How to get a residence permit in Spain - personal experience

Residence permit in Spain - residence permit

A residence permit in Spain entitles a foreigner to temporary or permanent residence for a period of more than 90 days.
There are two types of residence permit in Spain:

• Temporary – Residencia de corta duración
• Permanent (usually called permanent residence) - Residencia de larga duración

A temporary residence permit allows a foreigner to reside in Spain for more than 90 days, but less than 5 years. The first resident card (tarjeta de residencia) is issued for a period of 1 year, followed by 2 subsequent extensions of 2 years each. After 5 years of stay in Spain, you can request a permanent residence permit - permanent residence. It is issued for a period of 5 years. When extending your permanent residence permit, you no longer need to provide financial guarantees.

Documents for obtaining a residence permit

The composition of the portfolio may vary depending on which legalization method is chosen; the main package includes:

• international passport;
• fee payment receipt;
• 4 photos;
• certificate of good conduct + translation;
• health certificate + translation;
• insurance policy;
• confirmation of availability of funds;
• contract of sale or rental of housing.

Documents for obtaining a residence permit when purchasing real estate

Residence in exchange for the purchase of a house or apartment is one of the most popular methods of relocating foreigners. In 2019 alone, 8,061 people became holders of so-called “golden visas,” which is 22% more than in 2021. To legalize under this scheme, you need to buy housing worth at least 500 thousand euros or invest in the Spanish economy (deposits , socially significant projects, etc.) minimum one million euros. This type of residence permit (residence permit) is issued the fastest (2 months), which significantly reduces both financial and moral costs, and also gives the largest number of privileges in Spain :

• the right of residence up to 365 days a year without the need for permanent residence;
• visa-free travel within the Schengen area;
• legalization of family members;
• The card is issued for two years at once with renewal after two and five years.

For those who buy housing for a smaller amount or rent it for a long period, another option is offered - a residence permit for the financially independent. This permit, issued initially for a year, allows you to live in the country for up to 180 days, as well as apply for a multiple visa for immediate relatives.

The applicant will need the standard package of papers mentioned above, as well as confirmation of:

• stable income (tax returns, certificate of ownership, lease agreement, company charter, certificates from work indicating salary, etc.),
• ownership of real estate (deed of sale, extract from the Property Register).

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Temporary residence permit.

• When renewing your resident card, you must provide a work contract to confirm the availability of funds to support your family.
• For any violation of the law that entails criminal liability (for example, a traffic fine that provides for criminal liability), refusal to extend the temporary residence permit is guaranteed.
• If you are absent from the Kingdom of Spain for more than 182 days a year. Spanish authorities verify this information using copies of the pages of your passport. Quite often, migration authorities resort to clarifying information about your crossing of the Spanish border through the border service. In this article we tell you how to correctly calculate the days of absence from Spain.

In the case of a residence permit without the right to receive income , you must provide a bank statement indicating the availability of funds in the account. When you first receive a residence permit - 26 thousand. euros for the first member of the family and 6 thousand. euros for each next one. When extending a residence permit for a period of 2 years, the amount doubles accordingly.

Permanent residence permit:

• Perhaps the most common nuance. Many temporary residence permit holders do not even imagine that even if they comply with the condition of maximum absence from Spain (182 days per year), a big problem will arise when applying for permanent residence. You need to know that the maximum period of absence for obtaining the first resident card with a permanent residence permit is 10 months. In case of absence due to business trips - 12 months. If this condition is not met, obtaining permanent residence is impossible and you must apply for a 2-year card.
• A big plus of permanent residence is that when it is extended, you no longer need to provide any financial guarantees.

Residence permits in Spain, consider the most popular

Methods for obtaining a residence permit

Marriage

Foreigners legally married to a Spaniard or Spanish woman receive so-called “residence for a family member of an EU citizen.” This special document, unlike others, is issued immediately for 5 years, gives the right to official employment, and also significantly simplifies the path to Spanish citizenship. You can apply for citizenship one year after marriage.

To register a union, you must contact the local registry office, submit the required documentation and be sure to undergo an interview to determine the validity of the union. Upon registration, a marriage certificate (“libro de familia”) will be issued, with which you then need to go to the nearest police station to open a resident card. The disadvantage of this method is the long wait for the ceremony: in large cities it can range from several months to 1-2 years.

