Length of stay

Hi Kathy2017.

There are no restrictions on how long an Irish passport holder can stay in Spain or any other EU country. 

However it is strongly recommended that you have free card EHIC (formerly E111) which allows you free urgent medical treatment at A & E (called urgencias in Spain). It is a good idea to stick the EHIC card into your passport as you will certainly be asked for identification either at admission or shortly afterwards. 

If you have not already done so, you should take out travel insurance. This will cost around €120 for a couple for a year or about €30 for a month in the EU. 

This covers, not only sickness issues, but other costs such as missed or diverted flights, also theft or damage to your property. Holiday insurance is effective from date of purchase and should be in place before tickets are paid for. 

As a visitor you can come and go as you wish. If you travel to Spain on a flight originating in the UK (or anywhere outside the EU/EEA), you can expect to have your passport scrutinised. Always use the EU passport gates to reduce grief, especially once the UK formally leaves on 31 December 2020.

Enjoy Spain 

Thanks for the useful information. I was travelling back and forward to Spain and only staying about 2 weeks at a time.  I am renting an apartment in Spain on a long-term basis and as I am retired and paying the rent, electricity and water whether I'm there or not, I'd like to start staying longer each time.  I have my EHIC card and keep in along with my passport. Thank goodness that I have it as last June I fell in Roquetas and fractured my wrist.  I was taken by ambulance to Poniente hospital, in El Ejido and the first thing that they asked for was my passport and EHIC.  They never asked for travel insurance and just as well as the company who I had travel insurance with for 3 years turned down my claim when I returned home.  

Thanks again

Kathleen 

Hi Kathy

We met at the Gran Plaza, do you recall. We discussed how you would need to obtain residency if you stay here in Spain for more than 90 days, a legal requirement. Sorry to hear that you had a bad fall and needed hospital treatment, hope all is well now and that you had support from your son nearby? As a UK pensioner with an Irish passport you won’t need to worry about the impact of Brexit of course. However you should be able - if you decide to settle here and obtain residence - to get a S1 from the DWP (I think I explained this when we met) and then you would be able to get free Spanish state health service cover. No need for private insurance.

Chris

Sorry to contradict - there is most definitely a restriction.  Without Residencia, it is 90 days in any 180 day period.  Being an Irish passport holder means you can live and work during that period, but like any other EU country, without residence in that country you cannot stay longer than 90 days.

Thanks for all replies.  My problem is 'taking the plunge'.  I need to make up my mind as at present I am renting long-term in Roquetas.  About one year ago,   I did ask a lady who worked for a solicitor in Roquetas about how long I could stay as a non-resident and she said 'as long as you like',  but at the time I did not think that information was correct.  However, I intend making an appointment with a solicitor in Roquetas when I return next week.  Just hoping that the flights will operate as usual.  

Regards Kathleen

That’s a good idea; I would suggest though ensure it is a solicitor well versed in migration law.  Not all solicitors are across the requirements and I’ve found that if some don’t know, instead of saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out”, they seem to want to appear omnipotent and do make stuff up!!

Residency is a tricky subject in Spain precisely because you’ll get so much conflicting information.  This is because Extranjeria themselves can be a little ... “flexible” ... in how they approach each application.  You’ll need someone who regularly has dealings with Extranjeria in Almería and can give you definitive advice.

Best of luck for making your decision .... I’d say “DO IT! Take the plunge”, but then I’m biased :-D

There are a few uk ladies who live near to where I rent.    They have been living in Spain many years.  One of them did mention a solicitor in Roquetas to me.  His office is quite near to where I stay, so I intend making an appointment with him.  

Thanks  Kathleen 

With there being no border checks from France for example how would the Spanish Authorities know how long you have been in Spain- the 90 day rule is almost impossible to enforce as they have no way of knowing how long you have been in the country. Currently we travel from France to Spain and back every two weeks in the summer with no checks

Next week,  I'll  be making my 2nd visit to spain this year and I will be staying a few weeks, hopefully there won't  be any travel problems.  Just heard that the French air controllers are striking.  I'll do a bit of research when in Spain.

Thanks

Kathleen