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Applying for Residential Status ( Residencia) - Non- EU Citizens

Applying for Residential Status ( Residencia) - Non- EU Citizens

Temporary Residence ( up to 90 Days )

Unless you are a citizen of the USA, Australia or New Zealand then you are required to hold a Visado de Residencia (Residence visa) to be allowed to enter Spain, however if you wish to stay for longer than 90 days then you will need to apply for a Residency Permit

The Tourist Visa should be applied for at the Spanish Embassy in your home country in plenty of time before the date which you intend to enter Spain.

Note : The 'Visado de Residencia' differs from a standard 90 day Tourist Visa insofar as once you have been awarded this visa, it allows you to begin application for the permanent Residency card – if your intention is to stay beyond 90 days then ensure that you request a 'Visado de Residencia'.

Residence Card ( Over 90 Days )

Non-EU Citizens wishing to remain in Spain for a period greater than 90 days must make their application for their Residency Permit/Card (Tarjeta de Residencia) within 30 days of arriving here in Spain. The application should be submitted at the Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or local police station of the province where they will be staying.

The application procedure differs depending upon the applicants individual circumstances, as does the documentation that will need to be produced, and it is always wise to speak directly with your local Oficina de Extranjeros to find out before preparing your application.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to provide some or all of the following :

- Your current passport, with a photocopy

- 3 Colour Photos ( Most Studios will offer these, but be sure to tell them it is for your Residencia application so the correct size is given to you )

- Completed application form *, with 3 photocopies

- Proof of your address in Spain ( Rental contract, Padron etc...)

- Stamped receipt of payment of the fees from the bank.

Note : There are a number of different Residencia application forms available – again, you should find out exactly which form corresponds with your personal circumstances.

In some circumstances you may also be asked to provide some or all of the following (which is why speaking to your local Oficina about your personal situation is always advisable ) :

- Contract of Employment

- If you are intending to work as self-employed it is a requirement to show that you will meet the same requirements as a Spanish National self-employed worker.

- Proof of professional qualifications (if you have them or if to be used)

- Proof of funds if you are coming here without work

- Proof of school enrolment (for students only)

- Proof of having no previous criminal record (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales); which should be brought with you from your previous place of residence.

- Medical certificate

- A letter of introduction from the Embassy in your home country

- Proof of having the required medical insurance.

As soon as you have submitted your application, a stamped copy of the application form should be given to you. The Residence Card itself should then follow in three or four months, so during this time you should take a few copies of the stamped form to keep in a safe place.

Your card is valid for 12 months, which can be renewed every year for up to 5 years and this should be done at the Oficina de Extranjeros, as before. You should always inform the office if their has been any changes to your personal details or circumstances.

Please click here if you wish to Apply for Residential Status as an EU Citizen.

Comment on this Article

 
Thankyou !
Mack - Thu, 19th Jan 2012

Mack : My understanding is that you can simply apply for your residency status to be changed in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros, and that you are eligible to have Permenant Residency granted for 2 reasons :

1) You have lived here legally for more than 5 years, and

2) You have been married (now Divorced) to an EU national.

- You may be asked to provide proof of your Wedding & Divorce certificates, but if they are from another country I don't know if you may have to have these officially translated first of all.

