General information

The residence

For a foreigner to obtain residency in Spain, registration in the Central Registry of Foreigners and establishing their habitual residence in Spain are required. The residency application must be submitted to the Immigration Department of the National Police (CNP).

Stay in Spain without Residency

El tiempo máximo para pasar en España como turista sin la Residencia es de noventa días (Real Decreto 240/2007, de 16 de febrero, Capítulo III, art. 7/1, BOE 51).

Processing of Residency

Documents proving sufficient means of support, health coverage, and proof of payment of fees must be submitted as attachments to the application. For a citizen of a EU country, this is a simple notification procedure.

Validity of the Residence

Registration in the Central Registry of Foreigners has an indefinite duration.

The departure from the Residence

Leaving the apartment takes place through an official notification procedure.

Non-resident in Spain

A person who has been in Spain for less than ninety days and who has not been granted Resident or Tax Residency status.

Foreigner Identity Number (NIE)

Any citizen of another EU country can obtain a NIE (National Identity Document) with a simple and quick application process. Applying for an NIE is especially recommended if the foreigner wants to open a bank account or plans to purchase a property or vehicle. It is especially advisable to apply for an NIE if the foreigner plans to spend periods of time in Spain annually. Foreigners who apply for registration in the Central Registry of Foreigners automatically obtain an NIE with their residency.

Owning a property in Spain if you are not a resident

People who do not have tax residency in Spain can also purchase a home. In this case, it is mandatory to apply for a NIE (National Identity Document) to pay taxes. Since the home is not their primary residence, they must pay the annual Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR), a state tax. This tax must be paid during the year following the tax year in question.

Change the driving license of an EU citizen

The driver’s license must be exchanged for a Spanish one within one month of obtaining a residence permit in Spain.

Can a non-resident own a vehicle in Spain?

Yes, any EU citizen can purchase a vehicle with a domicile in Spain.