How to become a resident of Spain?

If you decide to move to Europe or open your own business in Spain, you should ask how to become a resident of Spain. This is a special status of a taxpayer, which gives the right to legally stay in the country, but this document differs from a residence permit or citizenship.

What is residency?

Residency is a special status that gives the right to stay in the country legally. Legally legal status is issued to every foreign citizen who meets the established requirements and does not violate Spanish law. When entering Spain on a visa, each foreigner has 90 days to apply for the next status, which usually has the form of a residence permit.

The following categories of foreigners can apply for a residence permit:

• entrepreneurs who want to open their own business in Spain;
• highly qualified specialists who got a job in a local company;
• citizens who want to live in Spain, but have their own source of income and are not going to work;
• students of higher educational institutions and pupils of schools;
• spouses of Spanish citizens, members of their family or descendants;
• Refugees;
• foreign citizens who have been in the country illegally for several years;
• investors in the local economy.

The status of a resident is confirmed by a special card, which is issued to each foreigner when processing documents. On the territory of the country from the moment of receipt, it is this document that proves your legal stay. A plastic card is issued for a period of one year, but is extended along with the extension of the main document.

Difference from citizenship

Residency differs from citizenship in that it has a temporary status. Usually, a foreign citizen receives a card on the basis of issuing a residence permit or obtaining a residence permit for the reason of study. The process of registration of residence is inextricably linked with obtaining a residence permit, so many people confuse this status with just a legal stay in the country. In other words, you do not apply for a residence permit on purpose, you apply for a residence permit and as the main confirmation you are issued a resident card. By the way, the purchase of real estate is also not always a reason to issue the required status. The purchase of your home will only be an occasion for paperwork, so this step should be considered as the first stage of legalization. The easiest way to get the right to reside in Spain can investors who are willing to invest their money in the local economy.

How to apply for residency in Spain

The registration process consists of two main stages:

• Applying. The first package of documents with the applicant's application is submitted in the country of current residence. You make a request for a residence permit, indicating the reasons for the desire to start your own business, invest in the economy or change your place of residence. Upon approval, you are issued a long-term visa, confirming the consent of the authorities to your entry into the country.
• Card design. Upon arrival, you must contact the local police station within 1 month from the date of entry. Here you also need to provide some documents and get a plastic card.      

The conditions for obtaining a visa can be an official job in a Spanish company, studying at a local university or buying a home. Special programs are designed for investors who are ready to invest their own funds in the local economy. In most cases, such appeals are considered on a personal basis and the procedure will be shorter than on a general basis.

List of required documents

A foreign citizen who wants to apply for residency must provide the following documents: 

• completed application;
• photographs;
• a foreign passport with a valid visa;
• receipt of payment of state duty;
• decision to grant a residence permit;
• certificate with registration.

Experts advise you to have other documents with translation, as some municipalities may require additional certificates.

Types of residency

There are several programs for obtaining a residence permit, which are valid at the moment, so residency can take different forms:

• Initial residence permit. This document has a one-year validity period, but it can be renewed several times after a specified time.
• Secondary residence permit. In this case, you have already extended your residence permit and are now considered a resident of the country for the next two years.
• Regular residence permit. Those who have lived in Spain for more than three years become official residents and receive legal status, which remains relevant for the next three years.
• Permanent residence permit. To obtain this status, you must live in the country for more than five years.

The requirements for applicants are constantly changing, and the preparation of documents requires a careful study of all the rules, so most foreign citizens prefer to contact special companies. In the office of such an agency, you will be met by professionals who are well versed in all the nuances and will prepare documents in accordance with the requirements.

Advantages and disadvantages

This method of legalization is a mandatory procedure for every foreign citizen. Obtaining a card is accompanied by many advantages, because you acquire the right to legally stay in Spain. Now you can use various services of municipal companies, start your own business and apply for citizenship in the future. As an additional plus, it is worth considering the possibility of buying real estate with a mortgage and the availability of using various loan programs from local banks.

Let's note a few comments as disadvantages. Much depends on what type of residence permit you are applying for. Thus, a residence permit without the right to work prohibits any type of work. If you have a status without receiving income, you must initially have a set amount of income and cannot work officially.