Mr Grumpy - Thu, 19th Jan 2012
Hi, I am married to a German wife and am non EU from India. I havejust applied recently for the renewal of my Comuntario card, and we are waiting for our divorce, which will be granted outside spain in 40 days. What do I need to do to change my card from T.C to an Ordinary 5 year resident card ? Thanks, and do I need a character reference from my original country again - even though I have been living legally in Spain for the last 8 years which includes my 5 years of marriage ?
Mack - Thu, 19th Jan 2012
Shirley : No - siblings are NOT covered by the Tarjeta de Familiar de la Union, you will need to apply for Residency in your own right.
Tumbit - Admin - Sat, 22st Oct 2011
Dear tumbit -admin. I am a Filipino citizen here in the Philippines. I have a brother in Spain, working for almost 4yrs now. He wants me to be there too. Can I apply for a Tarjeta de Familiar de la Union? Because I want to stay there for more than 90 days and if possible to work and have a permanent residency. Thank you so much.
Shirley A. - Sat, 22st Oct 2011
You should speak with the Spanish Embassy in the Philipines to get a tourist visa. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days you will need to apply for a Tarjeta de Familiar de la Union, which basically entitles you to permenant residency in Spain as the Familar Member of an EU Citizen.
Jake - Fri, 21st Oct 2011
Hola,I just want to inquire - I'm a Filipino citizen, married to a spanish citzen and I want to visit my Husband in December. Do I get a tourist visa instead of registro civil or libro de familia ? I just want to visit him for 90 days and then return to the Philippines. Do I take our marriage contract in our NSO and submit to the Spanish Embassy in the Philiipines to apply for libro de familia ? but for now is it possible to apply for a tourist visa. What do they really need to apply for tourist visa ?
Neth - Thu, 20th Oct 2011
Shirley : In brief, the Blue Card is a combined Residence / Working Visa issued under special circumstances to Non-EU Citizens who are either highly Qualified, Skilled or Educated.
Tumbit - Admin - Thu, 25th Aug 2011
May I know what is BLUE CARD for NON-EU citizen? Thank you.
Shirley - Thu, 25th Aug 2011

Embassy of Spain in Italy :

