Spain is, indeed, a beautiful country. The music, beaches, foods, language, and more makes it an irresistible destination for both tourists and those looking to migrate away from their home country. Also, the standard of living is less expensive compared to that of the United States or the United Kingdom. While Spain may seem like the right country to base for a while or even become a resident, there are some crucial paperwork you need to do to enjoy the smooth stay you hear others talk about. Be sure to check these boxes before you pack up your bag and leave.
1. Non-Lucrative Visa
Basically, this visa option is designed for those who plan on living in Spain without actively working there. There are lots of controversies surrounding the dos and don’ts associated with non-lucrative visas, but one thing that is certain is that you cannot seek a job in Spain with this type of visa. Other types of Spanish visas include student visa, entrepreneur/self-employed visa, investors/golden visa, work permit visa, and tourist visa.
The non-lucrative visa allows you to stay in Spain for up to a year and then you would have to renew it for a period of two years. Within this time you are allowed access to everything in the country except voting, partaking in the public health care system, public benefits, and, of course, employment.
To qualify for this visa, you must provide proof that you have enough means to live in Spain without working for the duration of your stay. And all paperwork should start a few months before your intended departure date as you would have to wait for three months or thereabouts to get your visa approved.
The necessary documents include
- Your travel documents or passport. It must be acceptable in Spain and with a minimum validity of 6 months to one year.
- A medical certificate stating you do not suffer from any disease.
- A private or public medical insurance eligible in Spain
- A completed and signed permit application form
- Residents who are not citizens of the country they are flying from must provide proof of his/her residence status – work permit, permanent residence permit, study permit, etc.
- Police Check issued by authorities of the countries you have resided in the last 5 years
- A completed and signed visa application form containing your recent full-face photograph
- A completed and signed non-lucrative residency permit application
- Visa fee
- Non-lucrative resident permit fee
2. Golden Visa
Golden visa or the Spanish residence permit program is designed for investors who meet the requirements and invest at least €500,000 in real estate. This visa is a ‘golden’ opportunity for you and your immediate family to live and work in Spain with no restriction in the duration of stay.
The first step to getting this visa is to apply for a residence visa, which usually lasts for a year and then renew it every two years provided you still have an investment in the country’s real estate market. You could apply for permanent residency after a period of five years and even become a Spaniard after ten years.
Of course, taxes must be paid. But the prices vary. Global assets of residents who stay in the country for over six months will be taxed in Spain. While those who spend fewer months in Spain will have to pay taxes on the initial purchase of their real estate.
The documents required to obtain the golden visa include:
- A travel document or passport with a minimum validity of a year
- Proof of financial solvency
- Two photographs of the applicant
- Birth certificates of your children if they are applying
- A Property Registry certificate or proof that a notarized deed has been submitted to the Property Registry
- Your marriage certificate if your spouse is applying too
- Proof of medical insurance valid in Spain
- Proof of clean criminal records
3. NIE Number
The Spanish NIE (Numero de Identificación de Extranjero) number is a unique tax identification number given to all foreigners for tracking their financial and legal activities in Spain.
The NIE number is used for virtually every activity in Spain which makes it important to both children and adults. The NIE number is a necessary requirement for buying a house, studying in Spain, driver’s license acquisition, opening a bank account, tax payment, car purchase, registration for social security health plan among a host of other things.
The NIE number is often mistaken with European Residency Certificate as many refer to simply as NIE. It is important to mention that the Spanish NIE number is available for residents as well as non-residents in Spain.
4. Work Permit
This is applicable to expats from non-European Union countries. It is a must-have document if you intend to live and work in Spain. Getting a work permit is not as easy as the above visas/documents as you need to have a contract or employment before submitting an application.
Your employer plays a significant role in your acquisition of a work permit in Spain. Your employer will have to prove that their search for a candidate in Spain or other EU nations was unsuccessful. Employer is also saddled with the responsibility of proving your qualifications. So, you will have to get every necessary document to your employer.
Besides submitting your application on your behalf, employer is also responsible for the submission of your resume to the Ministry of Labor.
Upon initiation of the process, you will have to complete a corresponding application in your home country. The documents required include
- A valid travel document or a passport which has a minimum validity of four months
- A completed work permit application form
- A medical report stating that you have no communicable disease
- A copy of your employment or contract
- Proof of clean criminal record for the past 5 years
