Residency Status in Spain
Spanish NIE Number - Residency Status in Spain
EU, Liechtenstein, Norwegian and Swiss nationals – Application for official resident status.
Nationals from countries within the EU and EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Swiss nationals who have full-time employment with a legal contract and social security, are self-employed (paying social security and registered with the Spanish tax authorities) or who are in full-time education no longer have to apply for a residence permit in Spain. Their family members do not need a residence permit either.
However, EU and EEA nationals who are living in Spain but are not working or studying still need to apply for official resident status in Spain at the nearest police station (comisaría de policía nacional). At the police station you should go to the foreigners’ department where there may be someone who speaks English, French or German, although at locations inland this is less likely.
You will need to fill in the required form and take along the following documents:
- Your passport and 1 photocopy of the pages showing your particulars;
- 4 photographs (passport size);
plus the following depending on your status in Spain:
Retired: proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself (e.g. bank statements) and proof of medical insurance or that you’re entitled to medical treatment under the Spanish public health system.
