Moving to Spain – Residence Requirements

May 9, 2011 - PRLog -- Britons who have decided that they wish to take advantage of the very low property prices and move to Spain have many things to consider. Amongst those are the need to register as a resident if the move is going to be permanent.

Michael Liggan is a very experienced property agent based in Malaga. His firm, Alta Vista Property believe in giving their customers a holistic approach to property purchase. As well as the usual advice such as mortgages, property tax levels etc, they also give an insight into government requirements.

Of course, only permanent residents need to register as residents. However, Michael suggests that everyone who intends to make Spain their home should register as soon as possible. The process is simple and having one saves a lot of hassle when dealing with government agencies such as registering a car.

According to the British Consulate’s website, from 28 March 2007, Royal Decree 240/07 requires that all EU citizens planning to reside in Spain for more than 3 months should  register in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros in their province of residence or at designated Police stations. However, you will no longer be issued with a residence card. Instead you will be issued a Residence Certificate stating your name, address, nationality, NIE number (Número de Identificación Extranjeros) and date of registration.

The process of applying is simple. The completed application form needs to be submitted to a local Provincial Police station or Foreigners Office together with three passport sized photographs. You will be asked to present a valid passport, and pay a nominal fee.
There is also provision for non-EU family members, who have entered on valid passports and visas (where required), to reside with EU citizens, providing they too register in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros or designated Police Stations within 3 months of entry. They will be issued with Tarjetas de Residencia de Familiar de Cuidadano de la Union (Residency cards for family members of EU citizens). Additional documents will be required.

Another detail to consider is registering on the Padrón, which is a list of all the people who live in a certain town. Officially all residents in Spain are required by law to register on the padrón, yet many British ex-pats still have not done so. The Padrón is a way for the town hall to know how many people live in their area, without entering into investigations as to a person’s official residence status or financial affairs. In addition, the information provided at registration is confidential and protected by data protection laws.

To register on the Padrón, simply go to the padrón office of your town hall and fill in the form they provide. Take along official identification, such as a passport, and also your residence certificate, a recent utility bill in your name, and the deeds to your house (or a copy of your rental contract). Although you may have to return to collect your certificate, the actual registration is completed all on the same day.

Depending on the town hall, registration on the padrón could mean reductions in certain community charges and inheritance tax. Furthermore, those on the padrón can also often enjoy discounted courses, leisure and cultural activities run by the town hall. Furthermore, in order to register to vote in local or European elections, you must first be registered on the padrón.

Mr Liggan said that Altavista Spain are more than happy to help clients to obtain their residence certificate and padrón if they need it.

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Alta Vista Spain is a real estate company in Marbella on the Costa del Sol, Spain. Michael Liggan is a driving force and our chief property bargain hunter.