Should I Become A Spaniard ?

Tourist

A tourist in Spain is a person who spends less than six months in any one calendar year in the country. A tourist may only stay, at any one time, for just 90 days. To continue the stay for another 90 days one must apply for an extension, called a - permanencia -. This does not translate to permanent.

Resident

Spanish regulations state that any person who resides in Spain for more than six months should have an official residence permit. There is now no advantage in a full time resident not applying for full residency.

To apply for a residence permit you will need:

• Proof of income.
• A Social Security pension is acceptable.
• Proof of medical insurance.
• Form E-121.
• Passport and one photocopy.
• Four passport sized photos.

The local police station will normally be able to commence the process of this permit. They will issue you with an NIE number, which is also required for non-residents if they have any connection with the Spanish tax system, for example, owning a property or even drawing interest from a bank.

Work permit

It is illegal to work in Spain without a work permit, or an EU registration card - tarjeta comunitaria -

"any person who resides in Spain for more than six months should have an official residence permit"