IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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Moving to Spain Valuable advice, news, geographical descriptions, for people moving to or visiting south east Spain
Making the decision
If you want to settle in Spain either long or short term then you have to have determination and patience. The hot weather may be a major attraction to you, but this alone is not sufficient; the sun is nice for a while but if you need to work in it to survive, it is not quite so comfortable. If you are one of those who like everything done straight away then Spain will tale some adjusting to. Be prepared for a slower lifestyle where things take a little longer to get done; Living in Spain is not a holiday.
Still convinced that you want to move ? Then read on and do it:.
Perhaps you have a home in Spain, or you want to find one when you get there, possibly you have work to go to or will look for work when you get there. If you have no arrangements don't worry, there are plenty of both, depending on which area of Spain you are going to.
NEW ENTRY & RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR EU CITIZENS
From 28 March 2007, Royal Decree 240/07 requires that all EU citizens planning to reside in Spain for more than three months register in person at the Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) in their province of residence or at designated Police stations. However, they will no longer be issued with a residence card and, instead, will be issued a certificate stating their name, address, nationality, identity number and date of registration. EU citizens who already have valid residency cards need take no action until the card expires. On expiry they too must register at the Oficina de Extranjeros or designated police stations.Social Security
You need a social security number to work in Spain. I am sure that you are aware that if you are self-employed you have to pay into the social security, but also if you are employed you pay and this should be deducted by your employer before payment.You are entitled to social security benefits, but pro rata to what you have paid in.
You also are entitled to medical care i.e. (free at present in Valencia, if you are registered on the "padron" at your local town hall) you can sign on with your local doctor/clinica.
You only have to pay contributions if you are earning money in Spain.
National Identification Number
As a foreigner living and/or working in Spain, the first thing you MUST do on arrival is obtain an NIE number. This is a simple process providing you follow the guidelines. You can get a gestor to apply for you but it will cost you about 100 euros. To do it your self, go to the nearest National Police station and collect an application form. It is impossible to buy a car or a home without an NIE number.
EU citizens must apply in person within 3 months of entry by presenting a valid passport, completing an application form and paying a fee.
There is also provision for non-EU family members, who have entered on valid passports and visas (where required), to reside with EU citizens, providing they too register in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros or designated Police stations within 3 months of entry. They will be issued with a identification certificate. For family members of EU citizens). Additional documents will be required.
You should obtain further information and application forms:
a) From the Labour Ministry website for foreign nationals
http://extranjeros.mtas.es
b) In person at the Oficina de Extranjeros or local police station in your province of residence.
The Oficina de Extranjeros in Madrid can be contacted as follows:
C/ General Pardiñas, 90
28006 - Madrid
Tel.: 913226801 Comunitarios
(Open from 9.00 to 19.00 Monday to Thursday and from 9.00 to 14.00 on Fridays)
C) By calling the Labour Ministry's Immigration Directorate helpline on 91 363 9071; 91 363 9069; or 91 363 7108