Step-by-step guide to obtaining residency in Spain, from TIE cards to healthcare registration.
For anyone planning to make Benidorm their long-term home, understanding the Spanish residency system is essential. Whether you're an EU citizen taking advantage of freedom of movement or a non-EU national navigating visa requirements, establishing legal residency opens doors to healthcare, banking, and full integration into Spanish life. While the bureaucracy can seem daunting, particularly for those unfamiliar with Spanish administrative processes, the steps are manageable with proper preparation. This comprehensive guide walks through everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining residency in Spain.
Understanding the Basics: NIE, Padrón, and Residency
Before diving into specific processes, it helps to understand three fundamental concepts in Spanish immigration and administration.
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax identification number assigned to all foreigners who have dealings in Spain. This number follows you throughout your time in Spain and is required for virtually every administrative and financial transaction – opening bank accounts, buying property, signing contracts, and paying taxes. Your NIE remains the same even if you leave and return to Spain.
The Padrón is the municipal census register. Every resident of Spain, whether Spanish or foreign, must register on the padrón at their local town hall (Ayuntamiento). This registration proves your address and is required for many administrative processes, accessing certain services, and eventually applying for permanent residency or citizenship. The empadronamiento (padrón registration) is straightforward and can typically be done with a passport and proof of address.
Residency (Residencia) refers to your legal right to live in Spain beyond tourist stays. The specific type of residency depends on your nationality and circumstances. Residency documents prove your right to remain in Spain and are required for employment, long-term rental contracts, and accessing public services.
EU Citizens: Registration Process
Citizens of European Union member states, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, enjoy freedom of movement within the EU. However, this doesn't mean unlimited undocumented stays. EU citizens planning to remain in Spain for more than three months must register their residency.
The first step is obtaining an NIE number if you don't already have one. This can be done at the Oficina de Extranjería or at a police station with a foreigners' office (Comisaría de Policía - Oficina de Extranjeros). Appointments are typically required and can be booked through the Spanish government's appointment system. Required documents include your passport, completed EX-15 form, and proof of fee payment (Tasa 012).
Next, register on the padrón at Benidorm's town hall (Ayuntamiento de Benidorm). Bring your passport and proof of address – this might be a rental contract, property deed, or a letter from the property owner confirming your residence. The process is quick and free, resulting in a certificate of empadronamiento.
The main residency step is applying for the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión, commonly known as the green certificate or green card (though it's usually an A4 green paper rather than a card). This is done at the Oficina de Extranjería in Alicante or at designated police stations. Required documents include your passport, completed EX-18 form, proof of padrón registration, and evidence that you meet one of the qualifying conditions:
For employed persons: employment contract or evidence of self-employment. For those with sufficient resources: proof of income (pension statements, investment income, etc.) plus comprehensive health insurance. For students: proof of enrollment plus health insurance plus evidence of sufficient resources. For family members: documents proving the family relationship plus the EU citizen's documents.
The financial requirements are modest – approximately €600 per month for a single person is typically sufficient, though specific amounts aren't formally stated. Private health insurance is required unless you're working and contributing to Spanish social security.
The certificate is issued same-day in most cases and is valid indefinitely, though you should update your address if you move. After five years of continuous residency, you can apply for permanent residency, which provides additional protections and removes the need to demonstrate ongoing income or insurance.
Non-EU Citizens: Visa Options
Citizens from outside the EU face a more complex process, as legal residency requires obtaining an appropriate visa before arriving in Spain. Several visa categories serve different situations.
The Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa) is the most common choice for retirees and those with passive income. This visa allows residence in Spain without the right to work, making it ideal for retirees living on pensions and investments. Requirements include proof of sufficient income (approximately €2,400 monthly for a single applicant, plus €600 per dependent), comprehensive private health insurance, a clean criminal record, and a medical certificate. The visa is initially granted for one year, renewable for two-year periods, and after five years, you can apply for permanent residency.
