much for your valuable help. KInd regards Paul

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Paul,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      Yes, this is correct. If you stay under the 183 days, you are not liable to be resident.

      In regard to the car, yes you can bring a car to Spain and not be resident, although we would recommend doing this before the Brexit is finalised. At the moment as the UK is still part of the EU, you will only have import tax to pay. After Brexit, you will have import tax and also customs to pay, which can be very costly. Should you need assistance with the importing of your vehicle prior to Brexit, please do not hesitate to contact us, we deal with this on a daily basis.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Bob Stafford

    Good morning Nicola. My wife and I have a house in Spain, could we leave an English registered car in the garage and just use it for the 183 days of the year we are allowed to stop in Spain as a non resident, the car would be going back once a year for MOT. Second question, If we have a change of mind and decide we would like to spend more time in Spain what would are last date to apply for residency. To date we have been in Spain for just over 3 years spending about 8 – 9 months here. Kind regards Bob

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Bob,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      If your car is going to remain in Spain permanently, we would recommend it is changed to Spanish plates.

      If you are a British passport holder, we would recommend the change is carried out prior to Brexit being finalised, as a car being imported from a non EU country will be liable for customs duty in addition to the import tax, making it a very expensive transition. Please see a link to our blog below, discussing the change to Spanish plates (pre Brexit):

      https://www.spanishsolutions.net/case-studies/case-study-change-to-spanish-plates/

      In regard to the residencia, again we would recommend applying for this before the Brexit is finalised, as it is a complicated process for a non EU citizen to obtain residencia. Please see a link below to our blog discussing the documents required for residencia. At this stage we do not know what changes Brexit will bring and would recommend having everything in place before hand.

      https://www.spanishsolutions.net/blog/legal-paperwork/spanish-residency/how-to-get-a-spanish-residency-card/

      Should you need assistance with any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us, we would be delighted to help.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Mr Declan Kehoe

    We have been resdent in Spain for fourteen years and have a full permanent residency certificate (Green A4 page). I notice in one of the photos above that there is a handy bank card size certiicate alongside the A4 page. When we received our A4 certificates we were never offered anything else. Do we need and/or how do we get this smaller size document.

    With Thanks,

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Declan,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      The small green card replaced the certificate a few years ago, but this does not mean your residencia is in valid or different in any way. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Nora

    Hi,
    We have had a house in Spain since 2004. We have a Spanish bank account and NIE numbers. We have never become residents of Spain. We visit 4 or 5 times per year for 2 to 3 weeks at any one time. My husband is retired and receives a U.K. State Pension. I will reach State Pension age in September 2020, but with a very reduced State Pension amount. What would be the procedure if we want to become Spanish Residents? Would we need to have Private Health care? Set amount per month paid into Spanish bank account? Many thanks.

  • John

    Hi, please could you help me with a question that I can find no answer to? I’m applying for Residencia when I return to Spain in early January. If my application is successful I understand that this would then enable me to remain in Spain over 3 months up to a maximum of 183 days per year without needing to be a fiscal resident. After Brexit, as ‘third country’ nationals UK citizens will have to follow the 90/180 days rule. With a Residencia, will UK citizens be able to travel in other parts of the Schengen zone (e.g. Germany and France) without the time in Spain counting towards the 90/180 days? Sorry, a long question but I think this will be an important detail post-Brexit. Many thanks for your help. John, UK

    • Ian C.

      Hello John,
      With Residency after Brexit, you’ll have the very same rights as you would if you had residency right now. I mean there is not a pre Brexit residency and a lesser post Brexit residency.
      Have you applied already? do you need us to do it for you?
      This is important:
      Under the Withdrawal Agreement, currently British people will only lose their rights of residency if they spend five continuous years away from Spain or another EU country they are living in.
      This should answer your Schengen question.

      Please let us know if you’d like any assistance in gaining your residency pre Brexit and good luck with the move to Spain,

      ian

  • Anne McCabe

    Hi
    Can you help us with a very complicated enquiry – we are UK citizens with permanent residency in Australia. We intend to move back to UK end March and want to purchase a house there & Spain (spain being our main residence) and my daughter will live in UK property where we have an agreement to come stay from time to time for few weeks.
    My husband has a private UK pension and will be retiring early here in feb age 60yrs I currently do not work age 59yrs. We will have enough to prove income with savings but not got a Spanish bank account yet as we need to get to UK & Spain to view then purchase properties
    Can you advise if I was to open a Spanish bank account now so as to have the 3 month in place for residence requirements and with our situation will we get public health cover or need private health
    Finally I see you help with conveyancing etc can you give me your fees in private email we are looking at alacante cuidad Quesada area

    • Ian C.

      Hello Anne,

      Thanks for contacting Spanish Solutions.
      I hope you are safe from all the fire and devastation in Australia.
      Regarding Spain, Good News… you contacted the right people.
      We can deal with it all for you.

      So, what area are you thinking of buying a property in ? We are based in Alicante and Murcia regions.
      Are you familiar with Spain? You will love it here- It’s similar to Australia in terms of lifestyle.

      When are you coming over to Spain again? You mention that you are coming to the UK in March- We can start the ball rolling for you in advance and we’ll have loads of time to get it all done-
      Don’t worry, hundreds of thousands of British people are concerned about Brexit too. Our job is to make sense of the confusion.
      We look forward to meeting you and helping you with your dream move to spain,

      Ian

  • Sheryle

    I have padron and nie number it don’t get my uk government pension until u til Feb 2021. I do get income from house let in uk and a pension from nhs what do I need to get residency. Thank you for your help.

  • Russell Gamble

    Hi, I have question as just going round in circles. I have a holiday home in Spain which myself and my wife own jointly. We both have our NIE NUMBERS but not registered on the pardon. We pay non residents tax on our property. I work in the uk pay tax in the uk not retirement age. I am lucky to have a good job so my wife doesn’t have to work. We want to be able to stay longer than 90 days at a time , what steps do I need to take ? Spanish private medical insurance ,money in bank etc.. cheers Russ

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Russell,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      We understand your frustration but at this stage no-one knows what definite changes Brexit will bring and if it will be possible for British property owners to visit more than 90 days. The Spanish authorities have released no information on this or any other changes at the moment. As soon as we have any updates, we will notify our clients via a blog on our website or newsletter, we hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola Ryan

  • Caroline Mead

    I am a resident and have a partner wanting to move in with me from the UK;would he also have to apply for a residency as he wouldn’t be working ? If he needs to have it,could I change my bank account to joint names and show also that he has private health care ?

    Regards Caroline

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Caroline,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      You would need to be married for your partner to apply for residencia based on your income, should you work here in Spain. If you work here in Spain and pay your taxes here, your husband would also have access to free medical cover via your social security contributions.

      Otherwise, your partner would have to apply for residencia as unemployed. Please see a link below listing the documents required for the residencia process.

      https://www.spanishsolutions.net/blog/legal-paperwork/spanish-residency/how-to-get-a-spanish-residency-card/

      Should you need any assistance with the residencia, please do not hesitate to contact us.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Edwina Schneiderman

    I am a UK resident in receipt of a UK pension and have a house in Spain. I would like to remain in Spain for longer than the 90 days currently allowed – and certainly longer in Schengen countries for more than 90 days in a rolling 180 day period – but do not want to become a full time resident, so I will never be in Spain for 183 days in their fiscal year. I understand that I am supposed to get a S! form to get residencia in Spain even though I will not be a full time resident. What worriesme is the impact of this on my NHS care. I have been told by DoH helpline, that once I get the S, I will have to present this in order to get treatment in the UK and they have implied that I will no longer be on the books of my local NHS GP when I return to the UK for 8 months in the year. This may a bit of a disaster as I would then miss out on my regular health checks as well as repeat medications when back in the UK. Is there some way of preventing this problem? DoH don’t seem to have any idea and in fact state that I can’t get an S1 (and therefore permission to stay in Spain or a Schengen area country for more than 90 days) unless I state that I will no longer be a permanent resident of the UK, which is clearly untrue!

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Edwina,

      We understand your concern.

      There are so many Brits with second homes in Spain that we may find a special agreement is put in place, we will have no option but to wait and see. At the moment, the Spanish authorities have released no information on any changes.

      We would recommend we wait and see what the changes are, and then we will be able to advise your accordingly. We are sorry that we cannot be of any further help at this stage, but as we said there have been no confirmation of any definite changes from the Spanish authorities as yet.

      As soon as we have any updates, we will notify our clients via a blog on the website and a possible newsletter, we hope this helps.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • John Farmer

    Hi, I have been living and working in Spain for 5 years, I have a NIE and I’m a home homeowner. Do I still need to apply for residency?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon John,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      Yes, very much so. If you stay in a country for more than 6 months of h¡the year and it is your fixed abode you should apply for residency. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Steve

    Hi My wife and are looking to buy a property in Spain. We have owned property there in the past and have our NIE numbers. As we are now retired (but below retirement age) we will spending more time there.
    So a couple of questions, can we apply for residency without owning a property. i.e. get every thing in place before we buy.
    Is the six months counted as consecutive days or is it a total accumulation over a year.
    Thanks

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Steve,

      Exciting times ahead for you and your wife, where in Spain are you looking to buy.

      Yes, you can apply for residencia without buying a property, for example you can rent a property and become resident, as long as you have a permanent Spanish address you can apply , no problem.

      The 6 months would be calculated from January to December, we hope this helps.

