NIE - Page 2

Debra,

No such thing as NIE cards.  The ruling in Spain is that if you intend to reside in Spain for more than 3 months, you are obliged to make an application for Residencia.  This will get you your green Residencia cards, that will also have a NIE on them.  A NIE will be generated at the time Tesidencia is granted.

Saludos, Darío

Hi, 

Legally Dario.is absolutely correct. Having said that so many people don't bother. The bureaucracy to obtain Residencia is costly & seems arduous while NIE is quite painless & can be done at the Spanish Embassy in London. Maybe even on line.

Just plan to come out for a few months and then accidentally extend.

Best Wishes,

BOB AND SANDRA

Thank you Dario. Just one more thing I wasn't aware of! Naively I had imagined we could just turn up with our EHIC cards as if we were on an extended holiday.🌞

Thanks! Knowing me I would get into hot water for not having the correct documentation...😧

Hi Debra, the problem with EHIC is they are valid for up to 3 months and for holiday only.  Possibly - probably - you could turn up and be ok, but as I keep saying, as Brexit draws closer, bureaucracy is tightening up.  Last thing you want is to need medical services and suddenly find there is “an issue”

Residencia isn’t too much of an issue as long as you have the correct documentation; plenty of Gestoria etc to help you

Thanks Dario. I think we will apply when we arrive.

All correct above in theory but just to clear any misunderstanding - If staying longer than 6 months then residencia should be applied for at 3 months of being in Spain. 

If staying 6 months or less residencia is not needed but its worth popping into the medical centre (with your passport and EHIC card) as they may issue you with temporary sip cards for use while you are there, if this rule hasn't changed recently.

I'm sure others will correct me if I'm wrong.

Jan, sorry to correct you, but information directly from Official(s) at Oficina de Extranjeria in Almería is that your UK passport is good for a 3 month stay.  Anyone wishing to remain in Spain for more than 3 months should apply for Residencia - this is the information I was given directly by CNP at Extranjeria when I was there about two weeks ago ... I am not minded to argue with the Policia Nacional :-D

Saludos, Darío

This may explain better.....from our other forum:

https://www.talkquesada.com/quesada-general-discussion-f9/spending-three-months-holiday-in-spain-t30068.html#p132952

Mmmm ... ok.  I was going on advice from officials and also from UK Governmemt :- 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/residency-requirements-in-spain#residency-requirements

Extract : 

Spain: Register your residency

How British nationals who plan on living in Spain for more than 3 months must register as a resident and on the Padrón at their town hall