Obtaining refugee status

According to the Geneva Convention (1951), legalization in Europe is also possible due to refugee status. The main thing is to have a basis for requesting asylum, as well as provide documentary evidence of it, for example, evidence of political persecution in your homeland, etc. In addition, you need to successfully pass an exam on knowledge of Spanish realities and undergo a rather tough interview with an immigration officer. You can apply upon arrival in the Kingdom or at any embassy. It is worth remembering that the review process is quite lengthy: sometimes it takes months and even years.

Moving to settled life

As we found out above, for registration of most types of residences the main criterion is legal stay in the state. An exception to the rules is arraigo, that is, a Spanish residence permit, which gives the right to legalization to persons who have already been living in the country for at least two years, including those who have violated the Spanish visa regime. Settlement can be social, family or labor, each requires the fulfillment of a number of conditions:

• have a full-time work contract,
• provide evidence of integration into society: a diploma of completion of language courses, a bank account, participation in charity events, etc.,
• the presence of close resident relatives will also be a clear advantage in the eyes of migration officials.

Residence permit for pensioners

Current legislation does not provide for any special relocation programs for retirees. Therefore, most often older people who want to spend their retirement years in a mild maritime climate apply for a right of residence without employment or a “golden visa”.

As for the pension for emigrants, thanks to an agreement between the Russian Federation and Spain, Russians can apply for benefits from the Kingdom if they work in its territory for at least a year. At the same time, they must have resident or citizen status and a total work experience of at least 15 years. If all conditions are met, the applicant is entitled to a minimum payment of 650 €/month (or in proportion to the length of service). When retiring before the age of 65, funds will be transferred from the Russian budget.

Residence permit under the family reunification program in the general regime

Initially, this process seems quite energy-intensive. But with the right approach, not everything is so scary and difficult! The owner of a residence permit in Spain issues a permit for family reunification. Next, the reunited family members provide documents to the Spanish consulate in the territory of their country of residence. If the consulate makes a positive decision, those being reunited receive a type D visa to enter Spain. Upon arrival, you must obtain resident cards. The validity period, which will be equal to the validity period of the reunifying family member.

Moving to Spain

The best cities for Russians in Spain

For immigration to Spain from Russia, according to reviews, the TOP 10 best cities stand out:

1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is considered a paradise with a very comfortable year-round climate of 15-30 degrees Celsius. Most foreigners work in the service sector, although there is an oil refinery. Features expensive housing.
2. Alicante. An actively developing metropolis with a variety of affordable housing.
3. Tarragona. An elite town for businessmen with a lot of attractions.
4. Playa de Aro. A resort town for lovers of relaxation and large beaches. Living space is expensive.
5. Guardamar del Segura. Resort town with affordable housing. Job openings in the service sector are open for employment.
6. Valencia. A popular city for wealthy citizens. The standard of living is high, you can find a job with a decent salary. The climate is comfortable, the temperature rarely rises above 34 degrees.
7. Seville. Suitable for wealthy immigrants, since finding work is problematic and housing costs a lot of money.
8. Palma de Mallorca. Designed for wealthy immigrants.
9. Madrid. An excellent option on how to immigrate to Spain from Russia for education and employment.
10. Barcelona. Good for a career as there is a chance to get a well-paid job.

Professions for employment

Labor emigration to Spain from Russia is available for a list of professions that is not very extensive. You can try your luck in only a few areas:

• IT sphere;
• scientific field;
• mechanical engineering technologies;
• chemical industry.

In this case, the employer must prove to the country’s Immigration Service that there is no suitable candidate among local residents on the labor market.

However, it will not be difficult for students and people already living in the Kingdom to find work in the service and tourism sectors , especially in resort towns, since the Spaniards themselves are not eager to work.

How to find a job?

To find a job in the Kingdom of Spain, it is convenient to use special services:

• infojobs.net;
• laboris.net;
• trabajando.es;
• milanuncios.com.

On these job search sites, you can post your own resume, which contains only factual information.

You can also create a subscription to the mailing list of vacancies of interest, supplementing it with a presentation letter containing a description of your strengths and existing experience/qualifications.