      Should you need any assistance with your relocation to Spain, please do not hesitate to contact us, we would be delighted to help.
      We wish you luck,
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Paul Gray

    Hello Nicola,
    Myself, my wife and my adult son intend to settle in Spain this year with the goal of obtaining residency status before the end of the 31st December 2020 transitional period.

    I will be retired with a pension and a capital lump sum. I have British nationality.

    My wife will essentially be retired too but may want to look for work. She has duel Irish and British nationality.

    My son will definitely be looking for work in Spain. He also will also have dual British and Irish nationality when we arrive.

    We are looking to settle in or around the Denia area and the key thing we want to establish is how long it would take obtain Spanish residency status as this will obviously influence how soon we would leave to live in Spain. So any advice from you on this would be gratefully accepted.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Paul,

      We understand your predicament.

      If your wife and son apply for their NIES and residencia as an Irish passport holder they will have no issues as Ireland is part of the EU, for you there will be changes. As previously explained, we have no information on what these changes are but can confirm it will be easier for you to apply for your residencia as you are married to an EU citizen. As soon as we have any update on the residencia and NIE process for Brits, we will notify our clients via our web page and newsletter.

      We hope this helps
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • William Munro

    Hi. My wife and I are UK residents and are both retired with pensions. We would like to Motorhome in Spain for up to 6 months each year. Would it be possible to get residency to allow us to do this. We would be staying on the same campsite for most of our stay in Spain.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning William,

      Thank you for your enquiry, exciting times ahead.

      If you intend to live in Spain for more than 6 months of the year, you should become resident. If you are living on a registered campsite, you can apply for residencia, no problem. Please note that when you become resident you are liable to pay your taxes in Spain and also change your drivers licence to a Spanish one. Should you need any assistance with this, please do not hesitate to contact us we would be delighted to help.

      Kind regards ´
      Nicola

  • J Campbell

    My husband has both British and Irish passports and I only have a British passport. Given Withdrawal Agreement is it better for my husband to apply for residency under his British or Irish passport?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Mrs Campbell,

      We would recommend your husband applies for his NIE and residencia under his Irish passport, we hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Tammie Weldon

    HI Nicola,
    I have just purchased a home in Costa Blanca South and moved here in November 2019.
    My daughter has just started in the local state school.
    I have padron for residency,NIE and temp SIP card.We are both Irish citizens.

    I own a company in Ireland for which I work online and receive a monthly wage.
    What would I need to apply for residency for myself and daughter?
    Thank you ,
    Tammie

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Tammie,

      We hope you have settled well in Spain.

      If you intend to stay in Spain or more than 6 months of the year and Spain will be your fixed abode, you should apply for residencia for sure. We would be delighted to help you with this.

      We would also recommend you have a consultation with a Fiscal Advisor (accountant) in Spain prior to your residencia application, they will provide tax advice based on your current situation. Our Fiscal Advisor, Marie Carmen would be delighted to meet you and answer any questions you may have.

      We look forward to hearing from you.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Diana H

    Hola,
    My husband and I move to Spain on Mar 15th. I will have a EU passport (Irish) my husband will have UK passport. I know things are not confirmed as yet, but would you advise us to register our UK car in my name? Also utility bills? Thanks so much for your helpful blog!
    Diana

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Diane,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      If the car is British, we would recommend importing it as soon as possible as a car from a non EU country will be subject to customs and also the import tax, making the process more complicated and costly. It wont really make any difference what nationality the owner is as the car is on British plates.

      Again in regards to the utility bills ect, this wouldnt make much difference.

      Should you need any assistance with the change to Spanish plates or anything due to relocating to Spain,please do not hesitate to contact us, we would be delighted to help.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Frank Snyders

    We have the green A4 residency Certificado De Registro De Ciudadano De La Union since 2007, and been told we can exchange them for the small cards ‘Residente Con Caracter Permanente’. Is this true? We’re British and with Brexit now causing us to exit EU, there’s much confusion so very concerned. Also, apparently documentation requirements will alter on 15th of this month. Many thanks.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Frank,

      We understand your concern.

      The Foreign Office have assured us, on many occasions, that a residencia is permanent regardless of the wording on it. We have also been advised that all Brits, who already have residencia, have to apply for a “Non EU” residencia as from next month. Due to this we would recommend waiting to see what changes take place next month and then apply for the Non EU residencia. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • James Harding

    Hi, my wife and I have just bought an apartment in Palomares and are intending to spend more than 90 days but less than 180 days living there.(6X28 days)
    We’re both in receipt of contribution based ESA and PIP daily living component (also PIP mobility component). My wife will reach pension age in July 2021.
    We want to guarantee that we can reside permanently in Spain post-Brexit but having just bought a second property and not having sold our home in the UK we are worried that we will not be able to satisfy the requirements for money In the bank, and also the health insurance requirements. We had assumed that form S1 would more or less wave us through like a magic wand but a previous comment on this topic, by Edwina, suggested that the DOH requires confirmation that the move is permanent!
    Any suggestions on how we should try to guarantee our rights to remain in Spain would be very much appreciated.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Evening James,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      If you intend to live permanently in Spain ,we would urge you to make the move as quickly as possible. When you apply for residencia you state Spain is your fixed abode and that you spend more than 6 months of the year here, it is your home. You will also be liable to pay taxes in Spain and change your UK licence to a Spanish licence.

      Please see a link below, detailing the documents required for the residencia application, please note this is subject to change:

      https://www.spanishsolutions.net/blog/legal-paperwork/spanish-residency/how-to-get-a-spanish-residency-card/

      If you do not intend to live in Spain for more than 6 months and Spain will not be your fixed abode for years to come, we would not recommend applying for residencia at this stage. You will be able to apply for residencia, post brexit, but at this stage the requirements and process have not been confirmed. As soon as we have any update, we will notify all clients via a newsletter and also a blog on our website, we hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Su Kelly

    Hi
    I went for my Residencia today in Alicante with all of the correct documentation but was refused because the bank account is a joint account and only had €7,500 in it. We had been told previous to the appointment that as long as we had an official translation of our marriage certificate this amount was sufficient as my husband is not applying for Residencia – just me.
    They refused me and said the account had to be solely in my name or to add another €6,500 to bring it up to €14,000 which is €7000 for each named account holder and return in 3 months. I just don’t understand how the goal posts can change on a daily basis!!???

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Evening Su,

      We understand your frustration.

      We would recommend appointing a company/representative who is in the Foreign Office on a daily basis and is familiar with the process. It will also depend on the Foreign Office, to what documents they are willing to accept and also the Police Officer you have on the day. We hope you get this rectified as soon as possible.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Marcel

    Hi,

    My girlfriend is EU citizen and she has lived in Spain since September 2019. Next week she will apply for EU residence certificate. She is also registered in Barcelona padron since september 2019. Can it be any problem during the application procedure if she mentions she has lived in Spain for more than 3 months without asking for the residence certificate? Thanks!

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Evening Marcel,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      No there will be no issues at all.

      We hope this helps.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Rosemary Prudhoe

    Dear Nicola, We are in the same position as a lot of your other questioners. We were full-time residents in Spain from March 2007 to Dec 2015 and paid taxes in Spain. After retirement, we moved our tax residency to the UK but may spend over 90 days in 6 months but under 183 days in a year in our own property in Spain. We have just applied to update our Residencia but I am concerned that this will automatically move our Fiscal Residency back to Spain which we don’t want. We have enough money in our Spanish Bank Account, Private Health insurance, NIE and Padrón and pay local taxes for property/cars/ IBI in Spain. Please advise whether we will continue to be able to spread the 182 days over the whole year as we are now, and that our Tax Residency will remain in the UK.
    We are both of retirement age and receive UK state pensions, but on requesting an S1 were told that we would need to be permanently resident in Spain and would lose our rights to NHS health care when in the UK. Is this true?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Evening Rosemary,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      If you do not intend to live in Spain for more than 6 months of the year, we would not recommend applying for residencia. When you apply for residencia you state Spain is your fixed abode, it is your home. You will also be liable to pay taxes in Spain and change your UK licence to a Spanish licence. If you become resident and live in Spain for less than 183 days of the year, the tax office can ask you for evidence of this and if they are not satisfied, you would be left with a hefty tax bill.

      In regards to the S1, yes this will be true.

      We hope this helps.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Judith Boot

    My husband and I have owned holiday property in Spain since 1987. Have NIE, paid all non-resident taxes, on Padron, own Spanish Registered car. Sadly he died last year as his executor I have dealt with all necessary changes which are now complete both in the UK and here in Spain. We had both bought Funeral Plans with Avalon covering the UK and Spain.It was his wish that I spend more time here than we had been able to in the past. I know the 90/180 day rule for visiting and intend to make full use of it. If I were to exceed the 180 days which would make me a Tax Resident here, would I be refused on the basis of my age. I am 80 and financially stable.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Judith,

      We are so sorry to hear about your husband.

