Residency permits to be allowed to foreigners buying properties over €160,000

Illustration only

MADRID Earlier this week the Secretary of State for Trade, Jaime García-Legaz, announced that the government is studying changes to the Foreigners Law in order to issue residency permits to foreigners purchasing properties for over €160,000. It is aimed, he added, at the Russian and Chinese markets, and that the changes will take place 'in a few weeks time.' The established purchase price is, said García-Legaz, at a 'balanced level' that is not expected to cause a 'massive demand for residency permits' and a lower price could serve as an 'excuse' to obtain residency.>>>

New Residency Requirements for EU citizens planning to live in Spain for more than three months

SPAIN (Press release from British Embassy, Madrid) The Spanish Government has introduced new residency requirements for all EU citizens – including Britons – who plan to reside in Spain for more than three months. Under the new rules, EU citizens applying for residency in Spain may be required to produce evidence of sufficient financial means to support themselves (and dependants). Applicants may also be asked for proof of private or public healthcare insurance. The Ministerial Order sets out the new requirements and some of the documentation applicants may be asked to present. A British Embassy (and therefore unofficial) translation with more detailed information is available on the UKinSpain website. All EU citizens planning to reside in Spain continue to need to register in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreigners Office) in their province of residence or at designated Police stations. More information is available on the Ministry of the Interior’s website. Ministerial Order 1490, which came into force on 10 July, attempts to clarify the entry and residence requirements for EU citizens based on the Royal Decree 240/07 of 28 March 2007 which in turn transposed into Spanish legislation the EU Directive 2004/58/EC of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States.

European citizens residing in Spain no longer need apply for a residence card

SPAIN - Royal Decree 240/2007, approved by the Council of Ministers on February 16th, establishes that EU citizens will not be issued with residencia cards as from March 28th. However, the decree does require that EU citizens planning to reside in Spain for three months or more must register in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros - usually a section of the National Police headquarters - in their province of residence or at specially designated police stations. They will receive a certificate stating name, address, nationality, NIE number and registration date (photo). Those already possessing residence cards do not have to go through the above procedure until their card comes up for renewal. In any case, it is always advisable - and required by law - to carry identification at all times.