Spain has recently relaxed the rules on residence cards for EU nationals in Spain – The old plastic photo residence card has been phased out and is replaced by a "Certificado de la Ciudadano de la Union por Extranjeros", ("Certificate of Residence for Foreigners”) This takes the form of a Certificate with your details on it but does not carry a photo of the holder. These “Certificates of Residence for Foreigners” can be obtained from your local National Police Station.

You will need to collect from the National Police Station the three forms for you to fill in including a form for your Bank to pay for your “Certificate of Residence for Foreigners” which amounts to 6:70 euros (correct at 19/6/08)

You need to produce:

Your NIE form Original and photocopy.

Your valid Passport and a Photocopy.

Your Valid Padron (From your Town Hall).

A “Certificate of Residence for Foreigners” IS compulsory, however, if you are any of the following:

- A pensioner retiring to Spain (who has never worked there)

- A person of independent means (ie, not employed or self-employed)

- A non-EU national dependant of an EU or Spanish national