      Would you be talking about residencia, if so your age is not taken into consideration for the residencia application so all would be fine. Should you need any assistance with this or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact us.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Susan

    Hello I have not been able to find the answer to this so I hope you can help. I live in Spain and work for a UK company as a carer. I travel backwards and forwards working 2 weeks in Spain and 2 weeks in the UK. I am on the UK company payroll. Should I be looking at getting residencia? Will there be problems with me travelling in and out of the UK for my work? Appreciate your help.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Susan,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      If Spain is your fixed abode, your main place of stay outside work, we would suggest you apply for residencia as soon as possible. Please see below a link to the documents required for the residencia process:

      https://www.spanishsolutions.net/blog/legal-paperwork/spanish-residency/how-to-get-a-spanish-residency-card/

      If you have the residencia and evidence that you work in the UK, we dont see you having any problems moving back and forth between countries. We hope this helps.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Susan Burgess

    Good evening. My partner and I (we are not married) intend to relocate permanently to Spain (Murcia), but ideally not for a couple of years. However Brexit is making us nervous that if we don’t do it this year, things will change too much, so I’m planning to come this year with him to follow later. I have a residencia which I obtained when I lived in Lanzarote from 2008-2009 but it has no expiry date; 3 x spanish lawyers have told me it is still valid, although just last week one said I now have to change it for the new credit card one – I don’t understand why – and I am worried that if I don’t make the move this year, and get a Padron, then the authorities in Spain will find a way to say it is not valid! Also – I am 57 and have a Government service pension so I qualify for free health care without paying into the Spanish system I believe, and will be able to prove 10,000 euros funds, but what if I wanted to set up a business in Spain ‘autonomos’, would I still have to pay the c.260 Euros social security each month even if I dont want the pension and don’t need the health insurance? Really confusing times so your help very welcome!

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Susan,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      To confirm your residencia is still valid, you need to visit any Foreign Office, the next time you are in Spain. Some town halls will call a resident after 5 years and ask them to update their Padron, if this is not done then they cancel the residencia. If you check with the Foreign Office, then you will know for sure. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Jordan

    Hi , I have the ‘certificado de registro de ciudadano de la union’ card. I did however leave the country for more than six months and I now live here in a different address to that on the card. Do I have to apply for residency again or can I renew my card? I do have a work and rental contract as well as 3 months bank statements. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Jordan,

      We understand your concern.

      As all Brits will have to renew their residencia and apply for a TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) shortly, we would not advise changing the address on your residencia. To update the address on the residencia, you have to go through the same process again. We have no information at this stage on the TIE or to the process, as soon as we have any update on this we will notify all customers via a blog and a news letter.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Deborah Pfeffer

    Hi, firstly, thanks for such a lot of useful information! My query – what is the situation if my partner who is retired and me (not retired) want to buy a small property in Spain and live there for 5 months of the year. We will retain my property in the UK, my partner does not have a UK property. We may or may not rent out our Spanish property when we are not there. If we purchase the Spanish property in my partner’s name only, will this make a difference?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Deborah,

      Exciting times ahead for you. Where in Spain are you planning to settle.

      Purchasing the property in one name would not make any difference, we are sorry.

      If you need any assistance with relocating to Spain and finding your perfect property, please do not hesitate to contact us, we would be delighted to help.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Chrissy

    hello,

    my fiance and I are moving to Spain late October 2020. We are British and we will open a Spanish bank account in October when we get to Spain.
    I believe we must apply for residency before 31st December 2020 in order to stay and live in Spain. However, our Spanish bank account will only be 2 months old in December 2020. Does this mean we will not be granted residency before 31st December 2020 and will not be able to live there?
    Also, how much do you charge to help us get registered as residents and do all the paperwork for us?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Chrissy,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      Spanish Solutions would be delighted to help you with your residencias but firstly, can we ask where in Spain you plan to settle please.

      In regards to the bank statements, if you only have 2 months bank statements by the deadline of 31st December 2020, you will not be able to apply for residencia as per the process pre Brexit. You can apply for residencia post Brexit but the changes and requirements for the residencia application have not been confirmed as yet. We feel the process will be more complex and if possible we would recommend moving to Spain as soon as possible.

      We look forward to hearing from you,
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Phil

    We would like , as retirees on pensions , become residents in Spain. We have a house here , over 16 years now. We would like to keep our finances in the uk, although we have a Spanish bank account , which I top up as we need to. We also have a house in the UK, heard all sorts of stories regards taxes on that and even taxes if you sell. Do you have any info on these matters. We were hoping to register here when we came over 9 weeks ago, but all closed due to lock down. Actually went to the Town Hall 6 months ago and they were not very helpful and were more interested in getting us out of the office. Many thanks

    • Amanda Thomas

      Dear Phil, You need really someone who deals with Residencias all the time to help as rules are constantly changing. It also needs to be someone in the area where your Spanish house is. The offices do not open until the State of Alarm is over but if you are in our area please contact us then and we will help. With regard to taxes, I advise you to contact a UK accountant as you will have capital gains tax to pay in Spain if you sell while Resident in Spain. Kind regards

  • Derek Bradshaw

    I am 70ys and have lived in Tenerife for 4yrs I have Spanish bank account and NIE number . What do I have to do to remain living in Tenerife after Brexit deadline .I rent property and do not own in Tenerife

    • Amanda Thomas

      Dear Derek, I am sorry for the delay in responding, we do not know Residency requirements in the islands, you need to contact someone there. Kind regards

  • Sandra G

    Hi, although I can see that there are no definite regulations yet I wonder if you help with a question. We were thinking of buying a property in Spain so that we could spend the winter there, with the intention that our family could use the property for holidays in the summer. We do not want to be residents in Spain. Are you able to advise that if we spent say a month in October in Spain, came back to the UK for November and December and then back to Spain for January, February and March, would this be allowed. The rules seem to say that we would need 90 days between visits. Anything you can refer us to would be helpful.

    • Amanda Thomas

      Dear Sandra, Sorry for the delay, we are having a high volume at the moment. I believe it is any 90 days in any 180 days but there are many posts on the http://www.cabspain.com website which may be helpful with this. Kind regards

  • colin taylor

    hi
    regarding residency i am 59 yrs old i have job in spain but only up to 10 hours per wk i have work contract and both me and my employer pay tax,my question ,would i be able to get free spanish healthcare which would be acceptable for residency , i also have drawdown pension which i would use to reach required for the financial side of application thank you

    • Ian C.

      Hello Colin,

      Both residency and health care should be fine in your case.
      The problem is the delay in the application process for residency in Spain due to the coronavirus. Everything else we can deal with, but these delays are totally out of our hands.
      Please stay in touch and we’ll tell you when the Alicante office dealing with resedencia is back open,

      Kind wishes,

      Ian

  • Richard Power

    Hello, I took early retirement and have a good pension at 56 years old, my wife retires in December 2020 with a company pension at 57 years old. We both live in the UK but I do have Irish citizenship as well as UK. Can we both move to Spain and still get Health care? We intend to rent initially And then buy later. I am financially secure and intend to keep a home in the UK too
    Thanks in advance

    • Ian C.

      Hello Richard,
      Absolutely we can help you get health cover a number of different ways.
      Convenio Especial is one such manner. This is a pay-in scheme which allows expatriot people in Spain to access state healthcare for a monthly fee. This fee can be as low as 60 euro for under 65 years olds or 157 for the over 65 years old.
      We’ll talk more privately and we look forward to helping you to make a successful move to Spain.

      Kind wishes,

      Ian

  • Peter Woods

    We would like to apply for residency, we have a property in torrevieja, would you know when the nearest residency office is and when will they open for appointments due to the state of alarm. Thank you Peter

    • Ian C.

      Hello Peter,

      Torrevieja´s nearest office for Residency is in Alicante.
      We have a long list of clients waiting for the application and they told us that they will give us a few days notice before the office opens again post Coronavirus,

      Kind wishes,

      Ian

  • Terry henry

    I applied and received my little Spanish green card nack in 2017 when i was on my Erasmus year. i stayed over 183 days and worked at the same time. i since came back to the uk for a couple of years but before i left i forgot to revoke the residency. does this mean that my catrd would still be valid and that i will still be considered a resident of spain?

    • Ian C.

      Hello Terry,

      You need to get in touch with the local town hall to see if the residency is still valid. We can do it for you for a small fee.
      They will have emailed you after five years and if you dont reply, generally the card is then no longer valid.
      Hope this helps.
      Regards,
      Ian

  • Will Franklin

    Hi there. We (myself, wife and 2 daughters) are considering relocating to Spain sometime before the end of this year (2020). I work for a US company and currently get paid through a UK payroll company into my UK account. I would continue to work for the same US company, but from Spain. The company also provides private family healthcare and a pension. We plan on sending our daughters to an International school. My wife has a British and Polish passport and I have a British passport. We are concerned that Brexit will prevent us from settling in Spain. We have read that it is best to apply for residency now and have it secured before 31st December, but because of COVID19, we can’t move forward with our plans just now. I’d welcome your advice. Thank you.

    • Ian C.

      Hello Will,
      This is a real catch 22 situation. The reality is that you need to get here asap or the Residency window may well slam shut.
      I understand your Covid 19 fears but if you are sure you want to move permanently to Spain, I’d advise you get here for three months this summer. After that we can help you with the residency but first, we need you to be here in Spain.
      We can help your daughters with the private school situation. Whats age are they?

      Please feel free to get in touch,

      Kind wishes,

      Ian

  • JANET BROWN

    Hi my partner and I are moving over to Torre del Mar in November, my partner retires in September 2020, I will be finishing work and my pension starts February 2022. Reading other peoples questions, is it right that we
    need 3 months Spanish bank statements before we can get our residencies. Also my partner will be able to get a S1, will I be able to get one also as I’ll be his dependant, and how long will these last. Thank you for you’re help.

    • Ian C.

      Hello Janet,

      Yes, it is true you need to be living in Spain for three months before you even apply for residency here.
      Are you thinking of moving after Feb 2022? The rules are unclear regarding Brexit and British people living in Spain after 2020.
      Can you somehow get to Spain before the end of September and we can apply for you before the final date of December this year?

