EU citizens only need a valid passport or ID card to live in Spain, while non-EU citizens require a visa for long-term stays. Other documents may include proof of health insurance and an NIE (foreigner identification number).
If you want a detailed answer, read below
Living in Spain as a foreigner requires certain documents to be in order. EU citizens are in the most favorable position because they can live in Spain simply by presenting a valid passport or ID card, and they can stay as long as they want without requiring a visa. However, other non-European citizens have more strict standards to abide by. They should apply for a specific visa depending on their length of stay and purpose of their visit. The required documentation for these types of visas can be found on the Spanish embassy pages of their respective home countries.
In addition to visas or passport/ID cards, a residence permit may be required for non-European nationalities after 90 days of stay. The residence permit basically formalizes your right to stay in Spain and allows you to partake in political and social life.
An extremely important document for practically any bureaucratic process in Spain is the NIE (foreign identity number). The NIE is used during procedures with the Spanish authorities. This number is unique to every individual, registerable and is used to identify their personal information including their personal data, employment, tax registration, academic records etc.
Health insurance coverage is an important document to have if you’re going to be staying in Spain. It would be helpful to get yourself health insurance coverage that is accepted in Spain for whatever duration of stay you have. Keep in mind that when you arrive at a hospital or clinic they will ask you for proof of medical insurance, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
To summarize, the most important documents you need to live in Spain vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. Below is a table that highlights the differences between EU citizens and non-EU citizens.
| Documents | EU Citizens | Non-EU Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport or ID card | Yes | Yes |
| Visa | No | Yes |
| Residence Permit | Optional | May be required after 90 days |
| NIE | Recommended | Recommended |
| Health Insurance Coverage | Recommended | Recommended |
In the words of the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway who lived in Spain: “Spain is a fascinating mix of people, languages, culture and food, but one thing is for sure, it is one of the most hospitable and welcoming countries on earth.”
See a video about the subject
The video discusses the cost of living in Seville, Spain, with housing being the most significant expense, followed by food, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment. The total cost of living for a couple in Seville is estimated to be around $1,700 a month. Additionally, the video briefly touches on the required documents and steps to take to apply for a long-term visa in Spain, including providing a variety of documents such as a passport, flight ticket, medical insurance, and financial documents, and scheduling an interview with the Spanish Embassy or consulate. It is recommended to check with the embassy for specific document requirements based on location.
Some more answers to your question
You need the following documents:
- A filled out visa application Modelo EX11.
- Visa fee of €80.
- Valid passport with 3 months validity and current residence permit.
- Proof of residence in Spain (Empadronamiento).
- Proof of funds, either via savings or employment.
- Spanish health insurance.
These include the following: Proof of living in Spain for five years, such as payrolls or tax returns In certain cases, you may also need to show criminal record certificates from Spain or your home country, or marriage or divorce certificates. If your application is approved, you will receive an official notification.
Aside from a visa there are 3 main documents that EU and Non-EU citizens possibly need to apply for when moving to Spain. Those documents are the NIE / TIE, the Empadronamiento and the Social Security Number.
In the case of Spaniards, specifically they will require their literal birth with the mention that says “for DNI” and their passport. Foreigners must carry their passport and the document where they are granted residence or stay (visa or resolution).
Furthermore, people are interested
What do I need to move to Spain permanently?
As a response to this: How Can I Move to Spain Permanently? You acquire the right to become a permanent resident of Spain if you reside legally in the Spanish territory for a continuous period of five years. However, certain groups of people can enjoy their right to permanent residency before completing their five-year residency in Spain.
Thereof, What are the legal requirements to live in Spain?
Answer: You’ll need a temporary visa or residency permit to stay in Spain, or any other Schengen country for longer than 90 days. If you’re already a citizen or resident of an EU country, you only need to get the local registration certificate—no need to apply for any visa.
Similar
Can a US citizen live in Spain?
The reply will be: US citizens can stay in Spain for 90 days out of every 180 days without the need for a visa. After acquiring Spanish residency through the Spain Golden Visa program, US citizens can apply for permanent residency with the following : A completed Modelo EX11 visa application.
In this way, How can a US citizen get residency in Spain?
Answer to this: Within one month of your arrival in Spain, you must apply for a residence permit and a foreign national identity card. The residence permit is usually issued for a period of 2 years, renewable, provided that you still meet the economic requirements and you have lived at least 183 days in Spain each year.
Also to know is, Do you need a passport to travel to Spain?
In reply to that: Suppose you intend to travel to Spain for a brief stay, your passport is supposed to be valid up to three months beyond your period of stay. Note that this is a mandatory requirement that you must meet. If you are from the European Union, you only need to have a valid passport for the period stay with no extra duration.
Is a visa needed from the US to Spain?
Response will be: US Citizens. American citizens traveling to Spain for less than 90 days do not need a visa. However, they will need a valid passport for at least six months beyond their stay.Immigration officers may also ask citizens to show enough funds for their stay and a return airline ticket.
Beside above, How much does it cost to travel in Spain? Response to this: You should plan to spend around €119 ($135) per day on your vacation in Spain, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €32 ($36) on meals for one day and €22 ($25) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Spain for a couple is €105 ($119).
Do you need a passport to travel to Spain? Suppose you intend to travel to Spain for a brief stay, your passport is supposed to be valid up to three months beyond your period of stay. Note that this is a mandatory requirement that you must meet. If you are from the European Union, you only need to have a valid passport for the period stay with no extra duration.
Is a visa needed from the US to Spain?
US Citizens. American citizens traveling to Spain for less than 90 days do not need a visa. However, they will need a valid passport for at least six months beyond their stay.Immigration officers may also ask citizens to show enough funds for their stay and a return airline ticket.
How much does it cost to travel in Spain?
You should plan to spend around €119 ($135) per day on your vacation in Spain, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €32 ($36) on meals for one day and €22 ($25) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Spain for a couple is €105 ($119).