New Residency Requirements for EU citizens planning to live in Spain for more than three months

British Embassy Madrid Press release

17 July 2012

The Spanish Government has introduced new residency requirements for all EU citizens – including Britons – who plan to reside in Spain for more than three months.

Under the new rules, EU citizens applying for residency in Spain may be required to produce evidence of sufficient financial means to support themselves (and dependants). Applicants may also be asked for proof of private or public healthcare insurance.

The Ministerial Order sets out the new requirements and some of the documentation applicants may be asked to present. A British Embassy (and therefore unofficial) translation with more detailed information is available on the UKinSpain website.

All EU citizens planning to reside in Spain continue to need to register in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreigners Office) in their province of residence or at designated Police stations. More information is available on the Ministry of the Interior’s website.

Links to relevant legislation (English) DIRECTIVE 2004/58/EC  (Spanish) Ministerial Order 1490 

(Spanish) Royal Decree Royal Decree 240/07

Further information

The Ministry of the Interior’s website on procedures for EU citizens;

By calling the Ministry of the Interior’s Immigration Directorate helpline on any of the following numbers: (+34) 91 363 9071, (+34) 91 363 9069 or (+34) 91 363 7108.