Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 1: Move to Spain
• Tips
• Warnings

There are a number of visas that can be applied for to move to Spain. You need to know which visa you need and what you need to do to avoid legal problems. By obtaining one of the visas below and following a few extra steps you will be able to successfully move to Spain. What follows here is a guide on how to move to Spain.

To step

1. Getting a Resident Visa to retire in Spain.
   • Visit the Spanish Consulate in charge of your jurisdiction.
   • Since each Consulate has its own specific required documents, you must search and download them for “your” jurisdiction. It will contain a list that "resembles" what is below. It will also indicate where to sign up in person, how to make an appointment, what documents should be in Spanish, etc.
   • Provide 2 Application Forms for a National Visa.
   • Provide 2 passport photos.
   • Each photo must have a white background.
   • Get a passport that is valid for at least one year.
   • Provide proof that you are legal in the country where you currently live.
   • Provide documents proving your family ties.
   • Provide proof of good conduct and morals.
   • Provide proof that you do not have contagious diseases.
   • Provide proof that you have sufficient financial resources to provide for yourself (and your family, if applicable) for the duration of your stay.
   • Provide a payment order to pay for your visa application.
2. Getting a Resident Visa to start working as an employee in Spain.
   • Visit the Spanish Consulate in charge of your jurisdiction.
   • Provide 2 Application Forms for a National Visa. You must be at least 16 years old to register.
   • Submit an admission letter from the Extranjeria (Spain's immigration office) addressed to your prospective employer.
   • Get a passport that is valid for at least four months.
   • Provide 2 passport photos.
   • Provide proof that you are legal in the country where you currently live.
   • Provide proof of good conduct and morals.
   • Provide proof that you do not have contagious diseases.
   • Provide a payment order to pay for your visa application.
3. Getting a Resident Visa that does not require a work permit. This is for foreigners who wish to perform artistic, scientific, cultural, religious or educational activities while living in Spain.
   • Visit the Spanish Consulate in charge of your jurisdiction.
   • Provide 2 Application Forms for a National Visa.
   • Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least one year.
   • Provide 2 passport photos.
   • Provide proof that you are legal in the country where you currently live.
   • Provide proof of good conduct and morals.
   • Provide proof that you do not have contagious diseases.
   • Provide an invitation or document describing the activities you will participate in.
   • Provide documents proving that the organization you will be working for is recognized by the appropriate authorities in Spain.
   • Provide a payment order to pay for your visa application.
4. Getting a Resident Visa for investors or self-employed persons.
   • Visit the Spanish Consulate in charge of your jurisdiction.
   • Provide 2 Application Forms for a National Visa.
   • Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least four months.
   • Provide 2 passport photos.
   • Provide proof that you are legal in the country where you currently live.
   • Fill in the form EX01.
   • Ask your local Spanish Consulate for this form.
   • Provide proof of good conduct and morals.
   • Provide proof that you do not have contagious diseases.
   • Obtain an academic title or diploma relevant to your profession.
   • Have a list of documentation required to practice your profession and status as it pertains to both.
   • Provide proof that you are financially stable.
   • Provide a payment order to pay for your visa application.
5. Find a house in Spain.
   • You will be able to find a house through a simple search on the internet.
   • Contact someone you know in Spain for recommendations.
6. Find an international moving company.
   • A simple search on the internet will help you choose the best international mover.
   • Contact someone you know who has made international removals for recommendations.

Method 1 of 1: Move to Spain

1. Make sure that all bank accounts in your current country are closed and that you transfer them to accounts in Spain as soon as possible.
2. Pay off all debts before you go. Solve all problems that are difficult to solve from another country.

Tips

• The rules on proof of good conduct and morals are strict. Contact your local Spanish Consulate for details.
• Most visa applications require the original document and 2 copies to be added. For the rest, the original and a copy will suffice.
• Each photo must have a white background.
• After arriving in Spain you must visit the Oficina de Extranjeros (Office for Foreigners) to apply for a NIE number. This is a national ID number.
• If you want to reunite with a family member who is legally resident in Spain, you may qualify for a visa. Consult your local Spanish Consulate for more information.
• A written statement from your doctor that you have no contagious disease will be accepted as proof of your medical status.
• In general, all documentation you provide must be translated into Spanish.
• If you are emigrating to Spain from the United States, you need to get your police file online. Otherwise, you can contact your local Spanish Consulate for more information on how to get your hands on this police file.
• The following URL links to the application form for all visa types: http://www.maec.es/es/MenuPpal/Consulares/Formularios/Documents/2010Solicitud%20de%20visado%20nacional%20-%20EN.pdf.

Warnings

• Due to the recession and the European debt crisis, 24.6% of the Spanish population is currently (May 2012) unemployed.