It can be exciting to move to Spain.If you plan to move to Spain, you will need to apply for a visa through your local Spanish consulate.Once you get that out of the way, you can pick a beautiful small town or a bustling large city to live in while you find your way around your new country.
Step 1: An employer in Spain is willing to sponsor a work visa.
Before moving or visiting Spain, you should look for work online or in person.You can stay in the US for 3 months without a visa if you're from the U.S.You may need to apply for a travel visa if you're from another country.You can find out more at your local Spanish consulate.Spain's job market is fairly competitive, so you need to pick an industry that needs workers.Skills are in high demand in the retail and food industry.Technical jobs are in demand, as well as work teaching a foreign language.It may be hard to find an employer who will sponsor you because of the regulations.The list of in-demand jobs in Spanish can be found at http://www.sepe.es/.
Step 2: If you're from a non-EU country, you can support yourself with a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa.
You can live as a long-term resident in Spain without being a citizen.If you can prove you have the money to stay in Spain, the country will usually allow you to renew it.You need to be able to sustain yourself to stay in Spain.You either have enough money in the bank to support yourself or you are self-employed and wealthy.You need to show that you have at least 25,560 Euros a year in income for the time you will be in Spain, as well as an extra 6,390 Euros for each person besides yourself.The numbers can change over time.
Step 3: EU citizens can stay without a visa.
You don't need a long-term visa to stay in Spain if you are a citizen of an EU country.Spain has free movement agreements that allow you to live and work there.This rule applies to citizens from other countries.
Step 4: You need to fill in the visa form.
Information on your passport, flight itinerary, and current address can be added.If you don't have a Spanish address, you will need to put it in the city and region you plan to live in.The form will ask you questions about your family, your reason for entering, and the type of visa you're applying for.You can get a form from your local consulate, which will help you figure out the best one to use.You can use this form in English at most English-based consulates.A student visa can be used to move to Spain.
Step 5: All visas need to be completed with the Ex-01 form.
You can find directions on the second page of the form, which is mostly in Spanish.It's a short form that asks for basic biographical information, such as your address, email, marital status, and cell phone number.The form can be found here: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/consulados/HOUSTON/esThe form can change from time to time and you should always check with your consulate.
Step 6: Take 2 photos with your passport.
You will need a passport that is valid for at least a year, along with 2 passport-sized photos.Most drugstores and big-box stores have passport photo departments.You can take one yourself, but you should read up on the rules for passport photos, which include things like having no glare, not hiding your face, and using a neutral background.
Step 7: If you're applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, you need to establish your income.
You can show this income through stock and investment statements, your bank account, or any other official paperwork.If you want to stay in Spain you will need to establish that you have enough money to live on.
Step 8: You should be allowed to go to Spain if you write a letter explaining why.
You can tell the Spanish Government why you would make a good resident.The length of your stay can be established by introducing yourself and your purpose.It's been one of my life-long dreams to live in Spain.I've visited many times and I like the people and culture very much.While living in your beautiful country, I will also volunteer and help local whenever I can, as I have always been a law-abiding citizen.If you need to support yourself in Spain, this is a good place to discuss how you can.You can list what is in your bank accounts.I have the means to support myself in your country, as evidenced by the steady income provided through my stock investments, listed below.
Step 9: You need a medical statement to prove you have insurance.
If you don't have any contagious diseases, your doctor should write and sign a letter on your behalf.You need to be examined by your doctor by the last 3 months.You need to show that you have international medical insurance when you're in Spain.
Step 10: Get your police record cleared.
You don't have a criminal record in the last five years.You can apply through your state's department of justice or the US Department of Justice.Contact your local government in other countries.You will need to fill out a form, pay a fee, and be fingerprints for this process.You can find a list of state websites here.The clearance must have been given within the last 3 months.
Step 11: You need to fill out the payment form.
Basic biographical information is required in this form.You need to mark the box for the visa.If you're applying for a non-lucrative visa, make sure to check "Autorizacin inicial de residencia temporal."
Step 12: All documents should be translated by a certified translator.
You need to translate your documents into Spanish if they are in another language.You should make copies of the documents for yourself.You will need a copy of the original for the consulate.
Step 13: You should make an appointment to bring in your application.
Once you have all of your forms and documents, you need to apply in person.You can make the appointment by calling your local consulate.They will be able to help you with your application.Before you come in, ask about the application fee and what you need to bring in.
Step 14: If you want more cultural opportunities and a busy nightlife, move to a large city.
Spain's larger cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, are full of exciting things to see and do.It comes at a cost, as you tend to pay more for housing in the big cities.Popular tourist destinations will be more expensive.
Step 15: Local charm and cheaper housing prices can be found in a quieter area.
If you don't need to go to the theater every night, you can find a quaint little town.The slow-town life can be just as engaging as the big city, and the housing prices are much cheaper.
Step 16: You can find a place to rent online.
Renting is likely to be easier when you move to Spain.Try searching through these portals to find an apartment to rent once you decide where you want to live.When looking at these sites, you should expect a monthly rent price along with the size of the place in square meters.You can try sites such as idealista.com.
Step 17: International moving companies can help you with your household items.
If you don't want to downsize to what you can fit in a few suitcases, moving is the best option.If you're moving from the U.S. to another country, make sure you check the Federal Maritime Commission's list of licensed moving companies.Ask for a quote in person, and when the company packs up your belongings, request a list of all the items packed.You should get a receipt when the company picks up your items.They have enough insurance to cover your belongings if they are lost.You may want to buy additional insurance if you don't.
Step 18: Work on speaking Castilian Spanish.
If you want to get a job in Spain, you're going to need to speak the language.Speaking some of the language will help if you don't plan on working.Pick up a book at the library.You can take classes, use apps, and consume media in Spanish.Being proficient in any Spanish dialect will be helpful, even if the Castilian dialect is different from Mexican Spanish.
Step 19: If you can identify anything missing or broken, unpack as soon as possible.
If you want to claim anything on the moving company's insurance, you need to unpack first.Take pictures of the broken boxes and note the missing items.You can easily see if a box is missing with numbered boxes.
Step 20: For a temporary driver's license, you need an international driving permit.
Your local driving license can be used as an international driver's license if you have this permit.You will be able to drive in Spain until you get your regular license.The $20 application fee is administered by the American Automobile Touring Alliance or the U.S. Government.You can apply for a permit at either the AATA site at http://aataidp.com/applicaton or at theAAA site.You can find out how to get an IDP in other countries.One is not valid without the other, so make sure to carry your regular license with you.
Step 21: You can register at your local immigration office in Spain.
If you're living in Spain for more than 3 months, you must apply for a residency card.When you're in Spain, apply in person.Some police stations will allow you to apply for this card if you look up your local immigration office online.
Step 22: The Empandronamiento can be registered at the town hall.
It helps the town get money from the government if you register.You will have to register to access many benefits in the area.You'll need it to put your kids in school, to get medical care, or to purchase a vehicle.
Step 23: You can learn to live on time in Spanish.
You should expect businesses to be closed in the afternoon during siesta time, and many banks to close completely by 2 p.m.Siesta runs from 1 to 4 p.m.
Step 24: Expect higher utilities and lower groceries.
If you're coming from a country like the U.S. or the UK, your utilities will be 20% higher in Spain.It balances out well because groceries tend to be cheaper.