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You are here: Home Moving to Country Facts Obtaining a visa for Spain

22/10/2008Obtaining a visa for Spain

Thinking of moving to Spain? Explorer Publishing offers you a basic overview of visa types and how to apply for them.

EU residents and those covered by the European Economic Agreement (Norway and Iceland) don’t need residence visas. But, if you intend to stay in Spain for an extended period, you will need a Foreign Identity Number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero, or NIE) and may also need a Residence Card (Tarjeta de Residencia).

You can apply through the Oficina de Extranjeros/Oficina d’Estrangers (available in English, French and Spanish). Once you have settled in, you’ll want to head over to your local city hall (Ajuntament if you are living in Barcelona) and add your name to the Padró Municipal d’Habitants, the residency registry which entitles you to other benefits.

At a loss on which visa to apply for? Read on.Non-EU Citizens
Everyone else, roll up your sleeves. This is where the cat and mouse game begins and the rubber-stamp collecting can get complicated.

First, you’ll need to decide on the most appropriate visa for you. The broad categories include student, residency and a combined work and residency visa.

There are also visas for family members, family reunification, retired persons, self-employment and investors.

 In all cases, though, you’ll want to coordinate with the local Spanish consulate in your home country, which will act as the middleman for all visa-related matters.

Other things to keep in mind:
•    Confirm that what’s listed on the consulate’s website is the most up to date set of requirements. Rules change, so call and ask for specific lists of necessary forms, essential documents and certifications.
•    Cross-check requirements with the Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales’ Secretaría de Estado de Inmigración y Emigración, as there may be other forms you need once you get here.

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