US Citizen Marrying Citizen of Spain

[rockview]

Hello Everyone:

I searched the forum for the answer to my questions, but I did not find them.

Finally, my wedding day is nearing (April 30, 2008).

She (the Spanish Citizen) is flying to the USA to marry then returning to Madrid for her job.

I have learned that we must get our Marriage Certificate acknowledged in Spain by visiting the consular for a "Libro de Familia".

Now, I will arrive in Spain in July and want to apply for Residencia.

Question 1: I know what documents I will need to submit for the Residencia, but I am wondering if anyone knows how long I should expect to wait for the process to complete in Madrid....???


Question 2: I am finishing up the coursework for my Ph.D. here in the United States and after applying, I will need to return to the USA until November or December to finish. I am planning to apply for naturalization (via marriage to a Spanish citizen) in one year. Should my absence from Spain cause an inexcusable break in the 1-year residence requirement? I have read that there are some instances when absences will not count against an applicant under certain circumstances.

Question 3: Will I need to interview with the naturalization people such as applicants do here in the USA? If so, will I need to speak perfect Spanish?


Thank you sooo much!

[chris(madrid)]

I'm a Brit married to a Spaniard - we were married in the UK and we live here as married and STILL dont have a "Libro de Familia". But as a Brit I have the right to residencia. Mine (permiso de residencia) took about 6 weeks all told.

GET THEE to the Spanish embassy/consulate - Get in writing all you need and follow it.

[rockview]

Originally Posted by chris(madrid)

I'm a Brit married to a Spaniard - we were married in the UK and we live here as married and STILL dont have a "Libro de Familia". But as a Brit I have the right to residencia. Mine (permiso de residencia) took about 6 weeks all told.

GET THEE to the Spanish embassy/consulate - Get in writing all you need and follow it.

I find it to be so amazing that after 6 months you have not received it. Today, I called the consulate in Chicago, IL and the representative told me that the inscription is done there at the consulate office. She said that it is not something that they must send to Spain and await authorization. According to her, depending on workload, she can have this completed in 1-2 weeks. She said it never takes longer than 2 weeks at their location.

Was the 6 weeks in the Madrid location?

Thank you,

[chris(madrid)]

6 weeks-ish (in Madrid) - You have to go and present papers etc - at this they give you a TEMPORARY permit effective immediately for 4 weeks (renewable). The final one with photo etc took about 6 weeks to arrive - subsequent renewals between 2 and 4 weeks. But bear in mind I'm talking over ten years ago.

DO NOT EXPECT SPEED from Spanish Civil Authorities. It can be lightning fast if it's to do with fines of course - but don't EXPECT IT. Only took 4 years for the local authorities to add us to Catastro correctly. I now work in a small town hall - I see it all!. My wifes family is scattered through Madrid Town hall too. BUT you'll be dealing with a branch of the police.

In Madrid you'll be queuing with the non-EEC-Europeans at a guess. EEC members have an easier time of it in Madrid (we can even go when the office is officially shut to others). I thing the address was General Pardiñas 90 - get it done in the US if poss! - The queues are LONG, and NOT indoors.