Becoming Resident In Spain – Buying A Home In Spain

Following Brexit, UK and other non-EU citizens will have to obtain authorization prior to moving to and residing in Spain for longer than three months. Once this authorization has been obtained, a visa is issued and is required to enter Spain. Residency may then be applied for on a temporary or permanent basis, and the procedure does not appear to have stopped enthusiastic house hunters looking to buy a home in Spain.

First steps

When you buy a house in Spain, you must open a bank account in Spain and obtain a NIE number (Foreign Identity Number) This can be applied for in person in Spain or at the Consular Office in your home country. These are also necessary both to apply for the visa and subsequent residency and to purchase a property in Costa Blanca. Prior to moving to Spain, you must apply to the Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh for the appropriate visa and then request your residency permit. As soon as you land in Spain, children must be individually registered.

Obtaining a visa

The documents required for the visa are a completed national visa application form, which must be submitted for each applicant, and, if some are children, the application must be signed by a parent. Recent passport sized photographs and a valid, unexpired passport are also necessary. If you will be working, you have to present a copy of the employment agreement bearing the Foreign Nationals Office's stamp. and apply for the visa within a month of notification that authorization has been granted to the employer. All applicants of legal age must also submit both the original and copy of a criminal check certificate with sworn translations in Spanish. An original and a copy of a medical certificate confirming that the applicant does not have any medical conditions that could have major consequences for the public health system, together with an official Spanish translation. Proof of residence and payment of the visa fee. It sounds a lot, doesn’t it, but in Spain, you'll require the assistance of a lawyer when buying a home in the Costa Blanca, and they will also be able to guide you through the process and paperwork. It isn’t as complicated as it sounds, which is why so many people are still relocating.

If you are retired and not going to be working or studying, then applicants must submit originals and copies of documents proving that they have sufficient funds to live in Spain, e.g. details of pensions, etc. Together with this original and a copy of a certified accredited private or public health insurance authorised to operate in Spain, which must cover all risks insured by Spain’s public health system,. Once the wheels are in motion, you just need to find the right villa for sale in the Costa Blanca.

Entry to Spain

Proof of identity and your travel document are required for entry into Spain, together with the corresponding visa and documentation complying with the conditions for the proposed stay, no ban from entering Spain, and possession of sufficient financial resources. Initially, the visa is valid for 90 days, and after arriving in Spain, one has to apply for a foreign identity card within a month of the applicant's entry into Spain. Applications should be made at the Foreign Nationals Office or at the corresponding police station. Now that you are in Spain, it may be easier if you pay a small fee to a local English-speaking lawyer to assist you with the documentation, translations, application, and procedure at this time. This is even easier if you are already on good terms with someone who is helping with the purchase of your villa in Spain. You may also require them to assist with your annual tax returns in the future.

Temporary Residency

This allows you to stay in Spain for up to five years, but no more than ninety days, and may occasionally need to be renewed. This permission can only be granted to ex-pats who can show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families. If you can do this, then you are ready to find a more permanent villa for sale in the Costa Blanca.

Long-term and Indefinite Residency

Once you buy a house in Spain and settle into the way of life, you may wish to remain here permanently. Long-term / indefinite residency is issued under the same conditions as for Spanish citizens and those who have had temporary resident status for more than five continuous years and who meet the legal requirements. There are government sites where you can check for more details and any relevant updates, and these can be found at the following links:

https://www.exteriores.gob.es/en/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Conoce-Espana.aspx

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/residency-requirements-in-spain

 Apartment for Sale in the Port of Javea

Conclusion

The process may seem daunting, but, many have found that it isn’t too complicated, and for this reason, Hamilton of London is helping more clients than ever find villas for sale in the Costa Blanca to start their new lives in Spain.