Applying for residence card

Jan 17, 2007 · landels · 6 replies · 3837 views

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First time post, please help - my question is - do i have to apply, then wait to obtain my NIE number before i can go to the foreigners office and apply for my residence card. I am moving to Barcelona from the UK shortly and sharing an apartment with a friend that is already living there, i have all the documents ready and i was under the impression i could just go to the foreigners office with copies of passport , passport picture's , proof of residence etc and get the application for my residence card underway, but after reading a little it look's like i have to go to the police station first and apply for a NIE number first and then wait for this to arrive , is this correct ? thanks Paul

Jan 17, 2007 · Expatriator

Yep, right.

You technically don't need your residence card, but check out this post about renewing your residencia (http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/forum/viewthread/225/) for a lot more info about that.

Good luck with your move!

Jan 17, 2007 · landels

Thanks for a speedy response, but unfortunately i will need a residence card. My wife is South American and is currently staying and studying there. She will be finished her studies in about 6 months and the only way i can get her to come and join me in Spain is to have a residence card and invite her across on sometime called a family re-grouping visa.
Some my question still stands - do i have to go and obtain a NIE number before i can go and apply for my residence card?
And if i do does it take about a 1 week or 2 after i put in the application before i get the NIE number. Thanks again

Jan 18, 2007 · Expatriator

If I remember correctly and from my impressions of others' NIE and residencia-getting experiences, Give it at least 4-8 weeks to get your NIE, then apply for your residencia and it'll take at least that long again.

And yes, you'll need the NIE which is your governmental ID number to get your residence card.

Jan 18, 2007 · landels

Thankyou very much for your help.

Jan 28, 2007 · SpainExpat member

In Sevilla we got our NIEs the same day we took in our applictions. We did have our solicitor fill in the forms for us and, fortunately, we had all the required originals and copies with us. When our turn came our docs were checked ane we were given a form each to take to a nearby bank to pay the fee. The bank stamped the forms and we took them back to the poice office and were allowed to the head of the queue where we were given our printed NIEs. May vary at other centres of course.