In addition to job sites, no one forbids sending your resume directly to the mail of large organizations, since emigrating to Spain for employment is not easy, but you can try.

Video: How much does it cost to move and live in Spain?

Moving with children

Changing your country of residence is often put off due to concerns about how your children will react to it. However, in the case of Spain there can be no doubt. Work and investment visas give the right to move with your family .

Legal emigration from Russia to Spain will allow children to enter kindergarten and a good school, and then apply to college.

When obtaining a permanent residence permit, children will experience some difficulties when entering universities, but they are required to be admitted to secondary school even without a resident card.

Among other things, free medicine , but the treatment is radically different from Russian, you will have to get used to it.

Resident status entitles you to a large number of benefits, including a free school bus, meals, and budgetary purchase of educational materials.

Relocation for people of retirement age

Pensioners who have decent savings, or who have passive income outside of Spain, can move from Russia to Spain for permanent residence without the right to work .

This option is usually quickly considered by the Immigration Service with a positive result.

Persons of retirement age simply need to present documents proving they have the means to live in Spain, as well as provide a certificate of rental housing in the country.

The advantage of obtaining a residence permit is the ease of its registration. There is no requirement to purchase real estate or invest in the economy. Of course, this option is only suitable for wealthy retirees.

Another option is to obtain a golden visa through purchasing a home or investing money.

Residence permit for investor (golden visa).

This residence permit can be obtained by:

• owners of real estate (there can be more than one property) in Spain with a total value of 500,000 euros;
• shareholders of Spanish companies;
• holders of Spanish government bonds;
• owners of large bank deposits in Spain;

In this situation, property owners can first (but not necessarily) apply for a special long-term “Golden Visa” to Spain. Next, you can apply for a residence permit for two years. This residence permit is then extended for 5 years.

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Emigration through study for young people.

This can be done by studying Spanish language courses or higher education programs with an intensity of at least 20 hours per week. Upon registration, a student card is issued for a maximum of one academic year; if you continue your studies, it can be extended without leaving Spain. It is not considered a residence permit, and the time spent on it in Spain does not count towards permanent residence. By agreement with the employer, you can additionally obtain a work permit, and if you have been in Spain for more than 3 years as a student, you can change your status and obtain a residence permit with the right to work.

It is quite difficult to obtain a study visa for the whole family at once; there are also unspoken age restrictions.

How to obtain permanent residence in Spain on the basis of a lease?

If you confirm a stable remote income, significant amounts in your accounts and the availability of real estate in Spain for residence, it is possible to obtain a residence permit without the right to work/on welfare. Real estate can be either owned or rented; in the latter case, more powerful financial guarantees will be needed. It is important that the income is legal and all taxes on it are paid. A residence permit of this type is issued for a period of one year; for its subsequent extension for two years, you must stay at least 183 days a year in Spain.

This is the best option for moving the whole family for permanent residence without the need to work in Spain.

How to obtain permanent residence in Spain when purchasing real estate (for an investor)?

To obtain a residence permit in this case, it is assumed that there is a minimum investment amount of 500,000 euros per adult capable person. A residence permit with the right to work is requested for the investor and immediate family members. In the case of purchasing real estate, either one object or several with a total value of 500,000 euros or more, it is also possible to use bank borrowings for the missing part of the amount exceeding 500,000 euros. The property can be either residential or commercial, or a piece of land.

The advantages of such a residence permit are the reduced processing time of the request, as well as the absence of a mandatory stay in Spain for 183 days a year (one entry into the country during the entire period is sufficient). This type of residence permit gives the right to work to the investor and his family members. After receiving a visa for 365 days a year, a special permit is requested in Madrid to obtain a residence for two years. The next extension of the residence permit is issued for a period of five years.

Finding a job in Spain is for entrepreneurs and unique specialists.

Under Law 14/2013, you can apply for a residence permit for an entrepreneur and his family members. This is possible when conducting an innovative or strategically important type of activity, having investments in business, as well as opening jobs. It is necessary to present a business plan, as well as have experience in conducting similar projects. The possibility of obtaining a residence permit will depend on the decision of the Ministry of Economy in Madrid, which reviews the project ideas of entrepreneurs.

This law provides for the issuance of residence permits to highly qualified specialists, researchers and academic staff, as well as employees of transnational companies moving to Spain due to a change in office location.

