Residency Certificates for EU residents

[chris(madrid)]

Originally Posted by Eva33

NIE is for life. I have mine since 10 years and no renewal needed.

NUMBER - YES, CARD - NO. My card expires this year (as would a Spanish DNI) - the reason is to ensure address and foto are recent. I would rather carry a NIE than a passport. Not sure whether the NIE-CARD can be solicited with Digital Certification chip. For long stay users - This will be become a REAL boon as of 1/1/2010.

[Eva33]

Originally Posted by chris(madrid)

NUMBER - YES, CARD - NO. My card expires this year (as would a Spanish DNI) - the reason is to ensure address and foto are recent. I would rather carry a NIE than a passport. Not sure whether the NIE-CARD can be solicited with Digital Certification chip. For long stay users - This will be become a REAL boon as of 1/1/2010.

What nationality are you Chris? E.U. nationals do not have NIE/DNI card! So I am wondering what we will have to renew apart of communicating our new address in case of moving to another place. I do not understand the problem about 1/1/2010. I think I missed something here...
Sometime I think that the Spaniards do install administration systems, as cards, DNI, residence permits and several others, before even really having thought about them in depth. The result is complete lack of transparency and many complicated, time consuming and unnecessary proceedings.

[chris(madrid)]

I'm EU(Brit) and DO have a card. The first issued in 94ish was only valid 5 years and renewed in '99 for 10. Wheterh it can be renewed . I've to find out.

1/1/2010 brings a new law into place for the electronic access of personal information. A digiCert ID card will speedup the process NO END as it will eliminate forms. It's quite the reverse of a problem - it will be a MAJOR help if you have one.

Actually Spain had everything pretty well planned - and then the EU made them unplan a bit.

[mrypg9]

Originally Posted by Burriana Babs

Yes it is very important that you register for the padron and your NIE. You will find you will need both often. It is not that difficult and well worth the effort.

Yes, it isn't difficut at all -not if our experience is anything to go by, anyway. Our local town hall was very helpful.
Iknow about the many uses of the NIE but not too sure about the padron.
We get a tax discount and can vote in local and European elections, can't we -but is there anything else?

[Eva33]

Originally Posted by chris(madrid)

I'm EU(Brit) and DO have a card. The first issued in 94ish was only valid 5 years and renewed in '99 for 10. Wheterh it can be renewed . I've to find out.

1/1/2010 brings a new law into place for the electronic access of personal information. A digiCert ID card will speedup the process NO END as it will eliminate forms. It's quite the reverse of a problem - it will be a MAJOR help if you have one.

Actually Spain had everything pretty well planned - and then the EU made them unplan a bit.

As a Brit (EU special..) you have a card, as a Swiss (non EU special...) I do not need one, and actually there is no card for Swiss and other Schengen countries in existence! Of course I have a NIE, am "empadronado" and have a social security/ health care insurance. Logical, no...
As for the well planned, you could be right, but when one arrive in this country and not knowing about the procedures in order to get your papers, it is not straight forward at all. We were asked several times then same documents, and after three month of having been registered as resident, my wife (non EU) did still not receive her ID card, but only a piece of paper.
Some people are lucky and live in smaller towns where they can find help quite easily, but if you read the innumerable problems reported on this site, you will probably agree that it is not this easy. I hope you are right about this digiCert ID card, let's see...

[Eva33]

Originally Posted by mrypg9

Yes, it isn't difficut at all -not if our experience is anything to go by, anyway. Our local town hall was very helpful.
Iknow about the many uses of the NIE but not too sure about the padron.
We get a tax discount and can vote in local and European elections, can't we -but is there anything else?

You will need your NIE number (and also padron) very often. For example while receiving a package with the post, send a registered letter, many banks do ask for it, if you want some discounts after 65 years old etc. etc. etc.

[chris(madrid)]

Originally Posted by mrypg9

Iknow about the many uses of the NIE but not too sure about the padron.

The Padron is often THE POINT OF REFERENCE for anything that needs certification of address. Very necessary for schooling. You will often be asked by other entities for a Certificate of enpadronamiento as a prerequisite to applying for services. This can only be issued if you are on the Padron.

Note it's VERY controlled data. In a town hall there is a small (registered) group of folk who have access - and less still allowed to make alterations.

[chris(madrid)]

Originally Posted by Eva33

Some people are lucky and live in smaller towns where they can find help quite easily, ... I hope you are right about this digiCert ID card, let's see...

The issuing Authority is POLICIA NACIONAL in the name of the interior ministry. I'm off to see them next week - see if I can make an fixed time appointment (normally you can) today.

Edited to add - was advised by the office I called today that it'll be faster NOT making an appointment. Was told just to turn up with current UK passport (and a copy) plus current NIE card (and a copy). Guess where I'll be on Monday? - Watch this space

[mrypg9]

Originally Posted by chris(madrid)

The Padron is often THE POINT OF REFERENCE for anything that needs certification of address. Very necessary for schooling. You will often be asked by other entities for a Certificate of enpadronamiento as a prerequisite to applying for services. This can only be issued if you are on the Padron.

Note it's VERY controlled data. In a town hall there is a small (registered) group of folk who have access - and less still allowed to make alterations.

Thanks for that. Schooling won't be a requirement -more like joint replacements, alas.....
I'm sure you're right about problems with bureaucracy too, especially in larger towns. There are three very helpful people in our little Ayuntamiento, all eager to give me Spanish lessons as well as help with documentation. I'm usually the only customer. Larger municipalities are bound to be more impersonal.
Whatever the problems, there can be no comparison with our experiences of 'getting legal' in Prague. Sour, resentful 'public servants', impenetrable bureaucracy - usually eased on production of a sizeable amount of cash paid via intermediaries. And all in sub-zero temperatures for a good three or four months of the year.
Y viva Espana indeed....

[flyboy]

Yes I am going to register for the NIE and Padron but not resident.