Immigration · Relocation
NIE Number
The NIE Number is probably the celebrity of all immigration permits. You have heard this name a lot of times but in case you don’t know what this is, let us explain it to you. A NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) is an identification number for foreigners in Spain.
Moreover, it is a number that both EU citizens and third country nationals/non-EU nationals can get, and in both cases, a “cita previa” is needed to be able to obtain it.
You will need this famous number for multiple aspects, amongst which are working; being a self-employed individual or autónomo; setting up a company; opening a bank account; buying or selling a property, etc.
Also, know that there are two types of NIE numbers, the resident and the non-resident ones. If your plan is to live in Barcelona, the resident NIE is your option.
Finally, the NIE number/card varies depending on whether the applicant is a EU or a non-EU citizen:
- EU Nationals:
For EU passport holders there are two types of NIE, the NIE number and the NIE card. A NIE number is just a number written on a white piece of paper while the NIE card is the little green card also referred to as the “Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión”, which is a residency certificate/card.
- Non-EU nationals
Non-EU nationals need to apply for a special visa in order to reside in Spain. This special visa can be a Student Visa, a Non-lucrative Visa, an Entrepreneur Visa, a Golden Visa, a Highly Qualified Visa, a EU Family Member Residence Card, amongst other options.
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EU certificate
The EU Certificate is a document which shall be applied by EU nationals who wish to live more than 90 days in Spain, within three months of their arrival.
In order to obtain the above mentioned permit you will need to proof you will work or study in Spain, or that you have sufficient economical means, which is translated in having around € 8.000 at a Spanish bank account, and that you have subscribed a complete private health insurance policy so you will not need to use the Spanish healthcare system.
Once the EU Certificate has been granted, it is valid indefinitely as long as the applicant’s personal circumstances stated on the application remain the same.
With this permit you will be able to reside and work in Spain enjoying the same rights as a Spanish national.
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Student Visa
The Student Visa is a document that will be granted to non-EU nationals who wish to come to Spain to study a degree, masters, P.hD. or to conduct research during a year (with the possibility of renewal) in a public or private educational center.
Besides studying, this permit enables you to work up to 20 hours per week on an internship, which can be paid. Also, once your studies are finished, getting a work permit in Spain will be easier.
Finally, and just so you know, the Student Visa allows you to bring your family with you so you can all have the best time in Spain.
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Non-lucrative Visa
The Non-lucrative Visa is legal document which shall be applied by non-EU nationals who wish to live in Spain without undertaking any type of professional activity.
In order to obtain this permit successfully, you need to proof that you have sufficient economic funds and that you have subscribed a private health insurance policy.
Regarding the economical means, you must demonstrate you have around € 30.000 if you are the only applicant for the visa and, in case you want to bring a family member with you, you will need to add € 6.000 for each of them.
Take into consideration that, even though you cannot perform a professional activity in Spain under this permit, the Non-lucrative Visa enables you to study and make an investment if you wish to do so.
Also, know that you are entitled to request the residency for your spouse and children via this visa, and that you have the right of freedom of movement within the countries that are part of the Schengen space.
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Golden Visa
The Spanish Golden Visa is a residence permit which will be granted to non-EU investors to investors who make a significant investment in Spain.
The mentioned investment can be any of the following:
- Real estate assets (€ 500,000).
- Shares of a Spanish company or bank deposits (€ 1.000.000).
- Public debt (€ 2.000.000).
- Entrepreneurs who start business projects in Spain of general interest.
Regarding the first-mentioned investment, you should take into consideration that it can include multiple properties and can be owned through a company if the applicant accredits that they hold control of the company.
Moreover, the investment must be made in full, which means that you can only request a mortgage for the excess above € 500.000. In this regard, the law requires the mentioned sum to be unencumbered, so mortgage-free. Finally, bear in mind that taxes are not included in the investment threshold.
Once the Golden Visa is granted, its holders will not not be required to apply for a visa to enter the Europe Schengen area, and they will be able to transit and enjoy free movement within the Schengen area for a maximum period of three months (90 days) per half-year from the date of first entry.
It’s a fast and efficient process in which its application will be resolved within 20 days.
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Entrepreneur Visa
The Entrepreneur Visa is a residence permit which shall be applied by non-EU nationals who wish to perform an entrepreneurial activity in Spain.
The mentioned entrepreneurial activity shall be considered as of special interest for the Spanish Country, which means that it needs to create employment and investment opportunities for the country, and must be innovative and enhancive in terms of socio-economic development.
Good news is that there is no initial investment required and that you can start on your own, and even renew the permit, without any employee hired. It won’t mean the denial of your application or renewal.
Also, know that you are entitled to request the residency for your spouse and children via this visa, and that you have the right of freedom of movement within the countries that are part of the Schengen space.
Finally, just so you are aware, the Entrepreneur Visa can be applied from Spain, with your tourist visa or, in case you are not in Spain, you can select a representative to apply it for you since your presence is not required in the country.
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Highly Qualified Workers
The Highly Qualified Visa is a work permit that enables non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain legally, provided that they start working in a qualified or managerial position.
There are some aspects that need to be taken into consideration, in order to qualify for the above-mentioned permit, such as the studies you have coursed, the company you will be working for, the tasks you will perform there and the salary you will earn.
- Studies: master’s degree or a PhD.
- Company you will be working for: (i) large business and corporate groups; (ii) small or medium enterprises which operate on a strategic sector for the country; (iii) companies that lead a project which enhances the socio-economic development of the Spanish country; (iv) universities; (v) public institutions.
- Tasks: Executing a managerial position in a large company in Spain or performing highly skilled tasks even if you are not in a managerial position, and conducting research, or working as a teacher of technician for a University or public institution.
- Salary: 40.000 €/year if you perform a scientific or intellectual profession or 54.000 €/year (minimum) if you hold a manager/director position.
Finally, know that you are entitled to request the residency for your spouse and children via this visa throughout a joint application, and that you have the right of freedom of movement within the countries that are part of the Schengen space.
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EU Family Member Residence Card
The EU Family Member Residence Card is a residence permit that enables non-EU relatives of a EU citizen or Spanish national to live and work in Spain under the same conditions as EU nationals.
In order to qualify under the “Family Member” condition, take into consideration that you shall be any of the following:
- A direct relative (registered spouse or civil partner)
- A first-degree descendant (children under 21 years old of both the European Union national or of his or her spouse)
- A first-degree ascendant (parents of the EU national, provided that he or she is in charge of them)
This permit has a validity of 5 years since it is granted (and as long as the EU citizen/Spanish national is living in Spain), and will be issued provided that the mentioned citizen is working or studying in Spain or has sufficient economic means.
Once the permit validity has expired, and in case the Family Member hasn’t left the country, it will be possible the get the Permanent Residency in Spain. Read below about it!
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Permanent Residency for EU citizens and Family Members
The Permanent Residence Card is the legal permit that enables non-EU citizens who have been living legally and continuously in Spain for 5 years to obtain an indefinite residence status.
This Residency Card is valid for five years and can be renewed, and allows its holder to live and work in Spain, both as a self-employed or as an employee with the same rights as any other Spanish national.
The non-EU national under this permit can be outside Spain for 6 months, or a complete year inside the 5-year period that the permanent residency card is valid.
Also, EU nationals can apply for the Permanent EU Registration Certificate, once they have resided legally in Spain for a continuous period of five years, in order to reside here permanently.