Affordable Mallorca | How to Ger your NIE and Residency- The…

Expat living has its perks. Stay legal to enjoy them all.

How an EU Citizen Gets a NIE and Residency in Spain #

Are you EU citizen looking to take advantage of the opportunity to live in a country with, oh, I don’t know, better weather and an encouraged afternoon nap? Well then… Viva España!

Now it’s time to prep yourself to live like a local. With these two documents, your reality will meet your dreamy expectations of island life.

First things first — what is a NIE, and Residencia and who needs it? #

A NIE, or Foreigner Identification Number, is issued by the Spanish government to an individual who spends a significant amount of time in Mallorca. Any EU citizen can get one and there is no harm or penalty for having it. In fact, it’s only a benefit.

Residencia means you’re registered as ‘living’ in Spain, applying to anyone who spends more than 3 months a year in the country. If that last sentence describes you, gaining your Residencia is actually mandatory according to authorities. This also means, you could be subject to paying tax[

What are your options? #

Let’s start here. Do you speak Spanish ?

If you are able to communicate in the local language, the process will be easier. Of course, it isn’t impossible to get a NIE and/or Residency

if you don’t speak Spanish, but you may want to consider hiring some assistance from a well-established company or personal aide.

How do you acquire a NIE? #

Do you speak Spanish? If you are able to communicate in the local language, the process will be easier. Of course, it isn’t impossible to get a NIE and/or Residencia if you don’t speak Spanish, but you may want to consider hiring some assistance from a well-established company or personal aide.

EX-18 form (http://www.ub.edu/uri/Document... ), also known as the Solicitud de inscripción en el Registro Central de Extranjeros_Residencia Ciudadano de la UE.

EX-15 form (https://www.citizensadvice.org... ) Typically, this form is for Non-EU Citizens but it’s always best to have too much documentation …

Modelo 790-012 form (https://sede.policia.gob.es:38089/Tasa790_012/ImpresoRellenar) This form you take to the bank and pay for your NIE. The cost is between €10.00 - €15.00 at the time of writing this article (December 2018).

How do you acquire Residencia? #

Becoming a resident isn’t quite as straightforward as getting a NIE. For this reason, it’s recommended that you get some assistance — unless you speak the language fluently and have the time for the process. Assistance just means avoiding queues, and not having to keep up with Spanish laws and requirements.

What are the benefits of going through this process? #

We know what you’re thinking! This is a lot of work! But having a NIE and Residencia opens the door to the real island life. Living under the radar isn't as glorious and relaxing as it seems. Sure this process takes time, but can you really put a price on peace of mind?

Eventually, you’ll want to open a bank account, , maybe buy a house or a car, , or just rent a flat. You’ll want to have utilities in that house, internet, even a phone contract… and let#s be honest, we all know ‘pay as you go’ isn’t the way forward. Residencia is mandatory if you have kids who are entering school in Spain. It you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, this also means you’ll be subject to paying tax, which is another big topic covered in Affordable Mallorca Relocation Guide Spain

AFFORDABLE TIP: If you live on the islands, once you acquire your Residencia, you should take advantage of what’s called a Certifico Viajar. This document allows you to travel amongst the islands and mainland, either by Spanish airline or ferry at a 75% discounted rate on the fare, excluding tax fees. You can scoop this paper up at your local Ayuntamiento, or Town Hall for the affordable amount of €1.30 (price as of 2018). Bring your Residencia, NIE and passport and they will print it for you on the spot!

Friends, if after reading this article you feel as if you need a virtual hug, consider one sent. If admin just isn’t your area of genius, don’t be afraid to get help with this. There are 7.2 billion people on the planet (as of 2018) which reminds us that we really shouldn’t have to take on life on our own. Good luck!

DISCLAIMER: All information contained in this article is based on personal experience and opinion and may change due to changing laws and regulations and/or based on where in Spain you are.