Your legal right to stay in Spain depends on the amount of time you intend to stay here and how frequently you return to your home country.

To purchase a property in Spain, you will need to have applied for a Fiscal Identification Number (NIE), which is obtained from Police Stations in your Spanish Province. This will also be needed to purchase utility services and to buy certain things like a new car. The idea of such documentation in Spain is primarily for the collection of taxes, albeit that it also acts as day to day identification. It is advisable to carry your NIE with you at all times, as it is the most widely accepted form of ID.

For further information, you can visit The Ministry for Employment and Social Affairs at http://www.mir.es (available in Spanish, French and English). The Ministry will be able to advise you on entrance to Spain, legal requirements for economic applicants, as well as your eligibility to stay, invest, and buy or sell property. This site is particularly useful for Non-European travelers looking for more information and advice on their rights and obligations in Spain. If in doubt, we are happy to pass your details to a Spanish taxation advisor who can help you with all your entrance, visa and other eligibility requirements or enquiries.

Residency will sometimes be required if you intend to live in Spain and use it as your main residence. Advice on this can be acquired from your lawyer, and with most legal matters, will depend on your exact circumstances. In all cases, residency for European citizens is easy enough to obtain, although it can be a lengthy process in certain cases.

For more detailed advice and guidance on residency in Spain please call +34 954 829 231 or click here to complete our online enquiry form.