Essential vocabulary for applying for Spanish residency

If you've recently received your visa approval and arrived in Spain, the next step is applying for your Spanish residency. Understanding the terminology involved is crucial, especially since official documents are predominantly in Spanish, and most interactions at local offices will be conducted in the local language.

Navigating the residency application can be challenging, particularly if your Spanish language skills are still developing. Here’s a comprehensive glossary of terms that will be invaluable during this process.

Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)
The TIE is the foreigner ID card issued to non-EU nationals. It serves as an essential identification document in Spain.

Residencia temporal
This refers to temporary residency, which is the initial residency period for non-EU applicants, typically lasting longer than 90 days but shorter than five years.

Residencia de larga duración
Long-term residency can be obtained after living in Spain continuously for five years. It's often referred to as permanent residency, although there are distinctions between the two.

Cita previa
This term means prior appointment. Most residency processes require you to book an appointment in advance.

Oficina de Extranjeros/Extranjería
The foreigners’ office is where you will apply for your TIE once your visa is approved.

Comisaría de la Policía Nacional
In some areas, you will need to visit the national police station to apply for residency.

Modelo
This refers to forms that must be completed during the residency application process, such as the EX-17.

Solicitud / solicitar
These terms mean application and to apply, respectively. You will need to submit a solicitud for residency upon your arrival.

Extranjero/a
This word means foreigner, with gendered endings to indicate male (extranjero) or female (extranjera).

Sede electrónica
The electronic office allows applicants to complete many residency processes online, typically requiring a digital certificate.

Residencia
Simply put, this means residency.

Visado
This translates to visa, which is necessary for residency applications.

Visado para residencia no lucrativa
Known as the non-lucrative visa, this allows residency without engaging in work.

Visado de inversor
Commonly referred to as the golden visa, this is for individuals making significant investments in Spain.

Visado de trabajo
This is the work visa, necessary for those seeking employment in Spain.

Visado de residencia por teletrabajo
Also known as the digital nomad visa, this is for remote workers.

Trabajar por cuenta propia o ajena
These phrases mean working for yourself (self-employed) or working for someone else (employed), with different visas available for each category.

Huellas digitales
This term refers to digital fingerprints, which authorities will collect when you apply for your TIE.

Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE)
The NIE is your Foreign Identification number, found on the TIE card.

Autorización/permiso de residencia
These terms refer to residence authorization or permit.

Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión Europea
This green residency certificate is issued to EU nationals living in Spain. British citizens who resided in Spain before Brexit can exchange this for their Withdrawal Agreement TIE.

Renovación
This translates to renewal, which is necessary once your residency card expires.

Tasa
This term means rate or fee, which you will need to pay during the application process.

Estado Civil
This refers to marital status, which you must declare on your application form.

Cónyuge
Meaning spouse, this term is relevant for residency applications involving family members.

Titular
This term means title or titleholder, used in various administrative contexts.

Apellidos
This means last names or surnames, essential for completing residency forms.

Fecha de nacimiento
This translates to date of birth, a common requirement on official documents.

Padrón
A padrón certificate is official proof of residence obtained from your local Town Hall, often necessary for residency applications.

Extra comunitario
This term refers to non-EU nationals, denoting individuals who must apply for the TIE.

Ingresos
Meaning income, proof of income is required for most residency visas in Spain.

Understanding these terms will facilitate a smoother application process for your residency in Spain, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the interactions and paperwork ahead.