What is the resident or non-resident certificate?

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What is the resident or non-resident certificate?


In today’s article, we’re going to explain what the resident or non-resident certificate is. This certificate serves for the foreign person to demonstrate and certify the time they have resided in Spain, as well as indicating the type of residency they have had since their arrival in Spain.


What is the resident or non-resident certificate?

The residence certificate is a document requested from the National Police, containing your complete residency history in Spain with exact dates. In other words, it is a record that includes all residency permits and stays you have had abroad up to the present.

How do I know if I am a resident or non-resident?

The first step in determining whether a person can be considered a resident or non-resident is to check the time they have resided in the country. If a person resides for a period exceeding six months, they will be considered a resident. Conversely, if the time spent in the country does not exceed six months, they will be considered a non-resident. It is important to note that the six months do not need to be consecutive but should total six months throughout the year.

What is the usefulness of having the residence certificate?

If you are a foreigner, the residence certificate can be very useful for:

  • Opening a bank account
  • Applying for Spanish nationality
  • Obtaining long-term or permanent residency
  • Managing taxes and social security payments
  • Exchanging your driving license
  • Verifying the duration of your residency in Spain

This certificate can be requested by both non-EU and EU citizens.


Requirements to request the residence certificate:

To request the residence certificate, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Not be irregular in Spain.
  • Demonstrate that you have sufficient and valid reasons. You must also submit the following documentation:
  • Completed form EX 15.
  • National ID card (DNI) or a complete copy of your passport.
  • A document justifying the reasons for requesting the certificate.

How to request the residence certificate:

To request the residence certificate, the first step is to go to a police station after scheduling an appointment. The residence certificate will be issued to you instantly.

How to apply:

As mentioned earlier, the first step is to schedule an appointment. On the day of your appointment, bring your complete passport and the completed form EX 15, checking the box for «Residence Certificate.» Finally, you must bring proof of payment for the fee.

How long is the residence certificate valid?

The residence certificate is valid for three months and can be renewed as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a person’s tax residency determined?

Tax residency is determined according to the tax laws of the country in question. Generally, an individual is considered a tax resident if they spend a certain number of days per year in a country or have significant economic and personal ties there. The certificate of residency or non-residency is a means to formalize this determination.

Why is it important to obtain a certificate of residency or non-residency?

Obtaining a certificate of residency or non-residency is essential to comply with tax obligations in a country. It helps avoid double taxation, ensuring that the individual only pays taxes in their country of tax residency. Additionally, this certificate may be required by financial institutions, employers, and other entities when conducting financial transactions or using services abroad.

What information is included in a certificate of residency or non-residency?

The certificate of residency or non-residency usually includes basic information about the individual, such as name, address, and tax identification number. Additionally, it specifies the tax residency status of the holder, indicating whether they are a resident or non-resident, according to the tax laws of the issuing country.

How do you obtain a certificate of residency or non-residency?

The process for obtaining a certificate of residency or non-residency varies by country. Generally, it involves submitting an application to the relevant tax authority and providing the required documentation, such as proof of residence, income history, and other relevant documents.

What is the difference between being a tax resident and non-resident?

The main difference lies in tax obligations. Tax residents are typically subject to taxes on their global income in the country of tax residency, while non-residents may have a different tax treatment, such as taxes only on income generated within that country.

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