Largo Fontanella di Borghese, 19, 00186 Roma

Phone: 06 684 04 01

Tumbit - Admin - Fri, 5th Aug 2011
thanks, but the same error, delivery failure message,
Musavi - Fri, 5th Aug 2011
Musavi : Try ambespit@correo.mae.es
Tumbit - Admin - Fri, 5th Aug 2011
thanks but My trial FAILED : ambespit@mail.mae.es>: Host or domain name not found. Name service error for name=mail.mae.es type=A: Host not found
Musavi - Fri, 5th Aug 2011
Musavi : This is a complex issue - I would suggest that you made contact with the Spanish Embassy in Italy (Roma) to ask how you should proceed here. I have attached the contact e mail address > ambespit@mail.mae.es
Tumbit - Admin - Fri, 5th Aug 2011
Thanks for the useful info provided. I have just one question : I am a non EU-Citizen, but lived in last 3 years in Italy with my family with permit of stay issued by italian local authorities. Would I need to start from scratch if I want to move to SPAIN to buy an apartment? and to be Self Employed? Can I move to Spain BEFORE having Spanish residency and then apply for residency? OR, will I need to return to my home country and apply at the Spanish Embassy there ? Thanks for your help.
Musavi_nejad - Fri, 5th Aug 2011
Thank you Tumbit, I didn't know that it is fiesta time in many parts of Spain. Thank you for always bearing with me.
Shirley A. - Fri, 5th Aug 2011
Shirley : Please bear in mind that it is Fiesta time in many parts of Spain, so a slow response is to expected at this time of year. However, you could also try Abogadas Lawyers on 34 928 33 18 33
Tumbit - Admin - Thu, 4th Aug 2011
Tumbit, here I am again asking for your help. hoping that you won't let me down. I just want to know if you have other law firm that you can recommend aside from gonzalestorresabogados in Las Palmas Spain. Because, since July 29, 2011 that I sent an email, I also make a follow email in different email address, until now I never heard even a single reply from their office. Thank you so much.
Shirley A. - Thu, 4th Aug 2011
Thank you thank you so much Tumbit for the quick reply that you always given to my queries. Okay, I will be waiting for the response of the law firm and hoping that they will reply soon. Because I want to make these things be possible sooner. God bless you!
Shirley - Mon, 1st Aug 2011
Shirley : The Law firms don't work over a weekend, so I would expect that they will reply later today. In our opinion it will be perfectly possible for you to enter Brazil as a Tourist BEFORE you come to Spain, but you would be better checking this with them.
Tumbit - Admin - Mon, 1st Aug 2011
I have additional question Tumbit, since the law firm that you recommended is not yet responding to my e-mail. I am a Filipino citizen of Philippines. If I will go to Brazil as a tourist, which do not required a tourist visa then go to Spain (which require tourist visa) from Brazil. Will it be possible for me to enter in Spain as a tourist if that will be the case? Thank you so much.
Shirley - Mon, 1st Aug 2011
i love spain,please give me resident spain i am pakistan
Umar Shahzad - Sat, 30th Jul 2011
Thank you so much Tumbit. I'l try to visit the website for more inquiry.
Shirley - Fri, 29th Jul 2011
Shirley : For las Palmas, speak with these guys > www.gonzaleztorresabogados.com
Tumbit - Admin - Fri, 29th Jul 2011
I think you're right Tumbit. I am planning to go in Las Palmas Spain. How much do you think will it cost for the assistance of a lawyer? I am still here in the Philippines but I have my brother in Spain who is willing to help me. Thank you so much.
Shirley - Fri, 29th Jul 2011
Shirley : No, you do not 'need' a Lawyer or Gestor, but you will find the process much quicker and easier if you do use one as they will know exactly how to prepare the paperwork for you so your application is much more likely to be accepted, and in most cases can even make an appointment for you at the Oficina de Extranjeros, which can save you a lot of time waiting in queues. If you let us know what area of Spain you are looking at we would be happy to recommend Lawyers that can assist you with this.
Tumbit - Admin - Fri, 29th Jul 2011
Thank you again Tumbit. In applying for residencia in Spain, do I need a Lawyer to make it 100% sure to approve the application? Thank you so much.
Shirley - Fri, 29th Jul 2011
Hello Every one I am Pakistani and receive a Employee application for Non-EU residents I want to contact a Legal firm to proceed my case favourably on economical charges. If any one have information please forward the information on address below szishan2@hotmail.com zishanszishan@yahoo.ca . Thanks Zishan
Zishan - Fri, 29th Jul 2011
Shirley : Yes, you can come to Spain on a Toursit visa and then apply for Residential status. Obviously, you should do this at the earliest opportunity and be prepared for the fact that there may be a chance that it may not be accepted.
Tumbit - Admin - Thu, 28th Jul 2011
Thank you so much Tumbit for your response. I just want to know or make a clarification if is it ok if I landed as tourist in Spain then apply for residencia? Also, is there other way for me to be in Spain thru my brother's help? Thank you so much.
Shirley A. - Thu, 28th Jul 2011
