Red tape and visas
Citizens of most EU countries (and of Norway and Iceland) need
only a valid national identity card to enter Spain for up to six
months. Since Britain has no identity card system, however, British
citizens have to take a passport. US, Canadian, Australian and New
Zealand citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to ninety days,
but this must be for tourism purposes only and not for work or
study. Visa requirements do change and it is always advisable to
check the current situation before leaving home
To stay longer , EU nationals (and citizens of Norway and
Iceland) can apply for a permiso de residencia (EU residence
permit) once in Spain. A temporary residency permit is valid for up
to a year, and you'll need an extension after that (valid for up to
five years). Applications need to be made at the Oficina de
Extranjeros in the main cities or at the police station nearest
to where you'll be taking up residency. You'll either need to
produce proof that you have sufficient funds (officially around €30
a day) to be able to support yourself without working - easiest
done by keeping bank exchange forms every time you change money -
or you'll need to have a contract of employment ( contrato de
trabajo ) or become self-employed (for example as a teacher),
which involves registering at the tax office.
US citizens can apply for one ninety-day extension, showing
proof of funds, but this must be done from outside Spain. Other
nationalities will need to get a special visa from a Spanish
consulate before departure
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