8 Important Questions Moving to Spain (European Citizens) – A Real Case
I will want to register for residency permit on a self sufficient basis could you please tell me how much money I need to show and if it can be split between my salary and an allowance from my husband who will remain in the UK. Do we need savings? Does this money have to be in a Spanish bank account?
At present, if you are a British citizen, you do not need any residency permit. The Spanish law asks you to be registered as an EU citizen if you stay in Spain longer than 3 months. It is also called “permanent NIE (Foreigners Identification Number)” or “residence status” by expatriates.
In order to get this Registration as an EU citizien in Spain, there are some requirements that I will summarise as follows:
- Accommodation: renting (long-term) or owning a property
- Subsistence: enough incomes and/or saving money
- Health Insurance: it must be a full insurance and can be replaced by a public insurance (Spanish health care, if you are a pensionist, a self-employer or have a job)
Therefore, the most important requirement for you it is the subsistence, as usual. It is difficult to say how much money you need in order to get the “residence status” (the Registration as an EU citizen we are talking about) since there is no law which determines a specific calculation, but let’s say around 1100€ per month would be enough by analogy and our experience.
Take into account this process is checked by a policeman at the foreigner´s office. She will check your bank statements that must to be on your name. The same with the rental agreement or property ownership and the health insurance.
The money does not have to be in a Spanish bank account, but it must be demonstrable and updated. They prefer to read the bank statements in Euros and/or Spanish language.
What paperwork will they require me to show them and if they need translating into Spanish? I am already aware of private medical insurance which is not a problem.
As you said, every document you show to a Spanish public office must be in Spanish language. So, in case of documents in a foreign language must be translated by an official translator (sworn translation).
However, as I said, if you have money in your bank account, you do not need to translate any other document (such a pension, which is not the case, for example). It must be understable to the officer.
The insurance policy must be in Spanish language.
I will have a 6 year old daughter with me does she need to register for residency?
Yes she does. You should apply for the registration together. And they increase the subsistence requirement for each additional member. Let’s say 433€ per month additionally for each dependant in your family (coming to Spain).
Do I need to open a Spanish bank account? How much do I have to put in the account each month? What paperwork do I need to provide and can you help me with this?
Regardless of the governement requirements, yes you do. You will need a Spanish bank account in order to do many things, for example, in order to pay your bills and taxes.
The amount of money into that account is up to you. And yes, we assist expatriates opening a bank account in Spain. In fact, if you open an ING DIRECT bank account with us, it is free and they give you around 50€ welcome gift.
i have a small salary which is not taxable in the UK of £490 per month will I be liable for tax in Spain? As we are still married does my husband income get taxed in Spain or UK? He will visit but not for 6 months.
It depends on you. You can file your income tax return wherever in UK or Spain. In Spain it is not mandatory unless you are a self-employed or you are receiving any unemployment benefit.
Could you please let me know what your price would be to apply for bank account, residency and tax number on my behalf. Do you come with me to the police station and help with forms?
We charge 30€ to assist you opening a bank account in Spain. If you open an ING DIRECT bank account with us, it is is free and they give you a 50€ welcome gift.
We charge 95€ for a Registration in Spain (residency status) managament (adults) and 40€ for each child. And yes, we come to the police station with you (police stations and foreigner’s office around Costa del Sol) to apply for residencia.
About the tax number, it depends on your because this field is different in Spain, it does not work like in UK. Please feel free to ask for this kind of questions by email. Questions about fees are not a consultation, we will be glad to answer them for free, of course.
If I become resident after 3 months am I still considered resident if I spend just less than 6 months in Spain. I am wanting to get full residency after 5 years so would not want to put that at risk. I hope to spend more time in Spain but there could be times I need to be away for work.
I get the feeling you have got some information regarding non-EU citizens situation in Spain. Please, take into account you are still an EU citizen.
At any event, it is correct. If you spend more than 6 months abroad, you are not supossed to be a permanent resident. However, that is very difficult to prove actually, except for non-EU citizens who need VISAs and resident permits. So do not worry if you are going to stay abroad for more than 6 months.
