Spain is a magnificent country that is famous for its history. On the other end, it is also infamous for its bureaucracy and red tape. With all the paper work that needs to be approved several times over it can get pretty discouraging. But if you really need to get things done, you will have to accept it and move on.
If and when you do decide to live in Spain, you will need to remember several stages that you will need to pass through to legalize your stay.
As of March 2008, certain changes were made in the process for living in Spain.
Start off by applying for an NIE number or Numero Identificacion Extranjeros. This will allow you to purchase property, open an account with a bank, acquire a car or subscribe to utilities. It is your very own personal identification number as well as fiscal, or tax number. Application for NIE is done at the local Office of Foreigners, or Oficina de Extranjeros. Aside from the application form, have your passport, a photocopy of it, and two passport sized photos on hand. Since these offices are usually busy, expect to line up outside the office prior to start of business day. Assigning your number would take a few weeks and you will need to come back to personally claim it when already available. When you finally get the NIE number, make several copies of it and keep the original in a safe place. Always keep a copy with you wherever you go.
Next requirement is the Certificado de Registro and is a pre requisite for Padron. Just a few months ago, it was amended that anyone who has lived in Spain in excess of 3 months is required to register with the Spanish authorities. In lieu of the Residencia, this certificate is the Spanish Government's method to account for the foreigners residing in Spain. Those who fail to register are penalized by having to pay a fee.
It would help to hire a gestor to help you with the application. They know the ways around the system and can expedite the process. After completing the application form, a fee is required to be paid at a bank. You then return to the Oficina de Extranjeros to make sure that all documents are complete. Once again, make a copy of this document and keep it with you at all times.
Now that you have the Certificado, you can proceed to the Town Hall and register to be on the Padron or Empadronamiento. This entity registers the population of a municipality and aides them in applying for more grants or funding every time their population increases. Registering here allows you to receive proof of your address which you will need when you purchase a car, or when you register your children at school. It is important to register your family as this gives the town justification for additional resources that will benefit its constituents. To register, you will need to present your NIE, Certificado de Registro, the escritura or deed of your property as well as your birth certificate. Once approved, you are given the Certificado de Empadronamiento which is signed by the Mayor and serves as evidence of being on the Padron.
Though it may seem like a lot of work, it is a necessary process that you must go through to legalize your stay in Spain.
If and when you do decide to live in Spain, you will need to remember several stages that you will need to pass through to legalize your stay.
As of March 2008, certain changes were made in the process for living in Spain.
Start off by applying for an NIE number or Numero Identificacion Extranjeros. This will allow you to purchase property, open an account with a bank, acquire a car or subscribe to utilities. It is your very own personal identification number as well as fiscal, or tax number. Application for NIE is done at the local Office of Foreigners, or Oficina de Extranjeros. Aside from the application form, have your passport, a photocopy of it, and two passport sized photos on hand. Since these offices are usually busy, expect to line up outside the office prior to start of business day. Assigning your number would take a few weeks and you will need to come back to personally claim it when already available. When you finally get the NIE number, make several copies of it and keep the original in a safe place. Always keep a copy with you wherever you go.
Next requirement is the Certificado de Registro and is a pre requisite for Padron. Just a few months ago, it was amended that anyone who has lived in Spain in excess of 3 months is required to register with the Spanish authorities. In lieu of the Residencia, this certificate is the Spanish Government's method to account for the foreigners residing in Spain. Those who fail to register are penalized by having to pay a fee.
It would help to hire a gestor to help you with the application. They know the ways around the system and can expedite the process. After completing the application form, a fee is required to be paid at a bank. You then return to the Oficina de Extranjeros to make sure that all documents are complete. Once again, make a copy of this document and keep it with you at all times.
Now that you have the Certificado, you can proceed to the Town Hall and register to be on the Padron or Empadronamiento. This entity registers the population of a municipality and aides them in applying for more grants or funding every time their population increases. Registering here allows you to receive proof of your address which you will need when you purchase a car, or when you register your children at school. It is important to register your family as this gives the town justification for additional resources that will benefit its constituents. To register, you will need to present your NIE, Certificado de Registro, the escritura or deed of your property as well as your birth certificate. Once approved, you are given the Certificado de Empadronamiento which is signed by the Mayor and serves as evidence of being on the Padron.
Though it may seem like a lot of work, it is a necessary process that you must go through to legalize your stay in Spain.
About the Author:
Sam Tonzenger writes principally for http://www.spain-tips.com , an internet site on the topic of working in spain . You can discover his work on living in spain and working in spain on his site.