      Regards,

      Ian

  • Craig Mcphail

    Hi ya we have a property in Spain that we rent out but I still work in the U.K. self employed what do I need to come over for longer than a 180 days a year

    • Ian C.

      Hello Craig,

      the easiest way to move to Spain is to become a self-employed worker here- even though you are employed in the UK. Due to the double taxation agreement you will only pay tax here and we can help you get refunds from the UK.
      Alicante is starting to issue residencies this week for the first time since Covid19.
      We are very happy to help you,

      Kind regards,

      Ian

  • Hannah

    Hi, I have a few questions that I have found surprisingly difficult to find answers for and I wondered if you can help? This is all in anticipation of Brexit and the end of the transition period.

    1. To apply for residency, am I required to be in Spain for a minimum amount of time during a 12 month period (I know for Portugal you are required to state you will be there for a minimum of 6 months).

    2. If the answer to above is no – does this mean I can freely move in and out of Spain and as long as the number of days doesn’t total more than 183 I’m not required to pay tax there?

    3. I work for myself – I have a UK limited company and receive a salary (& dividends through this) – would I have to apply as ‘working in Spain’ (albeit remotely) or not retired/EU worker.

    4. Do I need a fixed address for any of the process (eg the residency or for a bank account application if this required) – I currently travel and stay in different accomodation so don’t have a longterm rental agreement.

    5. Do I need to be in Spain for 3 months before I can start the application process?

    I’m very grateful for any advice you can provide!

    • Ian C.

      Hello Hannah,

      Thanks for getting in touch with Spanish solutions.
      You are making us earn our money here:

      So, the situation is you need to be in the country for three months before you apply for residency in Spain. They will check your bank records for proof that you are paying rent, electricity, buying groceries etc.
      If you stay here less than 183 days, you don’t have to pay income tax in Spain. The best thing though if you are living here and working in the UK is to be self-employed in Spain- We can help of course.

      You’ll only pay tax in one country, not both- The tax situation is slightly higher here but with the increased standard of living in Spain and the lower cost of living in Spain versus the UK, I think it is a good trade-off.
      Yes, you need a fixed address- Hotel rooms don’t count. We can help you find a long term rental property for not too much money.

      Please talk to us by email if you have any more questions. We’d be delighted to help you to fix your residencia and tax situation here in Spain. We are the best legal and tax company to deal with, in our opinion!!!

      Kind wishes,

      Ian

  • Jackie C

    We are looking at moving from the UK to Alicante area this year. I understand the requirements that we would need to apply for residencia. I have 2 questions please

    1. We plan to come to Alicante in September which will enable the 3 month requirement before 31 December. In order to obtain residencia before end December would the residencia have to be granted before end December (if so how long does the process normally take), or is it the requirement to have submitted the application before end December?

    2. My husband recieves a state pension, I only receive a public sector pension. Would we need private healthcare insurance?

    • Ian C.

      Hello Jackie,
      Delighted to hear you’ve made the decision to relocate to Spain.ç
      We can help you with finding a Spanish estate agent you can trust, getting your bank accounts open etc.
      Firstly, let’s help you with your Spanish residency.
      You need to be here for three months before you can apply. September is the last month to come here to give yourself time. As a resident, you’ll have the same health care privileges as you’d have now, after Brexit.
      We are still so unsure of how things will go for British people after Dec31st but applying for the residential ASAP is a great idea.
      I’m going to email you privately with a few tips if that is ok,
      Kind wishes and the very best of luck with the move to Alicante- You’ll love it.
      ian

  • Naomi

    Hi, I’m employed full time by an organisation based in the UK and I can work from anywhere so I travel a lot and I’m in Spain a lot, although currently less than 183 days a year. I can show that I bought a place in Spain about 15 years ago, all the bills have always been in my name, but I never registered as resident, I wish I had! Now with Brexit I need to do that and want to retain my EU rights. Because of the coronavirus I have not been at my flat for many months. Will applying for (non-fiscal) residency change how I am being paid for my work (unchanged for almost ten years) and where I should pay tax? If you can advise me on how that would work I’d be really grateful.

    • Ian C.

      Hi Naomi,

      Simply, if you live in Spain you must pay your tax here. We advise you to get cracking on your application for residency as soon as you can.
      If you want us to deal with her tax return in Spain fo the year 2020 we need you to send us the following information.

      – copy of Residency and passport
      – Previous years Renta, (form 100), if it is the first year we have prepared your tax return
      – IBI receipt council property tax, (Suma).
      – Income certificate from the whole year, P60, pensions receipts, etc. We need to know how much she received from January to December.
      – Information about rescues of investment funds, share dividends received to purchase or sale of shares and any other funds held in deposit accounts in 2019.
      – Information for any other type of incomes (awards, lottery, etc.).
      – Information relating to any purchase or sale of properties in 2019 (title deeds, notary, register expenses, stamp duties, etc.).
      – Should you or any member of your family unit has a minimum of 33% of a disability please provide the disabled certificate issue in Spain showing it. You will be entitled to fiscal benefits.

      Saludos,

      Ana

  • Emma

    Hi there, great blog post. I have a question about the financial requirements. Is it 8k EUR per adult, or each person in the family regardless of age? For some reason I had an idea that children as dependents required a lesser amount.
    We are coming to Spain for a year to live with 2 children as EU citizens. Thank you

    • Ian C.

      Hello Emma,

      Where are you moving to in Spain? I ask because different areas have different regulations- Of course, they do!!

      So you are a family of 2 kids plus 2 adults? The amount you need is 17,000 euro. A family of three needs 15,000 in Alicante and a couple 11,000 euro.

      You’ll have a great time here. Are you getting the kids into Spanish school? What a great experience for you all,

      Best wishes,

      Ian

  • Ann Mooney

    hi my husband has been self employed for 12 years we are under retirement age we wish to rent a property in Spain with intending to buy we have savings in bank of £40000 we own a home in UK with no mortgage my husband would like to go autonomo in Spain we want to be able to go back and forth to uk as we also rent a house here in UK what do we need to do and what would our requirements be ? and would we qualify to stay in Spain Thanks Ann

    • Ian C.

      Hello Ann,
      Wow, you are in good shape here, nothing to worry about.
      Spain is happy to welcome “desirable immigrants” who can add to the country’s economy. We spend our money here and that is good for Spain.

      As part of the new law on Residency in Spain, you may need to show proof of funds- Spain needs to know that you are covered in case of needing medical treatments.

      You are currently entitled to emergency care at doctors and clinics.
      If you are a resident, you will need to have a job or be self-employed and pay something into the Spanish social security system.
      You may otherwise be asked to take our private health care.

      Retirees need to prove they are entitled to health care paid for by the UK.
      The documents you need are all the obvious: your passport (and a photocopy of passport), 3 passport-sized photos, the application form plus three copies), proof of your Spanish address and a receipt for payment of the admin fees. Remember it must be stamped by a bank.
      If your husband has totally decided to become self-employed, you will, of course, need to prove this. We’ll help by showing that you have registered on the Registration on the Economic Activities List.

      It may sound daunting, but we can easily help with all aspects of your move to Spain.
      Very exciting times ahead for you,

      Best of luck,

      Ian

  • Emma

    Thanks Ian, we will be somewhere in Andalusia, probably Malaga centro. Yes we plan to get the kids into Spanish school. Very excited!

    • Ian C.

      Very exciting indeed Emma. We have three kids in Spanish school- It is fantastic to see how they absorb the language and the culture.
      Let us know if you need any more help,
      Ian

  • ian harkness

    hi ian.i have a few questions i hope you can help with.
    1-i have lived in spain(bcn) for 20 years, married to a spaniard and have x1 daughter (spanish) age 16
    2-i have an nie number little passport booklet with my thumb print and photo issued back in nov 1999 nothing else
    3-el padron i have up to date
    4-i have e 121 forms from uk which i have been told are ok until i reach 65 then change to the s1 form
    5-i have 2 very small ill health pensions paid from the uk gov (army & mod) will need to pay spanish tax on this after brexit
    6-to get a residencie card does one need to go in person? i have been confirmed with an illness which stops me going too far from my home and unfamiliar places and queuing up or is there a service to do this for me?
    over all my question is do i need a residence card..and am i ok with the e121 forms as i have been told from uk plus does my 2 small ill health pensions get taxed in spain they do in the uk plus my uk benefits.
    thanks for your help
    ian

    • Ian C.

      Hello Ian,
      I spoke to Ana in our La Zenia office. It appears that an Army pension pays no tax in Spain. Congratulations!
      Yes, for the residency card, you should go in person. If you are not able to stand in line, we’ll make sure that you don’t need to.
      let me know how else I can help, ian

  • Kelly

    Hi, i want to move to spain alicante, as soon as possible with my 2 children, im really worried if i dont come before the brexit i wont be able to get residency, i believe from what i have read that i must have lived in spain for 3 months before i can get residency? Which i could proberly do now, as i want to rent, but what my problem is is that ive heard when applying for residency i need a few thousand in my account? I am waiting for my house to sell so at the moment i dont have that sort of money but hoping my house sells quick.. if you could help me on what you think i should do. Many thanks

    • Ian C.

      Hello Kelly,

      Good news/ bad news.
      the bad news is that Brexit is so up in the air right now that anyone promising you any simple fix is not telling you the whole truth.
      The good news is you find Spanish Solutions first!!