A residence permit of this type is issued for a period of two years.

Permanent residence by residence in Spain.

The opportunity to obtain a residence in Spain by settlement currently exists, but not everyone gets it. It is important to understand that illegal emigration is a big risk for the whole family, since during the entire period of your stay as an illegal immigrant you will practically not be able to leave Spain and work legally. The rights of illegal immigrants also depend on the region of Spain in which they are located, for example, the attitude towards them in Catalonia is more tolerant, and even access (limited) to public health care is possible.

Preparations for requesting this residence permit must begin from the first day of your stay in Spain on an expired visa, collecting documents that will then be needed to request a residence permit.

There are three types of settlement: worker, social and family. The most common option is that social settlement is requested after three years of stay in Spain and concluding a contract with an employer or upon entering into family ties with a citizen/resident of Spain.

Moving to Spain on the basis of marriage.

Marriage to a Spanish citizen or resident is one of the easiest ways to emigrate to Spain. In this case, marriage can be concluded by arriving in Spain with a Schengen visa, and already on the spot get a residence card for 5 years with the right to work (or until the end of the spouse’s residence period in the case of marriage with a non-Spanish citizen). Depending on the province in which the relationship will be registered, the packages of documents and deadlines may vary. It is also necessary to take into account that before registering a marriage with a non-resident foreigner, the couple is interviewed to identify fictitious relationships. In some provinces, it is still possible to obtain a residence permit when registering a civil marriage “pareja de hecho”.

Are there age limits for moving to Spain for permanent residence?

You can move to Spain at absolutely any age; many retirees choose this country for its wonderful climate, high quality of life and level of medical care. The difficulties that older applicants moving to Spain may encounter are only that it is possible to take out a private health insurance policy only up to a certain age (approximately 70–80 years, depending on the conditions of a particular insurance company), the same applies to the possibility purchasing real estate with a mortgage. The good news is that it is possible to receive a pension in Spain, subject to certain conditions.

The most suitable emigration option for pensioners is obtaining a residence permit without the right to work. Also, if you reach retirement age by Spanish standards (65 years old) and have resident children in Spain, you can submit a request for family reunification.

If you dream of living in Spain, but have not decided which option for obtaining a residence permit is more suitable for you, contact the Center for Services for Business and Life in Spain “Spain in Russian” for individual advice on this issue. Our specialists will assist you in legal, legal and documentation issues in order for you to move to live in Spain.

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Residence permit in Spain by settlement

Perhaps the most common option for obtaining a residence permit in Spain. After three years of living in the country illegally, a foreigner has the right to request a temporary residence permit. It is very important to prove residence in Spain for the last 3 years. Registration is the main document confirming residence in the country. Also, the most important condition for obtaining a permanent residence permit is the presence of an employment contract. The contract serves as confirmation that you will be employed immediately after receiving a residence permit.

Permanent residence permit in Spain - permanent residence

A permanent residence permit in Spain is issued for a period of 5 years. It gives you the right to live and work throughout Spain. Categories of permanent residence:

Procedure for obtaining a residence permit

The procedure for registration for each of the grounds is determined. In each case, the procedure for obtaining a residence permit will be different. The place where documents are submitted will also be different.

For example, for family reunification, documents are submitted to the Provincial Immigration Department (you can find their addresses and contact details) of the receiving party, that is, the Spanish resident inviting his relatives.

When applying for employment, documents must be submitted by the employer, and when requesting a residence permit for non-commercial purposes, a foreigner submits documents independently, but to the consulate in the country of residence.

The review period is also different in each case. For example, for family reunification, the application is processed within 5 days, while for employment or a PDR request without the right to work, it takes three months.

In any case, after the application is approved:

1. The residence permit applicant receives a notification from the employer / inviting party / consulate and requests an entry visa (the request period is different for everyone, for reunification - 2 months, for employment - 1 month).
2. Within 1 month, the consulate reviews the application and issues a visa.
3. During the validity period of the visa (usually 3 months), the residence permit applicant enters Spain.
4. Within 1 month, a Foreigner's Identity Document (TIE) is requested from the Immigration Department and other procedures are completed (for example, registering a worker with the social security system).