Before purchasing real estate in Spain, you should investigate your status as a foreigner. Even if you are only interested in a summer home or any stay in Spain for more than 3 months, you will need either a residence visa plus residence permit or a 90 day extension ( permanencia)
Visitors from EU countries, and from a number of other non EU countries, do not need a visa for a stay for up to 90 days. If you plan to live permanently in Spain, you should obtain a Spanish residence visa, before you enter the country. You can apply for the residence permit in Spain at the Oficina de Extranjeros .
The Consulate General advises all U.S. citizens residing in their consular district or staying for more than three months to register with the consular section. The U.S. passport must be submitted at the time of registration to confirm citizenship. Registration facilitates replacement of lost and stolen passports and emergency notification via the "warden system".
Visa for retired persons
To apply for this visa the following requirements must be submitted in person:
- Passport valid for a minimum of six months and three photocopies of the personal information and photo page.
- 4 recent pictures, passport size.
- Original marriage certificate and 1 photocopy.
- Original certificate of good conduct issued by the police department of the city or cities where the applicant has spent 6 months or more in the last 5 years, with a translation into Spanish and 1 photocopy.
- Original medical certificate typed on doctors stationary verifying that the applicant is free from the following quarantine diseases: yellow fever, cholera, and the plague. The certificate must also certify that the applicant is free of drug addictions and mental illness, with a translation into Spanish and 1 photocopy.
- Original certificate of a public or private institution certifying that you receive a pension, specifying its monthly amount, and 1 photocopy.
- Proof of any other source of income and/or properties in Spain plus 1 photocopy of each document.
- If you are a resident of the USA, bring your green card.
The resolution of your application might take up to 6 weeks. Be advised that special conditions for certain cases may apply.
The consulate provides information on U.S. citizenship and dual nationality. In 1990, a new interpretation of federal laws concerning U.S. nationality facilitated the acquisition of a foreign nationality without endangering U.S. citizenship.
As a result, a variety of situations now exist where U.S. citizens may acquire Spanish nationality without losing their U.S. citizenship.
To work in Spain, you must have
valid working papers. For information on the proper procedures,
you can contact:
Embassy of Spain
2375 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20037
Those who wish to remain in Spain for more than 90-day period in order to study or to reside MUST obtain a visa from the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. or in the country of last residence BEFORE coming to Spain and apply for a residency permit at the Oficina de Extranjeros (previous appointment is needed).
The law establishes penalties for those staying illegally in the country. A foreigner found living illegally in Spain can be arrested and held for up to forty days while an expulsion order is being prepared, and then be expelled from Spain at the foreigners expense.
By using the contents of this site you accept our user agreement. All contents are intended as study material and a general guidance. It does not substitute professional legal advise. We advise readers to contact the authorities before making any legal or tax involving decisions.
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