To understand the requirements and procedures for attaining residency in Spain, it is essential to start with the documentation required and the processes involved for visa applications:

Preparación de documentos:

For any visa application in Spain, all public documents from countries that are not part of the European Union must be legalized in their country of origin. Documents from countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention should be apostilled. This process includes documents such as criminal record certificates, which must be apostilled, translated into Spanish, and then notarized.

Visa Application:

Spain offers several types of visas that pave the way for residency, from short-stay visas to long-term resident visas. To apply for permanent residency, non-EU citizens must typically have held a temporary residency visa for a continuous period of five years. Some exceptions allow for faster eligibility for permanent residency, such as marriage to a Spanish citizen or having Spanish family ties.

Criminal Background Check:

A critical requirement for residency in Spain is the procurement of a criminal background check from every country where the applicant has lived during the last five years. These background checks should not be more than 90 days old at the time of the residency application and must be properly apostilled where applicable.

Sworn Translations:

All documents in a language other than Spanish must be accompanied by a sworn translation. These translations must be carried out by a certified translator and subsequently legalized or apostilled depending on the document’s country of origin.

Financial Proof:

Certain residency pathways, such as the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, require proof of sufficient economic means to stay in Spain without working. This typically means showing financial resources higher than 400% of the IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator) monthly, which would amount to about €2,259 per month for 2023. This is in addition to proving adequate housing and submitting a medical certificate and a police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country and any country where they have lived for the past five years.

Application Process:

The processing times for visas can vary significantly. Short-stay Schengen visas can be processed within 15 calendar days, but long-term residence visas might take several months depending on the consulate’s workload, the type of visa applied for, and the applicant’s nationality.

Summary of the Process in Spain:

1. Legalization and Apostille: Ensure all required documents are legalized or apostilled as needed.

2. Translation and Notarization: Get all necessary documents translated into Spanish by a Sworn Spanish Translator-Interpreter.

3. Background Checks: Obtain up-to-date criminal background checks apostilled as required.

4. Financial Stability: Prove financial stability through bank statements or other financial documents as per the specific visa requirements.

5. Health and Legal Certifications: Provide a medical certificate and police clearance certificate, both apostilled and translated.

Following these steps diligently is essential for a successful application for residency in Spain, whether temporary or permanent. Each type of residency may have additional specific requirements, so it is advisable to consult official sources or legal counsel to prepare adequately.