The Golden Visa (Visado de Inversor) offers a fast-track to residency for significant investors. The most common route is purchasing property worth at least €500,000. This visa allows working in Spain, includes family members, and offers more flexible residency requirements – you only need to visit Spain once during the initial visa period and once per renewal period. After five years, permanent residency is possible.
The Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para Teletrabajadores de Carácter Internacional) is a newer option for remote workers employed by companies outside Spain or self-employed professionals serving international clients. Requirements include proof of remote work arrangement, minimum income levels, and health insurance. This visa allows working in Spain while receiving income from abroad.
All non-EU visas are applied for at Spanish consulates in your home country before traveling. Processing times vary but typically take 1-3 months. Once in Spain with a valid visa, you must apply for a TIE card within 30 days.
The TIE Card: Physical Residency Document
The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is a physical identity card containing your NIE and residency information. For non-EU citizens, the TIE is mandatory and serves as your primary identification within Spain. EU citizens can optionally obtain a TIE, which some find more convenient than the green certificate for daily identification purposes.
TIE applications are made at the Oficina de Extranjería with an appointment. Required documents include your passport, current visa or residency document, passport-sized photos, completed EX-17 form, and proof of fee payment. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, during which you receive a temporary document confirming your application.
The TIE must be renewed before expiration – typically every 2-5 years depending on your residency type. Renewal should be initiated 60 days before expiry to avoid gaps in documentation.
Healthcare Registration: Accessing Public Health Services
One of the major benefits of residency is access to Spain's excellent public healthcare system. The Valencian Community (which includes Benidorm) operates the Sistema Valenciano de Salud, providing comprehensive care including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and specialist services.
To access public healthcare, you must first have legal residency. Then, register at the local Social Security office (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social) to obtain your affiliation number. The office will verify your entitlement – this might be through employment contributions, retirement pension agreements, or the Convenio Especial (a monthly payment option for those not otherwise covered).
Next, register at a health center (Centro de Salud). Benidorm has several health centers, and you'll be assigned to one based on your address. Bring your residency document, padrón certificate, and social security affiliation. The health center will issue you a SIP card (Sistema de Información Poblacional), which you'll use for all healthcare appointments.
The SIP card allows you to book appointments with your assigned GP, receive referrals to specialists, obtain prescriptions at subsidized rates, and access emergency care. English-speaking staff are available at some health centers, though bringing a Spanish speaker for initial appointments can help navigate the system.
Important Deadlines and Requirements
Understanding deadlines prevents problems and ensures continuous legal status.
EU citizens must register within three months of arrival. While technically required, enforcement is limited, but unregistered EU citizens may face difficulties with banking, healthcare, and other services.
Non-EU citizens must apply for their TIE within 30 days of entering Spain on their residency visa. Missing this deadline can complicate your residency status.
Tax residency applies to anyone spending more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year. Tax residents must declare worldwide income to Spanish authorities. Understanding your tax obligations is essential, and professional advice is recommended.
Residency renewals must be applied for before expiration – ideally 60 days before for non-EU citizens. Late renewals may require starting the application process from scratch.
Professional Help: Gestors and Lawyers
Spanish bureaucracy can be challenging, particularly for those unfamiliar with the language and administrative culture. Two types of professionals can help.
Gestors are administrative agents licensed to handle paperwork with government offices. They know the requirements, forms, and processes intimately and can often resolve issues that would frustrate individuals. For residency applications, gestor fees typically range from €150-300 and often represent excellent value given the time and stress saved.
Immigration lawyers provide more comprehensive assistance, particularly for complex cases or when problems arise. They can advise on the best visa category, prepare appeals if applications are denied, and handle any legal issues. Lawyer fees are higher than gestors but may be necessary for complicated situations.
For straightforward EU citizen registration, a gestor is usually sufficient. For non-EU visa applications or any situation involving complications, consulting an immigration lawyer provides valuable peace of mind.
