How long do you have to live in Spain before you can apply for residency?

- cajun_spice98

How long do you have to live in Spain before you can apply for residency?

!! I am assuming you mean citizenship? If so, if you are a citizen of the UK, it takes 10 years and you then must renounce your British passport. There is no time limit for simple residency...as an EU member, you just go to the nearest police station and get your residence card (apply for it).

No not citizenship. Actually I am an American citizen currently living in Britian married to a British citizen. But I do have unlimited leave to remain in Britian. But planning a move to Spain with my husband as his dependant. Just simple residency, so tht I can obtain a Social Security number so that I can start using the helth service there. So that is done at the police station. Is there a form to fill out?

- cajun_spice98

No not citizenship. Actually I am an American citizen currently living in Britian married to a British citizen. But I do have unlimited leave to remain in Britian. But planning a move to Spain with my husband as his dependant. Just simple residency, so tht I can obtain a Social Security number so that I can start using the helth service there. So that is done at the police station. Is there a form to fill out?

Ah! In that case, when you get to your permanent domicile...you must then register at the Town Hall and get what is called "empadronamiento" form. Once they give you that form (you have to bring proof of your address)...you can then get an insurance number from the Ministry of Labour (the nearest one)...www.mtas.es...and then bring both the "empadronamiento form" and the insurance letter you will receive to the hospital that is assigned to you for the Health Service.

The "residencia" is separate...that is done at the police...and they will give you an NIE number.

It sounds complex but it really is quite simple.

Tory

Are you saying then, that in Madrid there is a right to a social security number and public health care (for EU citizens and their dependents who have been resident in the UK), just by virtue of being resident in Madrid?

Hello,

There is a right to a social security number in all of Spain and public health care for legal residents (of all countries). But yes, all hospitals will ask for the insurance number and the "empadronamiento" form. You will get the insurance number once you have that form. But the same rules apply across Spain, the law is not limited to Madrid.

- Tory

Hello,

There is a right to a social security number in all of Spain and public health care for legal residents (of all countries). But yes, all hospitals will ask for the insurance number and the "empadronamiento" form. You will get the insurance number once you have that form. But the same rules apply across Spain, the law is not limited to Madrid.

Can you cite the laws which support this Tory? I am sure this would help everyone ex UK who find themselves in a situation of a) not being able to affiliate to the Spanish social security system, b) are being told that they are not entitled to public health care, except in a case of emergency, and c) find themselves uninsured or uninsurable in the EU.

Knowing the legal basis would be a great help. Thanks in advance.