Arriving in Spain: What to Expect
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Immigrating to Spain encompasses a lot of steps, such as receiving the Visa and getting health insurance with a local provider. But not everyone knows that a Visa is not the final stage of becoming a resident. There are a few more things you have to do once you arrive at your destination.
Fortunately, Spain immigration services can help you along the way, communicate with the government officials, and schedule appointments – anything for a smooth experience. Below, you will find out what exactly that includes.
Registering at the Town Hall
When you are in Spain and well-rested, you have to get your name on the local town register in the town hall. The process will depend on the city you have chosen, so it is smart to cooperate with Migrun for help, as the requirements for the Visa can differ. Without this registration, however, you will not be able to receive your foreign resident ID card – the TIE. Before the appointment, collect:
- passport and a copy;
- NIE number;
- property documentation (for owners);
- original and a copy of the rental contract (for renters).
Renters who have not leased a place for six months have to wait until that term. Otherwise, it is not considered long-term and will be dismissed by the town hall. Many institutions also require proof of bills.
If you are not the one paying them, ask your landlord for a copy, as well as a copy of their ID for verification. Take receipts of paid bills, too. Immigrants staying in bigger towns will have to stay patient, as the wait time can be longer than usual.
Applying for the TIE Card
With the receipt of the application in hand, you can apply for your TIE. Some prefer to wait until they receive the certificate itself before getting the TIE card. To apply, you will have to go to the National Police Station, enroll your documents, and have your fingerprints taken. Gather your Visa, your passport, two forms, a town hall certificate, and a passport-size photo.
The first part is pretty easy and shouldn’t take long. Once your documents and fingerprints are taken by the police, they will give you a signed form – a verification that you have applied for TIE.
About three weeks to a month later, you will receive a notification that your ID card is ready. Take the form given to you during the first appointment and a passport to collect the finished TIE card.
You Are Set for Official Spanish Residency
Some immigrants are not sure which documents to collect and how to communicate with the local institutions. Migrun can make the process easier by doing it all for you. All in all, you will have to visit the local town hall to get your name on the register.
Otherwise, you won’t be recognized as an official resident. Next, you will visit the National Police Station to apply for a TIE card. When that is done, you are officially staying in Spain.
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