Shirley : You will need to apply for residencia as a Non-Citizen in the same way as everyone else (as detailed above) BUT your brother can help you if he can write a letter to be sent with your supporting documents which offers you an address / place to stay AND offers proof of financial support until you can, or if you are unable to find work.
Tumbit - Admin - Thu, 28th Jul 2011
I am s Filipino, residing in the Philippines, 38yrs old and have a brother in Spain for almost 4yrs now. He want to help me to be there too. How can he help me? Can he file a petition for me? Please give us advise how to make it possible for us. Thank you and hope to hear from you soon.
Shirley A. - Thu, 28th Jul 2011
Hello Every one I am Pakistani and receive a Employee application for Non-EU residents I want to contact a Legal firm to proceed my case favourably on economical charges. If any one have information please forward the information on address below szishan2@hotmail.com zishanszishan@yahoo.ca Thanking to all those who have right information in this regards and also to those who does not forward false information. Thaks Zishan
Muhammad Zishan - Wed, 20th Jul 2011
Linda : That's a very good question, and one I don't know the exact answer to - HOWEVER - Once you have completed your 1 year period of continuous residency you could apply for Citizenship though your Grandfather, as opposed to your father, to ensure that the time waiting for your father to obtain his Citizenship is not an issue.
Tumbit - Admin - Wed, 13th Jul 2011
My father has applied to be a spanish national at the Spanish Embassy in the US, through his father born in New York whose father was Spanish born and remained Spanish. Citizenship will most likely be granted. My question is if I move to Spain and work or attend school before citizenship is granted to my father, will that time living in Spain before citizenship is granted count toward the one year residency requirement? Please reply. Thank you.
Linda - Wed, 13th Jul 2011
Liz : YES, as a Cuban national you are required to produce a Schengen Visa for your trip to Spain. If you enter the term "Schengen' into our search box (above, left) you will find a guide that will tell you more ..
Tumbit - Admin - Tue, 12th Jul 2011
hi im a US resident with cuban passport i wantto go to spain for a month or less, do i still need a visa? my aunt has spain nationality and my grandmother is permenant resident, on the article it olnly says what you have to do for staying more of 3 months you owould really help me thank you
Liz - Tue, 12th Jul 2011
Pablo : As the Great-Grandchild of a Spansh Citizen you are too far removed to be able to easily claim Citizenship of Spain through him, however, as a Filipino you can apply for Citizenship after just 2 years of holding residency here. Unfortunately there are no such easy concessions for become a resident, and you would need to follow the same procedures (Above) as any other Non-EU Citizen
Tumbit - Admin - Thu, 7th Jul 2011
I would like to inquire about my father's direct descentants are of spanish blood,is it possible for us filipinos who have spanish great grandparents be able to work and have a permanent residence in Spain, I want also to visit my great grandfather's place.Please reply thru my email.Thank you!
Pablo Cesar E. Perez - Thu, 7th Jul 2011
Ahmar : regretfully we can not help you find a job in Spain - just the procedures to help you with the documentation. It may be a good idea to re-write your CV in the style that a Spanish Employee would expect to see it (Click HERE for details) and send it to some recruitment agencies here in Spain - most of them speak a high standard of English,
Tumbit - Admin - Tue, 28th Jun 2011
This side is help full I want a job in spain i am computer operator last more or less 14 years i am married do u help me ?
Ahmar Hafeez - Tue, 28th Jun 2011
Thanks Lot admin, its really very useful information we got from you and I have no words for appreciation, again thanks lot for sincere and valuable true advice....again thanks lot.
Proff Kulwant Singh Sarwara - Tue, 21st Jun 2011
Proff : All you need to do is look on the internet to find the nearest 'Oficina de Extranjeros' to your location in Spain and turn up very early in the day with the documents listed above. You do not require an appointment but if you use a Lawyer or Gestor to prepare your paperwork they can often make an appointment for you, which is much easier. I have no knowledge of the Residencia process in other EU Countries.
Tumbit - Admin - Mon, 20th Jun 2011
kindly suggest where in europe the citizenship is easy and available early than the spain for indian nationls and how can we get the residence card there plese soggest the genuine way we want to settle permanently. thanks
Anil Sharma - Mon, 20th Jun 2011
Thank you Admin but what is the procedure for Residency can any one suggest the best and sincere agencies, law firms who are offering the services,As i dont have contacts and dont know the procedure and how long the permit is issued, We dont know much more,Is it possible if I get residency of Poland and work in Norway actually we want to open our own hotel business there but dont know the procedure to open small Hotel etc there in any country of schengen.
