If you’ve made the decision to come and live permanently in Spain, you must legally make it your home. The Spanish government’s definition of ‘permanent’ is that you’re in the country for a total of 183 days per year. If you are, then you are classed as being a tax residento of Spain.

There are 3 important items you will want to secure, if you wish to live in Spain on a permanent basis:

• Residencia, or Spanish residency card
• Padrón
• SIP (health card)

The exact requirements for each of these will depend on the region in which you wish to live, as well as your own status. For example, depending on whether you are a pensioner, an early retiree or if you are working in Spain, there will be slightly different documents needed.

• One of the first things you should do once you decide to stay permanently in Spain is obtain an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero / Foreigner's Identification Number).
• You will then need to apply for a TIE, which will include getting a padron. The TIE stands for Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, its essentially a card that contains all your identity details in Spain and is proof that you are a Spanish resident.
• Spanish residency(residencia) is not compulsory for EU citizens, but there are advantages if you plan to live in Spain on a permanent basis.
• It is a good idea to open a bank account in Spain as soon as you can, especially if you are buying a property.  
• When applying for a TIE (residencia) they will ask you if you have health care insurance, this is mandatory to have in place.

We can refer you to the right people when it comes to applying for your residencia.

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