If you\'re planning on living and working there then you will have to pop along to the police at some point.
To live and work in Spain you have to have permits. There are two very different permits - one to work there and one to live there (a residencia). They are issued by the same department of the National Police who like to know who is in their country. In Spain there are three different police forces. It is the National Police who you should see to request application forms. Very few of them speak English but it is easy to make it known what you want. If you try to speak Spanish they will admire you and give you a lot of respect although the language is rarely a barrier when you are parting with your money !
Your application forms must be returned to the Police along with several important items, as a minimum these will include; 3 photographs (passport style - in colour) A full passport (original and 2 photocopies) Title deeds or a rental contract stating where you live A work contract (min 6 months long - original and a photocopy) The fee. A certificate from a bank in Spain, proving that you have sufficient money in the account, or a regular income coming in to support you.
Before you can be issued with a work contract you need a National Insurance number NIE No) which you apply for at the Police station. This takes 3-4 days to come through and to apply you need your passport along with a copy.
The forms are in Spanish, but most stations have an interpreter. Getting this NI number is the first thing that you do. If you are staying with someone else you must go to the local council office and complete an application form for a certificate which states where you live. This certificate is free and easy to obtain. Take with you: Your passport and a photocopy, your friend\'s passport and a copy and a household bill with the address of the property on it. You may also need this certificate if you intend to buy a Spanish vehicle.
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