Proff Sarwara - Sun, 19th Jun 2011
In Spain (and as far as I am aware much of Europe follows the same system) you first need to obtain RESIDENCY before you are able to even apply for CITIZENSHIP - you can read some more about how to apply for citizenship one you have completed you period of residency be clicking HERE .
Tumbit - Admin - Sun, 19th Jun 2011
Kindly suggest where in Europe the citizenship is easy and available early than the Spain for Indian Nationals ,and how can we get the residence cards there,any source is there,we already have traveled history of UK, Schengen, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, France etc. PLEASE PLEASE SUGGEST THE GENUINE WAY WE WANT TO SETTLE PERMANENTLY . THANKS SARWARA
Proff Kulwant Sarwara - Sun, 19th Jun 2011
sir i am srilankan 56.year old how can get tourist visa to my passport.
Muthulingam Kandia - Fri, 17th Jun 2011
Sidra : Unless you have a legal contract of Employment waiting for you when you arrive as a Non-Eu Citizen you must follow the steps shown above, but importantly you must show that you have enough funds to support yourself on, somewhere to stay, and to have heathcare insurance for yourself.
Tumbit - Admin - Tue, 14th Jun 2011
I am pakistan nationality and want to become resident in spain. I am a working woman having two kids - How can I come to spain ?
Sidra - Tue, 14th Jun 2011
Michael : Being named on the title deeds of a property in Spain does not carry any entitlement to residency. There are 2 options open to you : 1) You get married and she can get residencia as being the spouse of an EU National, OR 2) If she is not working she needs to proove that she has sufficient funds AND healthcare cover for the duration of her intended visit here in Spain
Tumbit - Admin - Tue, 14th Jun 2011
I have a partner living with me who is a chinese national. If I add her to my escuitura will she be entitled to residencia ? - She does not work and is my dependant. Or do we have to be married or legally certified as partners ?
Michael Grosvenor-weston - Tue, 14th Jun 2011
hi sir sidra is here my husband apply one year resident pemit before 2 and half months but there is no reply yet i also come to spain can u help me
Sidra - Sat, 11th Jun 2011
Dan : You need to apply to the 'Oficina de Extranjeros' at : Pl. de la Feria, 24 35003 - Las Palmas (Palmas, Las) Tel.: 928999266
Tumbit - Admin - Mon, 30th May 2011
Hi, I am from vietnam but study in Finland. Now i am in Las Palmas , Spain for my practical training for 6 months. Can you tell me where i can apply for the residence card as well as the address ( email ) of it? Thank you so much.
Dan - Mon, 30th May 2011
Sir, i have a criminal record from my country since 2009, can i use it to put in for my residence permit, cos i will complete 3 years in spain this year, or do i have to do another one
Sandra - Sat, 28th May 2011
helo sir my friend have tarjeta larga duracion now and want to change it withLARGA DURACION E.C. Pls guide us for its requiements and where to apply and how much time required for to change it.
Shamsher - Sat, 28th May 2011
Arif : Providing you meet the required conditions, you should be awarded a 5 yr card.
Tumbit - Admin - Tue, 17th May 2011
Sir Thanks for guidence, Yes at this time as Non EU citizen I have Tarjeta familiar de la union. But now Without divorse can i change my residency status (familiar de la union) to (General Residency). If yes. In 2007 I got (familiar 05year card). Now in 2011 WHICH CARD I WILL GET 05YEAR CARD WILL BE CHANGE INT 05 YEAR CARD OR (01YEAR CARD) OR (02YEAR CARD) which card will be granted me. Thanks and awtg
Arif - Tue, 17th May 2011
Arif : IF you meet the criteria for being awarded residency as a Non-EU citizen at this moment in time, then yes - you can re-apply for a Residency Visa in your own name.
Tumbit - Admin - Fri, 13th May 2011
Sir Thanks for guidence, Is it possible. Without divorse can i change my residency status (familiar de la union) to (General Residency). If yes. In 2007 I got (familiar 05year card). Now which card i will get. Thanks and awtg
Arif - Fri, 13th May 2011
Yza : As a parent of a child who holds Spanish residency you can apply for your 'Residency Card for EU Citizen Family Members' (Tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión) and should do this at the Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros)
Tumbit - Admin - Fri, 13th May 2011
Hello, I came to spain 4 yrs ago, so far without papers. I met a man who has permanent residence here and became pregnant by him. My 2 yrs old son has his residency because of his father - is it possible to apply my residency aswell through my son ?if it is possible what are the requirements?thanks a lot..
Yza - Thu, 12th May 2011
Arif : In order to renew the Tarjeta Familiar de la Union you will need to provide 3 Passport photos, your passport, your previous visa documentation, proof of payment being made, Padron, and marriage certificate. However, given that you now have a legal contract of employment you stand a very good chance of being awarded residency in your own name - which may be the better route to take if yo can not locate your marriage certificate - A Gestor or Lawyer will be able to help you with this.