      You do need to have money in your account in Spain. The authorities need to see that you can support yourself before giving you residency.
      We have found a work-around- I’ll explain privately.
      You do indeed need to be here for three months. When do you intend to move to Spain?
      Can you get here before September?
      What about rental? Have you found a property already? We need to get cracking on this.
      Is there much interest in your UK home?
      Selling this quickly, before Brexit will prove to be a wise move I think.
      Let’s talk more via email,

      Regards,

      Ian

  • Claire

    I have a UK passport and my husband a Spanish passport – we reside in the USA (have US Passports too) – we have a home in Spain which we spend less than 6 months a year at. Until now I have been able to do this no problem. With Brexit how will I stay in Spain for just less than 6 months (I think the limit is 3 months?). We will remain residents of the USA.

    • Ian C.

      Hello Claire,

      We think you should be fine. By staying for less than 6 months, you’ll not have to pay tax in Spain. This is going to save you some stress.
      the Brexit rules are far from clear, so please keep on eye on our blog.
      What you cant do without residencia is the following:
      Register at the Spanish Social Security to have healthcare
      Pay tax here
      Get employed in Spain
      Register a business in Spain
      Buy or sell a car
      Buy or sell property
      That sort of thing. It sounds like you are not interested in these activities anyway, so no need to worry.
      Brexit is going to be difficult for all British people who have not taken it seriously up to now. The attitude- “they’ll sort it all out” is not going to save many ex-pats in Spain!!
      Hope you are staying safe over in the States. Spain is, in my opinion, the safest place to be right now with this pandemic! (I’m not a doctor nor a lawyer so take all advice cautiously!)
      Kind regards,
      Ian

  • Sarita G

    Hi, I’m currently studying in Spain (in Sep starts the final year of degree) and I have been renewing my NIE every year here. However, the application of the renewal of my NIE 2019 – 2020 has been rejected.

    The application was handed in on 29th June 2019. I haven’t receive anything until January when they told me they have sent 2 notifications in Sep- Oct 2019 (which never arrived like the rest, as usual). I applied for the “reposición de recurso” and handed in extra documents in early February. Since then, I have been sending emails and have been waiting for the result.
    After many emails saying “I really need to know how is the result because I will be applying for the NIE (2020-2021) soon”, On 3rd July, they finally send me an email attaching a pdf of a letter in APRIL saying that they have actually rejected my application… They are now asking me to go back to Hong Kong for a new student visa or get to the court to revoke the rejection (which takes a year aprox.)

    Since classes are going to start in Sep and getting a new visa takes minimum 2 months, plus the 3rd outbreak of the virus in HK, I might not get my VISA even if I go back/not be able to come back even I get the visa.

    Me and my boyfriend registered for Pareja de Hecho in January and we are still waiting for the result. We are planning to buy a house here but without the NIE i can’t do anything. We are really worried and frustrated due to all these paper work that we are/have been dealing with… If you can advise me on what I should do, I’d be really grateful. Thanks a lot!

    • Ian C.

      Hi Sarita

      This is a complex situation depending on your country of citizenship I will e mail you and perhaps we can set up a Zoom call or meeting.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Gillian Sowerby

    We are looking into applying for residencia in Spain. We are both retired, have NEI number, registered with the Padron for 5 years and have private health insurance. We live on a spanish campsite which in not residential (11 months a year). Can you help??

    • Ian C.

      Hello Gillian,
      Spanish Solutions will be delighted to help you to get your residencia in Spain.
      A few bits of information you probably know already:

      Living on a campsite….The way to prove your Spanish address is on a Padron- It can be done in an official campsite, no issues there.
      Obtaining the Spanish residence permit does not mean that you lose your original British citizenship.
      Your Spanish permanent residency becomes permanent after 5 years. (you will have to re-apply for it).
      I don’t think this applies to you but if you are a pensioner with no private medical insurance, you would need to become a resident to get a Spanish health card.
      Not many people realise that you can’t exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish one without being a resident.
      You need to apply in person, but we can help.
      You must apply for residency if you are spending more than 3 months in Spain.

      We look forward to helping you!
      Kind wishes, ian

  • michael

    Hi
    Many apologies if you have answered this before.
    My wife and i are going to the Alicante region in September to look for property. I intended to open a bank account and deposit sufficient funds to cover residencia requirements .
    we would not be able to return to start renting until December. I have just read that that it is not enough to have sufficient funds in an account but the authorities need to see that you have been using it. Also is it true that you need to have been resident for 3 months before applying as that would mean we would not be able to apply before dec 31st.

    • Ian C.

      Hello Michael,

      To apply for residencia you need to prove that you have been living in Alicante for three months. We need to prove payments coming in and out of your Spanish bank account etc.
      You are looking to rent long term and ultimately buy a house here in Spain?
      We don’t know the rules for British people moving to Spain in 2021- It is a grey area right now.
      We can of course help with all these matters,

      Kind wishes,

      Ian

  • Caitlin

    Hi,

    I would like to move to Spain permanently but I’m looking to go there and rent a flat as soon as possible before the transition period ends. I will continue to work for a UK company even when I move to Spain, however am unable to fully move over until my rental contract in the UK ends therefore having 2 homes at the same time. Please could you let me know if you foresee any issues with this? When providing my last 3 bank statements, would this have to be paid into a Spanish bank account? Also, would I need to open a Spanish bank account at all before I apply for my residency, I suppose to pay utility bills? Would I need to wait 3 months to apply?

    Thanks very much!

    • Jane

      Hi Caitlin

      There is no issue with you having two properties. You would require to open and use your Spanish Bank account for 3 months. I have mailed you our details if you require any help on Residency.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • David

    Hi, I currently have a valid Spanish Residency (green A4 certificate) and NIE number as a British Citizen from when I lived in Spain a few years ago and I’m now living in the UK. As I have an Irish passport, I plan on moving back to Spain the beginning of next year and applying for Spanish Residency as an Irish Citizen as my wife does not have an Irish passport, only a British passport.
    My question is, will I be issued with a new NIE number if applying for Spanish Residency as an Irish Citizen. My current NIE certificate states I am a national from the United Kingdom.
    Many thanks
    David

    • Jane

      Hi David

      If you have not cancelled your residency will still be valid. You would need to cancel as British Citizen and reapply as Irish to do this.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Anna Dempsey

    Hi, we have been living in Javea for almost two years and i have the A4 residency card. My daughters attend the local Spanish school but have no Spanish paperwork and only temporary SIP cards which i regularly renew. i understand that these temporary cards will be scrapped from the New Year and wanted to know whether I converted my residency to TIE, this would then allow me to add them as dependents and have permanent SIP cards issued. All very confusing as the lady who initially set these up for me has now moved away. Many thanks

    • Jane

      Hi Anna

      You can apply for residencia for your daughters on your documents and then can obtain permanent cards for them.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Richard Baker

    Hi Nicola,
    My wife and I have owned a property in Spain since 2003 and have lived in Spain for up to 6 months a year since then, over several visits, the remaining periods generally being spent living in the UK. Due to the Coronavirus we have have not come to Spain so far this year. We have had a Spanish bank account since 2003. We have been claiming the the UK state pension since early 2019. In addition to the State pension, we are mortgage free, have reasonable savings and a small part time business generating reliable income. We have not yet applied for Spanish residency but would like to do so before December 2019. Please advise what we should do. As we have been regularly visiting, will we need to stay in Spain for 3 months before applying for residencia, or can we apply straightaway when we return? If we have to stay 3 months before applying, will the 3 months period have to be completed before end December 2020? Should we register on the padron first before applying for residencia as has been advised by our Spanish solicitor? Also, do we need to get the Residencia before applying for the S1, or can we apply for the S1 before applying for residencia?
    Hope you can advise.
    Best wishes, Richard

    • Jane

      Hi Richard
      You would require 3 months of transactions on your Spanish account showing you are living here. Yes you will need to register on Padron and will need residency before you can apply for S1.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Richard Turpin

    Hi,
    We will be coming to Moraira early September and staying at a registered Campsite for more than five months.
    The intention is to hopefully gain Residencia before December.
    We have NIE already and are in the process of opening a Spanish bank account.
    Can the campsite address be used and when would you advise getting on to the Padron.
    Such a great source of information,thank you for all the hard work.
    Kind regards,
    Richard & Judy.

    • Jane

      Hi Richard and Judy thank you for your feedback.

      You will need to check with Moraira town hall if they will issue padron to campsite address. If they do then you will be able to get residencia for this address.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Marta

    Hi
    I have Spanish residencia (little green card) and I didn’t cancel it when I left Spain because the Foreign Office was closed due to Covid-19 pandemic. Is there a way of cancelling residencia by mail or online? If I don’t cancel my residencia, does it constitute a problem if I want to return to Spain one day? Does the Foreign Office cancel it after a set amount of years?
    Many thanks
    Kind regards

    • Jane

      Hi Marta

      You are unable to cancel this online but if you post the original to ourselves and give us authorisation we can cancel for you. Whilst it may not be a problem it could arise if you were also a fiscal resident and now pay taxes in your home country.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Anmar Abdulkareem Nassif

    Hi, I am from Iraq, and if I provide a bank statement with an amount of 90,000Euro and submitted to the Spanish Embassy in my country, can I get a residency for one year.

