Spain Immigration from Australia

Spain is a popular destination for expats. There’s more to it than beautiful weather, long stretches of beach, and delicious food. Moving to Spain has several advantages, including a better work-life balance and a higher overall quality of life. 

Migrating to Spain

EU residents do not require a visa to enter Spain; instead, they must register with the local police station in the city where they will be residing.

Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, must undergo a series of requirements in order to gain temporary residency in Spain and eventually permanent residency. The most common types of visas that lead to permanent residence are listed below.

• One of the safest ways to gain permanent residency in this country is through employment visas
• Student visas, which allow international students to temporarily and subsequently permanently relocate to Spain
• non-lucrative visas, which are accessible to foreigners who want to retire to Spain and have enough money to support themselves;
• Foreign entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals who want to immigrate to Spain can apply for investment visas.

 Any of these visas can be used to achieve permanent residency in Spain as long as the specific conditions and obligations associated with each form of residence permit are met.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for a Spanish visa, you must meet certain standards, including proof of sufficient financial resources, a clean criminal background, and a certificate of overall good health. You may be granted the European Blue Card, which is equal to the Green Card in the United States, if you are a highly qualified worker.

Other requirements include:

Applicant must have lived in the country for five years: this is a requirement for all who wish to apply for residency and must be demonstrated with appropriate documents;

Have the ability to support oneself: the applicant must show that he or she has a regular source of income in Spain, such as a job or a pension.

Must be covered by insurance: the overseas candidate will need to show proof of private or state health insurance, as well as supporting documentation.

 If all of the aforementioned criteria are met, the applicant must complete and submit an application.

Documents required

The candidate must show documentation of legal residency for the last five years which is required to get permanent residency. The proof will include the following:

Information regarding the applicant’s present living situation (employment contract, self-employed, student, or retired); a registration certificate issued by the local police station in the applicant’s city of residence;

Confirmation of a Spanish address (utility bills, renting contract);

Proof of financial resources to sustain oneself (paychecks, bank statements, etc.).

Application process

Your visa application must be delivered in person to the Spanish Embassy in your place of residence.

The application is forwarded to the Spanish authorities by the Embassy.

If your application is approved, you will be contacted by the Embassy to pick up your visa. Your visa must be picked up within 30 days.

You can go to Spain using the visa. You must enter Spain within the time frame set forth on your visa (normally 90 days).

You must apply for your residence permit (with NIE number) in the province where you intend to live within 30 days of your arrival in Spain.

Your permit must be renewed on a regular basis. Your initial residence visa entitles you to a one-year stay in Spain. Residency in Spain can be renewed forever as long as the criteria of your residence permit are met.

The residence permit is normally granted for a period of two years, renewed if you continue to meet the financial conditions and spend at least 183 days in Spain each year.

You will be eligible for permanent residency after 5 years of holding a temporary residence permit.