Applying for residency in Spain (Costa del Sol)

If you are staying in Spain for more than three months, for example on the Costa del Sol, you are required by Spanish law to apply for a Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Union (residencia) as an EU citizen. This green card, also known as the “residencia,” registers you as a resident in the Foreign Nationals Register. Here are the steps and requirements:

1. Requirements for residency

• Duration of stay: You must reside in Spain for more than 90 consecutive days.
• Income: You must prove that you can support yourself. This can be done through:
  • An employment contract (if you work in Spain).
  • Proof of sufficient income or assets (for example, bank statements or pension documents).
  • If you are self-employed (“autónomo”), show your registration with the Hacienda (tax authorities) and Social Security.
  • If you don’t have your own income, but your partner does, you must provide an official marriage certificate (translated into Spanish).

• Health insurance: You must have valid health insurance, such as private insurance or a European Health Insurance Card (for students).
• Empadronamiento: Registration with the town hall (padrón) where you live, for example, in Málaga, Marbella, or Estepona on the Costa del Sol.

2. Required documents

• Valid passport or identity card (plus copies).
• Proof of income or assets (e.g., bank statements, employment contract, pension documents).
• Proof of health insurance.
• Completed application form EX-17 (available on the official Spanish government website).
• Proof of payment of the fees (Modelo 790-012, payable at a bank).
• Optionally: a nota simple (if you own a home) or rental agreement.
• For families: children’s birth certificates and/or marriage certificate (translated into Spanish).

3. Procedure

• • Making an appointment: Make an appointment with the National Police or the Foreign Office in your province of residence (e.g., Malaga for the Costa del Sol). You can do this online via the official Spanish government website. Please note: appointments can be fully booked weeks in advance, especially in popular areas like the Costa del Sol.
  • Submitting documents: Bring all original documents and copies to your appointment. In some cases, an interpreter may be helpful if you don’t speak Spanish.
  • Paying fees: Pay the administration fee via Modelo 790-012 at a bank before your appointment.
  • Receiving residency: After approval, you will receive the green Certificado de Registro, which lists your TIE number, name, and address. This is not proof of identity and must be used in conjunction with your passport/ID card.

4. Specific to the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol (e.g., Málaga, Marbella, Estepona) has extensive experience with foreign applicants, which sometimes makes the process somewhat smoother. However, popular areas often have long waiting times for appointments.

5. Tips

• Start early: Appointments with the National Police in Málaga or other cities on the Costa del Sol can take weeks or even months. Plan outside the summer months for less crowds.
• Use official channels: Download forms from the official Spanish government website and avoid unreliable intermediaries.
• Interpreter or gestor: If you don’t speak Spanish, consider using an interpreter or a reliable gestoría for assistance.
• Municipal registration (empadronamiento): This is a separate step and must be completed before or after applying for residency at the town hall (ayuntamiento) of your place of residence.

6. Important notes

• Tax residency: If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you automatically become a tax resident. This means you must file a tax return in Spain. Register with the Hacienda (Spanish tax authority) to change your status from non-resident to resident.
• TIE number: If you live in Spain and are not a citizen of an EU country, you will need to apply for a different type of residence document. This is known as a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros(‘Foreigners’ Identity Card’, or TIE).
• Security: You need to apply for recognition of entitlement at the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS), either online or in person. You might need a “legislation letter” from your home country’s health service saying they don’t cover you.