    • Jane

      Hi Anmar

      There are other requirements other than the monetary please contact us and we can arrange an appointment to talk you through the detail required to apply for a TIE.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Fern

    Hello!
    I want to move to Spain and apply for my residency. I have my flight booked and I will be living with a friend rent free until I find a job. I will be applying for jobs as soon as I arrive. But I read that if I’m unemployed I need €8000 in the bank to begin application for residency but I don’t have as much as that. I’d be grateful for any information you could give me on the steps I should take to begin my residency application and anything else I need to know.
    Kindest regards
    Fern

  • Billy Kenny

    Hello,

    Thanks for providing loads of useful information. I spotted two replies that are not completely accurate.

    Your response to Caroline Mead on 17/01/2020 states “You would need to be married for your partner to apply for residencia based on your income…”

    It is no longer a legal requirement to be married to get residencia as a partner. The Real Decreto in the link below refers to the rights of parejas de hecho (partners) in Articulo 2.bis 1(b).

    A definition of pareja de hecho is given in Articulo 2.bis 4(b). You only need to be able to prove you have been living as a couple for at least one year.

    http://www.interior.gob.es/web/servicios-al-ciudadano/normativa/reales-decretos/real-decreto-240-2007-de-16-de-febrero

    It is also no longer a requirement that parejas de hecho have to be registered as such anywhere, as explained in this EU page:

    https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/family/couple/de-facto-unions/index_es.htm

    Of course, whether the people who are charged with the responsibility for granting residencia are aware of the actual law is a whole different matter.

    Your reply to Richard Baker states that he “will need residency before you can apply for S1”. He can, and indeed should, apply for S1 before he leaves the UK. However, he cannot use his S1 to get healthcare in Spain until he becomes officially resident.

    Hope this helps. Keep up the good work.
    Bill

    • Jane

      Hi Bill

      Thanks for your comments. We had already advised Richard of the correction. I will pass your info on the other point to the team.

      Have a good day.

      Jane

  • Julia Piroddi

    I arrived in Spain on 11 July 2019 with an EU passport, for a Spanish Experience.
    Two months later, I found myself employed.
    Then in June 2020, I had a return ticket to South Africa, but that never happened due to Covid-19.
    I’ve decided to stay/live and work in Valladolid, where I have made many friends and taking the risk of becoming self employed.
    Yesterday, 28 August 2020, I attended my appointment at the comisaria in Valladolid with copies and originals of every document I have in order of applying for my residencia.
    I was then asked to go and make payment of €12 at a bank and return with proof thereof.
    To my surprise, in exchange of the proof of payment, I was given my residencia card.
    Two hours and €12!
    I am a very happy girl.

    • Jane

      Thanks Julia for sharing your very positive experience.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Anna

    Hey, I am planning on moving to Spain at the end of the year before we lose our rights as a British Citizen, I wondered when registerting as ‘unemployed’ and having the set amount of euros in a Spanish bank account, if I am earning how would I then go on to pay tax within Spain? Due to the quarantine I am unable to get over to Spain to open a bank account to then go on to prove my 3 months of support for myself to apply as Self Employed for Resedencia, so it seems that coming over and setting up bank account and applying for residency under Unemployed seems like the best option. Can you advise? Anna

    • Ian C.

      Hi Anna

      I am unsure what you mean by registering as unemployed. Yes, you will require to be here and using your Bank Account for 3 months to apply for residencia. We can assist you with the process if you wish to contact us.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Craig

    Hi,

    I’m looking for some advice with regards to relocating to Spain with my partner (we are not married) who has been offered a job in Mallorca as a teacher on a contract which will end in July 2021, and came across your company.

    My question is, would I be able to apply for residencia based on having £80k of savings to prove I can sustain myself until we leave in July 2021? I do have a regular rental income from the UK, in addition to a small amount of freelancing income which in total amounts to about £500 per month earnings, so I would also want to know if a freelance visa could be possible also.

    Thanks!

    I am not able to find a job within the 3 month timescale (tourist visa), is there any way around it which will allow be to stay in the country for that I will not would I be able to apply for residencia based on savings we have (c£80k)?

    • Jane

      Hi Craig

      The regions vary on amount but I am sure that will be sufficent. You will need to have the money in a Spanish bank account and show proof of using your account and living in Spain for 3 months to apply for residency. We cannot speculate on what the amounts will be after the end of the year. Without residency next year you will only be able to spend 90 days in 180. Hope this helps.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Mel

    Hi. I’m looking to relocate to Spain from the UK this autumn. For various reasons I am unable to go until late October/early November and my understanding with residencia is that 3 months are required before one can apply. So I am going to go beyond the 31 Dec transitional arrangements unfortunately. All I can do is hope requirements don’t change drastically. As things stand at the moment, am I right that beyond NIE, padron, proof of address and health insurance, the only other requirement is a Spanish bank account to show funds for at least 3 months? Is there a way of finding what the set amounts of funds required are for different regions? I haven’t decided where in Spain to relocate to yet but if there are more favourable ones in terms of showing sufficient funds, I would appreciate that information now. Also to check, re proof of address, my initial plan was to rent an airbnb for a couple of months, is the best thing to actually set some bills in my name from the get go? Many thanks, Mel

    • Jane

      Hi Mel

      As the criteria will change after end of year we are unable to speculate on funds required for each region. If you wish to contact us we can talk you through our local regionally requirements currently. You will require to be on padron so if renting will have to ask owner if you can be added, and then you will require an appointment to get this.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • LISA FYFFE

    Hi

    I liked in Spain from 2007 until the end of 2018. I still have the small green Span­ish Res­id­ency card and NIE num­ber. I plan on moving back to Spain at the beginning of 2021 will my Spanish residency card still be valid? The card was issued in march 2013. Thanks Lisa

    • Jane

      Hi Lisa

      If this was a temporary residencia it may have been revoked, you will need to contact the relevant area to check. If you wish us to help please give us a call.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • George Mitchell

    Good evening
    My wife received her Resedencia (green credit card sized) on 31 March, 2019.
    At the time she was working in Spain and paid taxes, etc. She obtained her medical card and has also exchanged her UK drivers licence to Spanish. All good with the exception that she lost her job and has been unable to get another due to the current situation.
    Couple of question for you:
    1. Her Resedencia card has (1) after the date of issue. Does this mean that she needs to renew after 1 year?
    2. If not, is it fairly straighforward for her to apply for the new TIE, as she already has her green card?
    3. Finally, I now wish to apply for my TIE. I am 60 years old with UK passport. Do I require private health insurance or can I apply based on being spouse/dependent as my wife has a Spanish Medical card?
    Many thanks for your help in advance.

    • Jane

      Hi George

      Your wife does not require to renew. Yes she can apply for TIE to swop from her green card. Yes you will need private healthcare as your wife now she is not working will only be covered for basic healthcare which will not be adequate for your residency application. I hope this helps.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • jag

    Hi i have a house in Spain and want to retire there within 5 years i am not of retirement age.I have the 7k euros required in my spanish bank. can you please advise of cost and duration of the residencia.

    regards

    j baghi

    • Jane

      Hi Jag

      We cannot comment on what the criteria will be next year. Please give us a call as we need to know where you are a citizen etc to talk you through what is required for residencia, and we need to know where you live in Spain.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • David

    Hi.
    I am currently in the process for getting my residencia in lanzarote.
    I unfortunately got into a domestic 5years ago and as a result got a short jail term.
    I have been living permanently here for 5 years but with no residencia.
    The person who is helping me says because of being non eu now,There will be more stringent checks…
    Could possibly get declined!!
    Whereas before there wasn’t such stringent checks.
    I pray this doesn’t effect me because I don’t want to get deported back to the UK!!
    If I get declined,how can I manage to stay?
    Please help me.
    All of this goes back 5 years and I havint been in trouble here since then,of which they will see when doing checks.
    Thank you for your attention to this matter.
    Regards David

    • Amanda Thomas

      Dear David, You need to make the application and see what happens and then, if it is declined, then take steps to find out what needs to be done to have it accepted. I am sure you would not get deported, it may be best to contact your previous lawyer or one on the island to find out when your particular conviction disappears from the records. But if you get it done before the end of the year, there may not be a check on criminal record in any event. Good luck!

  • Judy Morris

    Can I be a Spanish resident if I live 5 consecutive months of the year in Spain over the summer and be a tax resident in the U.K. if I live the rest of the year there. I have substantial savings, pensions and property in the U.K. and I do not wish to be taxed on them in Spain. I have been advised by friends to apply for residency in Spain but to make it clear I will pay no tax in Spain and therefore will not become a Spanish tax resident. Is this feasible? I am a U.K. pensioner, have requested an S1 in preparation for applying for Spanish residency pre Brexit but I am concerned that this may not be the correct route for me. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

    • Jane

      Hi Judy

      After Brexit you can only be in Spain for 90 days in every 180 so unless you were resident would require to split your 5 months. If you become a resident you cannot be out of Spain for more than 6 months a year in first 5 years or may have residency revoked. Once a resident after 183 would become a fiscal resident and pay tax in Spain. I hope this helps.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Av

    Hi. My wife and I are looking for some urgent advice please.
    We are coming to Spain on 9th October for nearly 5 months to have IVF treatment. We are both UK citizens with UK passports.
    We will be staying in an Airbnb accommodation in Alicante for our entire trip and will not be working in Spain.
    Can you please advise us if we need to apply for any additional documents or visas? Any help would be very much appreciated. Many thanks in advance

    • Jane

      Hi Vic

      After the end of the year you can only spend 90 days in 180 so will require to be back in UK end of March. Good luck with the treatment.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Steve

    Can you tell me what the current criteria is for Adulusia. I have rented a property for 8 months, have been on the Padron in Velencia for 13 months. I know I have to get on the padron in the new area but what will they require for residentia in the way of doucument. I have lots of money in a few U.K. accounts and will transfer some lump sums into my Spanish account shortly.

