If you are planning to live in Spain long term, you should be aware that once you have moved here, you must apply for a residence permit, also known as the EU green card/certificate. This will give you access to many benefits, such as health care in Spain.
Who can apply for this kind of permit?
All EU nationals that wish to reside legally in Spain for a prolonged amount of time, must apply for a residence permit in Spain.
What documents are required?
- Original valid Passports
- 1 recent passport/ID photo
- Padron certificate issued less than 3 months ago (certificado de padrón individual). Stamped original or digitally signed. This is obtained from your Town Hall once you have registered on the “padron” / local census.
- Bank certificate stating that you are the holder of a Spanish bank account confirming your personal details. This must be original and stamped by the bank.
- If applicable, original marriage certificate. Apostilled with a sworn translation by a legal translator registered in Spain.
- In the case of minors, original birth certificate. International or apostilled with a sworn translation by a legal translator registered in Spain.
What happens if I am a pensioner?
In addition to the documentation mentioned above, the following documents must be provided to prove health coverage:
- S1 form from your country’s social security / health department. This must be original and then registered with the Spanish Social Security (Seguridad Social).
- Bank certificate stating the monthly amount received through your pension. This must be original and stamped by the bank.
What happens if I am not a pensioner, or I am not working?
In addition to the documentation mentioned in the first section, the following documents must be provided:
- Health insurance certificate stating full coverage in Spain for ONE YEAR, confirming payments are up to date. This must be original and stamped by the insurance company.
It must specify that the policy is WITHOUT COPAYMENTS (SIN COPAGOS) and state the following words: “the contracted health insurance includes primary and specialist care, hospital admissions and surgical interventions”. (“el seguro médico contratado incluye asistencia primaria, especialidades, ingresos hospitalarios e intervenciones quirúrgicas’’). This certificate must NOT make reference to the specific or general policy conditions.
- Health insurance specific policy conditions (condiciones particulares de la póliza del seguro médico). This must be original and stamped by the insurance company.
What happens if I am an employee?
In addition to the documentation mentioned in the first section, the following documents must be provided:
- Up to date working life certificate “Certificado de vida laboral” with a minimum of 50% of the legal working hours.
- Social Security registration.
- Work contract.
What happens if I am a self-employment (autónomo)?
In addition to the documentation mentioned in the first section, the following documents must be provided:
- Up to date working life certificate “Certificado de vida laboral” (you must have been registered for a minimum of 3 months).
- Social Security registration as self-employed.
PLEASE NOTE: THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ALICANTE IMMIGRATION OFFICE. OTHER OFFICES MAY REQUEST THAT YOU HAVE A SPANISH BANK ACCOUNT OPEN FOR ATLEAST THREE MONTHS BEFORE APPLYING.
Should you wish to apply for residency, we have a professional and dedicated Immigration department with many years of experience in this field. We will advise each case individually and inform you of the exact documents required depending on the Immigration office where you will be applying.
For more information, please contact Pellicer & Heredia on +34 965 480 737 or email us at info@pellicerheredia.com.
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