Legal
In this section:
TIE, NIE, DNI, NIF, CIF, Social Security
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Information on getting your TIE, NIE, social security number and other forms of identification for expat residents of Spain.
This, of course, does not mean you get automatic residency in Spain, nor will it make it any easier to get residency."
Spanish Citizenship and Dual Nationality
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Information about the different paths to becoming a Spanish citizen, how to apply for Spanish nationality, and issues regarding dual nationality.
To obtain Spanish citizenship you will need to swear loyalty to the King and promise to obey the Spanish Constitution and laws.
Get a Cita Previa and Get Your TIE for Spain
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... If it feels like you've spent all your extra time and Friday mornings clicking through to make a cita previa for your TIE or fingerprints appointment, you're not alone. Instead, try emaling your local office to share your grief and ask for an appointment!
Embassies and Consulates for English Speaking Countries
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Spain Expat's helpful list of embassies and consulates for your home country and Spain. Includes American, Canadian, British, Irish, Australian, and Dutch embassies in Spain.
...should give you an idea of what to expect or not expect from yours."
Getting Married in Spain - Non-EU Foreigners Marrying a Spaniard
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... A quick guide for what you will need to get married to a Spaniard as a non-EU citizen. This is based on a Madrid-based experience with a US citizen.
You have decided to tie the knot with your Spanish honey. The first thing you need to do is get all your US paperwork in order.
The Tourist Visa: Staying in Spain and the Schengen Area
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... The most up-to-date guide on the Schengen tourist visa, category C on the web, and for those traveling to Spain in particular.
EU Residency in Spain for EU Citizens, Their Spouses and Family Members
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... How to obtain Spanish residency for EU citizens, their spouses and their non-EU family members: the registration certificate (certificado de registro) and the EU-family member residence card (tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión) revealed
The EU Blue Card in Spain
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Information about the special European Union work and residence visa scheme for highly-skilled non-EU citizens called the EU Blue Card, including the requirements for, the benefits of, and how to apply for the EU Blue Card.
Start looking for jobs.
Student Visas for Spain
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Information about student visas in Spain: the different types, the requirements, and how to obtain one. Also, the rules about working on a student visa.
One-year student visas may be extended. Six-month student visas may not.
Arraigo: Staying Legal in Spain When All Else Fails
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Information about obtaining permission to stay in Spain through arraigo social (social ties) or arraigo laboral (economic ties), including what this means, eligibility requirements and application procedures.
You’re now looking for a way to legally extend your time in Spain. What to do?
Social Security in Spain
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Information about Social Security in Spain. How to get a Social Security number in Spain and where to get it. How much Social Security costs. Healthcare, unemployment, and retirement benefits.
You will need to be part of the Social Security system.
Voting in Spain
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Voting as a foreigner: Who can vote in Spain's elections and how to register to vote. Voting from abroad: Who can and how to vote in your home country's elections.
Keep in mind that if you can vote in Spain, then you can run for office too!"
Visa for Spain
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Spain Expat's comprehensive information for obtaining the various visas -other than a working visa- and residency information: retirement visas, self- employment or investment visas and more.
...the legalisation procedure is difficult, lengthy, and expensive for everyone, making Spain an illogical choice for those who do not intend to be here for at least 2 to 3 years."
Registering as a Non EU Spouse in Spain
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Information about how to get a residence and work visa in Spain as a non EU Spouse.
However, it isn’t a lost cause, as the rights of an EU citizen are extended to their family members. So even if the process can be somewhat long and frustrating at times, keep your head up and don’t lose hope.
Driving in Spain: Licenses and Regulations
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Information on driver’s licenses and regulations in Spain.
Getting a Spanish driver's license can be expensive because you have to take classes. The good news is you can study for and take the test in English."
Consumer Complaint Forms - Hojas de Reclamaciones in English
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... This article is about what are, and how to use, the official consumer complaint forms, known as Hojas de Reclamaciones, which allow any consumer who has a complaint against a Spanish restaurant, bar, shop, service provider, and many other businesses, to enter the complaint officially and easily.
It isn't a magic wand, but very often it works like one ....
The Gestor / Gestoria
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Gestores are often mentioned on the forum and articles around the site when discussing issues of bureaucracy. We realized many of you don't know what a gestor is or how to find one. This article is to inform you about what a gestor is and what he/she can do for you.
The gestor knows his way around the intricacies of Spanish administrative bureaucracy ....
Getting Married, Weddings & Giving Birth in Spain
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Information about getting married, registering a wedding, eloping and giving birth for expatriates in Spain.
A child born in Spain is not automatically a Spanish citizen..."
Wills: The Legal Will & Inheritance in Spain
- Spain Expat's Legal in Spain section brings you... Information about Spanish wills.
...the process is much simpler if there's a Spanish will."