    Simply confused because of the variances between different parts of Spain

    • Jane

      Hi Steve

      The documentation is all the same but the funding requirements are defined locally so I would suggest you contact a local gestor for guidance. You will require your padron to be updated too.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Giovanni

    Hi,

    I’m an EU-citizen who would like to relocate in Spain for a long period of time (at least 1 year or more).

    I am fully employed in my home country, but I work completely remotely from my apartment (but not freelancer). If I keep the same employment position (contract in my home country), but relocate to Spain (and work remotely from an apartment in Spain) what should be my resident status?

    What I understand from your articles is that I will need a residency card, but I will not be employed in Spain (I will still be employed in my home country but working remotely while staying long-term in Spain). Should I register as “unemployed in Spain” (but still employed in home country..) and show sufficient income from my home bank, and look into tax treates to avoid double taxes after 6 months?

    Also: what about social security? I will have to be affiliated with the Spanish system after 6 months, but my employer will be deducting and paying social contributions still to my home country.

    So is there a way to do this?

    Thank you!

    • Jane

      Hi Giovanni as an EU citizen you re not affected by the Brexit changes but should seek advice from a fiscal gestor on your tax position, and if you should apply for residency if it will only be for a short time.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Brian Tovey

    Hi
    Unfortunatley we are unable to relocate to Spain before 31/12/20 – our move date is planned for 01/03/21. Is there anything we can do prrior to our move date? , for example apply to exchange our driving licence to aviod re-taking a test? and what do we need to do to secure our residency once we are there? We have owned a house for 16 years therefore we hold a NIE number sand can prove movement on our spainish bank acount. We are not pension age but both retiring on savings and rent income from our UK propety – we also have health insurance.

    • Jane

      Hi Brian

      You cannot swop your driving licence until you have your residencia. We as yet do not have the full requirements for next year but it sounds like you have most things in hand. If you are not yet on the padron you will need to organise that once you are over. Please keep an eye on our website for updates, and contact us if you require any assistance.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Gabriela

    I am an EU citizen and have had NIE and the A4 size green document shown in the article for 12 years, then I lived in Spain for 1 year. Now I have returned to Spain and wish to live here permanently, bought a property, etc. I have already registered at padron.
    Does it mean that I have completed the residency process? Or what else should I do, considering that residency requirements changed in 2012?
    Also, regarding the small size residency card shown in the article – I have been told that it is basically the small size version of the A4. Is it correct? is it obligatory to have this small one as well then? if so, where can I request it?
    Many thanks in advance.

    • Jane

      Hi Gabriela

      It sounds like you had residency but I suggest you contact your local Town Hall to see if it is still current or has been revoked. Moving to the new TIE card at this time is voluntary.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Andrew

    Hi. I have a British and Irish passport and my wife has a British passport. Her mother is Spanish and lives in Spain but my wife does not want to give up British citizenship. Ideally she would like dual British/Spanish but I don’t think Spain offer this. We have a property in Lleida that we use as a holiday homes (less than 3 months per year) but we plan on increasing the time we spend in Spain to over 3 months and potentially over 6 months. We will not be working and have substantial savings. Would we be able to apply for residency and would it matter if it turned out that we may/may not spend more than 3 months in Spain?
    Huge thanks for looking at the question!

    • Jane

      Hi Andrew

      Applying for Spanish residency is for residing in Spain. If you did become a resident and lived less than 6 months here residency could be revoked. If you become a resident after 183 days you are also a fiscal resident and pay your tax in Spain. As you have an Irish passport can stay longer, but your wife can only stay 90 days in 180. You would also require to be on the padron and either have a years private healthcare or S1 cover.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Monica

    Hi :) I see this is a year old but i hope i can get an answer . Im moving from norway and here , im gonna apply for the residencia now . I have payment from the gouvermnet every month from norway , im 100 % disable so its a pension i get every month , Do i need the 10 000 Euro in the spanish bank account or just a paper from norway thats gonna show that i have monthly income for the rest of my life to get resident ? . This is about the residensia , everything else i have . Im 33 years old :) Thank you for answering . Love and light Monica

    • Ian C.

      Hi Monica

      The answer to this would be dependant on the monthly sum you receive. Please contact the office if you wish us to help.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Beverley Claire moses

    I’ve had resedencia for 16 years i was convicted of drink driving in 2017, I went for my TIE they said my resedencia was invalid, I’ve just cleared my criminal record with the court guardia civil and policia nacional, I’m just waiting for the ministry of justice to get back in touch simple question, will my old resedencia be reinstated or will I have to reapply as first time applicant? Surely not as I have sip card etc,

    • Jane

      Hi Beverley

      The ministry of justice or the policía national will have to answer that as they must have revoked it so need to authorise the reinstatement as part of clearing your record.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Juanita Martin

    Hallo, I have read all the Q and A’s which have been of great help as I feel very confused about my situation as a UK resident with a Spanish Passport. born in Spain. I am not sure if i need to apply for residency as I Spanish. All the information i find is about British Nationals. However, my summary from your information is that I would need to become a Resident in Alicante to receive State Health Care given that I am a pensioner. I would very much appreciate your comments on this matter which is making me very unhappy. thank you so much.

    • Jane

      Hi Juanita

      If you return to live in Spain you will be entitled to healthcare as a Spanish citizen and pensioner.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Martin

    Hi,

    I have a property in Spain (Canary islands) which I spend currently only a month or so a year in, with the intention of increasing that to 3-4 months shortly.
    I work and reside for the rest of the year in the UK.
    Can I / Should I still apply for residency, given the limited period of time I spend in Spain?

    • Jane

      Hi Martin

      You will be able to spend 90 days in every 180 going forward, and should not apply for residency unless intending to move to live in Spain.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Aidan

    Hi,
    I plan to rent a property in Spain from 10th January to 30th June and live there for the majority of that period (but coming back to the UK for short periods throughout). My main residence is in the UK and this is where I pay Tax. I work for a UK company remotely from home and will be doing the same thing in Spain. Do I need to apply to be a resident in Spain and do I need a work permit? (I will only be working for a UK company – not for any other employer). Also, do I need a certain amount in my bank account or just show proof that I have a steady income in UK so can support myself financially? (70k EUR per year). Thank you so much.

    • Jane

      Hi Aidan

      Without residency you can only stay in Spain for 90 days in 180. As yet it has not been announced the residency requirements in 2021 please sign up for our newsletter and watch out for updates.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Gary

    Hi,
    My folks are retired (over 80) and lived happily in Spain for almost 20 years. They have just renewed the padrón in the and the lady at the Council office said that their permanent residence was not valid. They have green A4 NIEs which state their permanent residence.
    Can you confirm this, and advise what do they need to do. Can your company offer them help on this?

    • Jane

      Hi Gary

      Do you mean their residence has expired? If so they would need to apply as a new residencia but as yet we do not have full details of criteria if they are UK citizens. Which region do your parents live?

      Perhaps what she meant was just they may want to exchange for the new TIE cards? If you could confirm what was meant by not valid then we can see how we can help.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Jonathan

    Hello,
    First off, thank you for offering this service.
    My wife and I got married in February, 2020. She is Spanish with full citizenship. After the wedding, she went back to Madrid. Our plan was for me to join her in July. Then the pandemic hit and made it financially impossible.
    Now I’ve just been told that I need to have $10,000 in my bank account when I apply for Spanish residency through marriage.
    Could you please confirm that this is true?
    Other pertinent info would include the fact that I plan to keep my US-based job & healthcare (which works in Spain).
    Any insight you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

    • Jane

      Hi Jonathan

      You do not say where you are a citizen. Please send us further info to enquires@spanishsolutions.net and we will see what we can assist with.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Mark

    Hi,

    I´ve just applied for residency, (cita grabada November 2020 ), but don´t have the green residency form, I forgot to get it. Nevertheless, I´ve filled in a EX20 form and have provided all the required documents that they asked for; vida laboral, empardronamientos (familiar, hostorico and normal one), asistencia sanitara, (all evidence of 8 years in Spain) pasaporte, foto, though, I´m only getting 700€ a month, as my partner, Spanish, is a teacher and is the bread winner, we also have two boys (Spanish born).

    My questions are;

    1. Is my low income going to affect my chances of getting the TIE card.
    and
    2. If it does and I get a no, can I apply as both of our sons are Spanish. (We were planning on marrying in 2020, but due to the virus, we had to cancel our plans).

    • Jane

      Hi Mark

      Did you use a gestor for your application, or submit yourself. If a gestor ask for an update. I cannot comment on amount as each region varies. Here is a link you can use to check progress. Go to sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. Then select INICIO . Select extranjería where you will find informacion sobre el estado de tramitación de los expedientes de extranjería and scroll down to red box , click this , choose ‘consultsar con formulario’ and key in your data

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Robert Charlton

    Have allocated NIE number since property purchase in 2002. Commenced payment of local and property taxes at the point of purchase (Impuesto Sobre la Renta de no Residentes Form Module 120). Have recently been told that I do not qualify for Padron Registration? Have been previously been accepted but on renewal was told I needed a reregistration on a (GREEN FORM)? Is this necessary or not? I am compliant with the 90 day or 180 days in total visit requirement but do not understand how this is applied from January to December annually?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Afternoon Robert,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      When you sign on the padron, you state that you live in that specific area. Most padron offices will only allow you to register on the padron if you are resident (have the green paper) or have proof you are applying for this. We hope this helps.

