Spain Guide: Visas & Permits
Which documents do you need when going abroad? What are the regulations on visas and residence permits? Our legal guide will help you understand the paperwork you need to complete before moving abroad.
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Visas for Spain
Who needs a visa and how to apply
If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA (EU plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) or Switzerland, you can enter Spain and stay for up to 3 months without registering. Citizens from Croatia, which has only recently joined the EU still need work permits, probably at least until June 2020. If you would like to stay longer, you will have to register with the local authorities. Things are slightly less straightforward if you’re from another part of the world.
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Work permits
Non-EU citizens working in Spain
While EU citizens do not need a work permit, most non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens will need a work permit to work in Spain, but there are some exceptions, such as family members of people who already have a work visa or scientists or researchers who have come to work on a specific project.
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Social security number
How to get a social security number in Spain
A social security number is necessary to work and live in Spain, as well as to access the healthcare system. All foreigners in Spain are entitled to a social security number. Once you have it you can access the Spanish security system. It is strongly recommended to get a number if working or job hunting in Spain.
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Número de Identidad Extranjero (NIE)
The basics explained
A NIE - a Número de Identidad Extranjero or Foreigner’s Identity Number - is a tax number given to all non-Spanish citizens who need to carry out any procedures with the Spanish government, e.g. study, work, buy property, open a bank account in Spain.
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European residency certificate
The application process
Citizens of EU/EEA member countries (and Switzerland) staying in Spain for over 90 days need to apply for a European residency certificate (Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la UE). This grants you residency for 5 years; after that, you can apply for permanent residency.
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TIE: Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero
How to get your TIE in Spain
A TIE - a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero or Foreigner’s Identity card - is an identity card that acts as proof of your permission to reside in Spain. It contains your NIE, personal details, fingerprint and date the card (and your residency) expires. It will be your principal form of ID during your stay in Spain.
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Family reunification
How to bring your loved ones to Spain
Once you’ve been living in Spain for a year, you can request for your family to join you. If you have an EU long-term residence permit from another state, an EU Blue Card or you’re a student or researcher, you can request your family to join you as soon as you arrive. This does not apply to EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, who can live and work in Spain without needing a work permit or visa.
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