There are several categories of resident permits in Spain depending on whether you are intending to work for an employer, open a business or simply retire to Tenerife and live off savings or income from abroad.

It is certainly possible to collect and present the paperwork yourself but we would strongly advise you to seek the advice and assistance of a professional who deals with applications for residents permits on a regular basis not least because the laws relating to immigrating to Spain changing from day to day.

Once you are in legal employment and have an NIE or residents permit you are entitled to social security benefits should you find yourself out of a job.

TIBC have produced a Residencia Guide explaining the subject in detail. Use the downloaded link below. (Requires Adobe Acrobat reader, dont have it? click on the Adobe icon below.)