Tumbit - Admin - Tue, 10th May 2011
Helo sir 1).My wife is Portugesa. in 2006 we married in swedon. regstd.our marriage in spain and got (tarjeta familar de la union). from 05 years Im working. Now I have fijo job contract. 2)About 02 or 03 years my wife is not in my contact. I donot know she is alive or dead. 3)Now i have to renew the card. in this situtation can i renew the card. if yes pls tell required dcuments in detail ( My docs and her docs). 4) I want to divorce her. can i divorce her ALONE in spain.(married in swedon) Pls answer in detail
Arif - Tue, 10th May 2011
Sandra : that depends upon your Nationality
Tumbit - Admin - Sun, 8th May 2011
most the person come with spanish visa,
Sandra - Sat, 7th May 2011
Yes, you can - but officially you should have done this before your visa expires. There is a chance that you will be asked to leave the country, obtain a new visa, and then re-enter and apply again.
Tumbit - Admin - Sat, 7th May 2011
i came to spain with visa but it has expired, can i put in resident premit,
Sandra - Sat, 7th May 2011
As a US citizen he can come to Spain for up to 90 days without a Visa, but if he intends to remain more than 90 days he has to apply for Residencia. If he makes the application as soon as he arrives he should have a decision and receive his documentation BEFORE the 90 day period expires - meaning that he does no have to leave the country.
Mr Grumpy - Thu, 5th May 2011
I am a resident of Spain, my partner lives in the US, he wishes to relocate here with his son, what is the procedure with visas / residency permit etc? Does he have to come over here apply & wait here or does he have to return back to the US in the mean time, any email adds, websites to help would be appreciated!
Carol - Thu, 5th May 2011
Titilayo, please click the link Here to read about how to apply for Spanish Citizenship
Tumbit - Admin - Thu, 3th Mar 2011
I am a Nigerian living in Spain past 10yrs and with my spain parmernt resident I want to apply for eu citizen , how can I do that ?
Titilayo Betty Akinwale Clark - Thu, 3th Mar 2011
dear sir/madam, am a guy of 25yrs from Ghana in west Africa would like to come to stay and work in Spain if permitted and i have dreamed a lot to stay in Spain to study and work too, i have completed senior high school and also no much about computer and repairs. so i will be happy to hear from you soon and your help for me thank you.
Desmond Gyasi - Sat, 8th Jan 2011
I would strongly advice that you tried to gain your full residency over and above assylum as this will bring you many more opportunities. I would suggest that you spoke with a Spanish Lawyer with regards to your personal situation and he should be able to tell you the best way for you to proceed.
Tumbit - Admin - Sun, 26th Dec 2010
I'm a student in UK and want to fly to spain as a visitor,what shall I do to stay there as permanently, shall I apply for residence permit legally? or shall I apply for assylum seeker?it would be very best if you let me know asap plz.I want to be settle there any way.please let me know any better way to get there.
Shibbir Ahmed - Sat, 25th Dec 2010
Rezaei, In the vast majority of circumstances you will need to wait 10 Years before you are eligible for citizenship in Spain - You may like to read further on our Article on this matter by putting "Citizenship" in the search box ( Above, left )
Tumbit - Admin - Thu, 7th Oct 2010
Hi: If i buy a business and start it and also open a bank account and pay tax can take residence card and after 5 year can will be a citizen of Spain? Best Regards
Rezaei - Thu, 7th Oct 2010
Shey, it sounds like you need to search the Internet for a 'Modelo 790' to download. I believe that there are several types of this, so you should check that it is a Modelo 790 for payment of Residencia fees.
Tumbit - Admin - Sat, 31st Jul 2010
I finally have all of my documents. And It does sound like a simple process. It really does get tricky in places. I now need to find the form to go into the bank to pay my fee. I was told that I only needed the stamped and dated form. This is not true, as it does not have the banking information on it. Can you help me to obtain this particular form to allow me to finish this process???
Shey Buehler - Fri, 30th Jul 2010
Wahid, there are a number of forms whereby you can apply for Spanish Residency - the one you need to complete depends upon your personal circumstances. If you go to www.mir.es ( The Spanish Ministry website ) - drop the URL through Google Translate, and then select the "Foreigners" option. This should explain things in more detail for you.
Tumbit - Admin - Mon, 28th Jun 2010
Hi, I read the forum but I don't understand how to apply for the paper arraigo - can you explain if it is possible to pay the fees to the bank without contrato because before I buy one contrato and was cheated. I don't trust anybody here now! - If i pay direct bank fees this is better for me if this possible you explain me how need the proof for this.
Wahidpk - Sun, 27th Jun 2010

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