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All European Community Citizens can stay in Spain for 6 months without Residence Card. A person, who during any one year resides more than 6 months in Spain, either continuously or sporadically, must obtain a Residence Card. The Residence Card is applied for at the local Police Station. Residence Cards take from 2 to 6 months to obtain and meanwhile you will have your copy of the application form on which a provisional foreigner's identification number, N.I.F., will be shown.

The first Residence Card will be for two years. The successive renewals will be valid for five years.

REGISTRATION FOR RESIDENCY

All foreigners with Residence Cards are obliged to be registered, like all Spanish residents. For this they will have to present their Residence Card at the local Town Hall. Once obtained, the Residence Card will grant the same rights and duties as for a Spanish citizen. All persons who normally reside in a municipality have the obligation to register in the Census of that municipality.

ADVANTAGES OF BEING REGISTERED

Persons who are registered will be able to vote. If Spanish, to vote or stand in the local, national and European elections. If foreign, you will be able to vote in local and European elections.

If you need either medical assistance in the hospital, or to collect unemployment or pension payments, then you have to be registered. Also as a foreigner you will need a Residence Certificate to buy a car in Spain.

CONSULAR REGISTRATION

If you intend to remain in Spain for any substantial length of time, you should, in your own interest, register at the British Consulate in the province in which you reside as soon as possible after your arrival.

Failure to do so, may, in an emergency, result in difficulty or delay in your receiving assistance. Proof of your registration may be necessary when the time comes for you to apply for your Residence Card.

You should renew your registration annually thereafter, keeping the Consul informed of any change of address and letting him know when you intend to leave his district permanently.

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