  • Dora

    Hi,

    I am an Austrian citizen who obtained Spanish residency in 2014. My green card was valid for 5 years. During those 5 years I spent a couple of years in Latin America. I returned to Spain in November 2019, three months after my residency card had expired. I tried to renew my residency but got confused, as I received all kinds of different information.
    I understand that I can’t renew my residency but need to apply for a TIE.
    I am self-employed and in a relationship with a Spanish national. We want to officialise our status and enter into a de facto union. I was wondering what the easiest and fastest process would be for us to get my new residency status.
    Do I still need to meet the requirements, such as presenting income statements and a work contract? Or are there other options for the spouse of a Spanish citizen?

  • Karl

    I have a business in Spain and have been accepted for TIE residency, just awaiting an appointment date. Once accepted can my wife get her TIE on the back of me. We have all our savings in U.K. accounts not our joint Spanish accounts, and own our property, my wife also has a good U.K. pension. We both have U.K. passports and under the age of 60

    • Jane

      Hi Karl

      Yes you will need your marriage licence translated but yes she can.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Ali

    Hello
    I hope you can help with these questions.
    My husband and I have had resident status since 2017 and we have applied for the new TIE card. We are fiscal residents as we normally live in Malaga province 10 months of the year. We own a property in Spain and in the UK. We are in the process of selling the UK property and so will pay CGT in the UK and in Spain (significantly more in Spain!). However, it is possible that due to my father’s health and project managing a house we are purchasing in the UK that needs renovating, i will be spending less than 6 months in Spain this year. My husband will be in Spain for about 9 months. Does this mean my residency status could be revoked? And what are income tax implications for me in Spain? Thank you!

    • Jane

      Hi Ali

      As temporary resident until after 5 years then it is possible it could be revoked if out of Spain for more than 6 months in one year. We cannot comment on individual tax implications but have a fiscal gestor that we can recommend should you require assistance.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Jeff

    Hello i am a UK national but have Spanish residency with the new TIE card (Resi y trabajo ) temporary for 5 years , My daughter by marriage to a Chinese Lady also now has a Spanish residency card ( EU Family Residence card , temporary for 5 years ) tied to my residency card as a family member of an EU resident. I have been told that for her to get permanent residency I also have to apply for permanent residency !! is this true because i do not want permanent residency in Spain but she does ?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Jeff,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      Being classed as a permanent resident is dictated by the length of time you are resident in Spain. If you are under 5 years resident, you are classed as temporary resident and after 5 years a permanent resident, we hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Claire

    Hello,

    I started my application process on 11 December 2020 in Tarragona – because I started before 31 Dec they said it was OK to continue the application and gave me a stamped certificate.

    I now have to show evidence of Spanish bank (with 5000 euro) and healthcare – only I haven’t opened a bank account yet. I understand there’s a limit of 3 months to submit all the evidence and so only have a few days – reading here about evidence of using the bank for payments etc., I’m concerned that my application will be denied. What happens if this is the case? Will they give me more time?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Claire,

      We understand your concern.

      If you can prove you were residing in Spain before Brexit, your application may be accepted. We would recommend providing UK bank statements if they show withdrawal and card payments made in Spain, if you do not have a Spanish bank account, also a padron, possibly a historic padron if you have been here for some time. We cant confirm this would be accepted, but it would definitely prove you were here, living in Spain. If your application is denied, it would be best to check with your local Foreign Office to confirm what the next steps would be. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Daniyal Hasan

    Hello,
    I am from India, i had a permanent residence card which was expired on 5 /1/2021.
    I gave fingerprints for 2nd permanent card on 25/1/ 2021. i thought my new card should be starting from 6/1/2021 to til 5/1/2026. but when my new card arrived after 45 days there is issuance date on the card is 25/1/ 2021 and expiry date is 25/1/2026.
    My question is that what about 20 days from 5/1/2021 to 25/1/2021.
    Is that means i did not have residence permit during those 20 days? if yes, that shows discontinuity of my residence permit, so can it be effected on my nationality application by residence?
    is that typing error by the police officer who took my fingerprints?
    do i need to correct the issuance date on the card? if yes, so please advise my how can i do that.
    Thanks

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Daniyal,

      Anne, who deals with the residencias is dealing with your previous enquiry. We have passed on these questions to her to deal, Anne will be in contact with you shortly.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Tony Curran

    Great info. Just wondering, I am an Irish citizen with Irish Passport and hope to move to Spain later in year when restrictions lift. I am retired with a few Euro in bank here, getting Irish state pension and will possibly be renting long time to check properties in the Malaga Provience with the intention of buying. As I know I’ll be staying permentely but not sure of where, what is best way to proceed? Can I/do I get an NIE first or look for residency? Can either or both be done from Ireland? Seems to be various versions of NIE….
    Thanks a mil,
    Tony

    • Nicola Ryan

      Morning Tony,

      Thank you for your enquiry and kind words.

      The NIE and residencia can be applied for at the same time. It would be best to get to Spain, find a rental and open a Spanish bank account as the Foreign Office will look for evidence that you “live” in Spain, they will look for the daily expenditure in your Spanish bank. After 3 months you can apply for the residencia. Please see below a link to a blog detailing the requirements for the residencia:

      https://www.spanishsolutions.net/blog/legal-paperwork/residencias-and-ties/

      We hope this helps.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Debs H

    Hi there. Can you help? We have had a holiday home in Spain since 2004. We both have NIE numbers and a Spanish bank account. We work in the uk and have a good income but would like to spend longer in Spain than 3 months. Is this possible and if so, what kind of visa would we need to apply for?

    • Tracie Miles

      Good morning Deb
      Thank you for your enquiry. All new applications for UK Citizens to reside in Spain are now being dealt with by the Spanish Consulate direct. Please see useful link above. We wish you all the very best with your application.

  • Jonathan

    Hi
    My mother is Irish and retired. She wishes to move to Spain to be near to me and her grandson. Her intention is to buy a house and become a permanent resident. She has a state pension from Ireland large enough to cover residency requirements but her doubt is about the health system. As she has always been part of the Irish social security system, will this transfer over to Spain? Can she join the Spanish health system? Is there any reason she could be rejected and if not would she have to wait to be accepted? As she is 70 it is an important issue for her to clarify before she makes any move to sell up and move here.

    thanks a lot.

    Jon

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Jonathan,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      As your Mother is retired and holds an Irish passport, she would receive her E121 from Ireland which would provide full health cover, here in Spain. Please see a link below discussing the requirements of the residencia as an EU citizen:
      https://www.spanishsolutions.net/blog/legal-paperwork/residencias-and-ties/

      We hope this helps.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Jasmine Noel

    Hi,
    My son and I are both Irish citizens and reside in Dublin Ireland. My son’s dad also my Fiance for 4 years resides and work in Spain. He currently holds a 10 years permanent residence card which was given to him earlier this year after his previous 5 years residence permit expired. Can please confirm if he can travel to Ireland without a visa as it states on the Irish immigration website that people with such cards do not require a visa to come into Ireland under the free movement directive as per the quoted article which is also quoted on my Fiance’s residence card. However the Irish immigration website also advise getting confirmation from the country of issues that the residence card falls within this definition.
    Can you please advise us on this thanks

    • Nicola Ryan

      Morning Jasmine,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      It would be best to check this with the Irish Embassy, the visa would depend on the passport your Fiance holds and not where he is resident. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Janet Uglehus

    Hi, my husband and I have owned a property and lived in Spain for 19 -20 years.
    I have been resident for 20 years but my husband, a Norwegian has always worked in Norway and travelled to and from Norwsy/Spain for 20 years so he was advised not to become resident. Now he has retired he wants to become resident because he is living here in Spain continuously now.
    His pension is paid in a Norway bank account and taxed at source in Norway.
    If he becomes resident will this lead to double taxation?
    He has not got a Spanish bank account and his name is not on the house deeds, he does not own a car. He has always had private health insurance. Will this be difficult for him to become resident or because he is my husband and I’ve been resident fir 20 years will this help his case?
    Can you please advise us on this.

    • Tracie Miles

      Hi Janet
      Thank you for your enquiry. I haved emailed you regarding this.
      Thanks
      Tracie

  • Maria

    Hello,
    I recently received my residency and I want to return to home country.
    What are the risk of returning home and will need to be in Spain for a certain amount of time otherwise the residency will be deemed invalid?

    Thank you

    • Tracie Miles

      Good afternoon Maria
      As you have only just received your residency, in the first five years you can spend a maximum of two years out of Spain however, during this five years you must remain in Spain for six months or more each year. After the five years you are able to stay upto a maximum of two years outside of Spain. Hope this helps.

  • Mogens L

    Hi,
    We are living in Tenerife 4-6 months every winter (EU citizens), and have understood that we will have to register for residency. Now we only hold a NIE certificate. Are there any risks/obligations from applying for a normal residency? We do not want to become fiscal/permanent residents and always keep us belwo the 182 days per year.
    Thanks in advance.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      You should only apply for residencia if you are living in Spain for 6 months or more, and Spain will be your fixed abode.

      When you become resident of Spain you must change your driving licence to a Spanish licence and pay your taxes here, if you are in the country for more than 183 days of the year.

      If you state you have not been in the country for 183 days, the tax office may ask for evidence of this and if not satisfied with the evidence, you would be left with the tax bill. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

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