viernes, 27 de febrero de 2015

Reagrupación familiar

Reagrupación familiar
Cabe la posibilidad de un extranjero ya residente en España solicite una autorización de residencia temporal para sus familiares con la finalidad de que los mismos convivan con él en nuestro país. Esta fórmula es la denominada reagrupación familiar.

La reagrupación familiar puede tener varios supuestos de partida ya que el solicitante puede ser residente en nuestro país y proceder de un país miembro de la Unión Europea, residir pero ser originario de un tercer Estado no europeo o incluso ya ser nacional de nuestro país.

Entre los requisitos a cumplir para la reagrupación familiar solicitada por un residente en España nacional de un Estado no comunitario se encuentran los siguientes: no ser ciudadano de la Unión Europea, del Espacio Económico Europeo o de Suiza, ni familiar de ciudadanos de estos países; no encontrarse irregularmente en territorio español.; haber residido en España durante al menos un año y haber obtenido autorización para residir otro año como mínimo; carecer de antecedentes penales en España y en los países en los que haya residido anteriormente; tener cubierta por la Seguridad Social u otro seguro privado la asistencia sanitaria y tener medios económicos suficientes para atender las necesidades familiares según los criterios establecidos.  

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2015

FAMILY REUNIFICATION

Foreign nationals living in Spain may request a temporary residence authorization for family members allowing them to come live in our country with them.  This is what we call ¨family reunification.¨

It may be assumed that when dealing with family reunification in Spain, the applicant is either a resident of our country originating from an EU member state, a resident originating from a non-EU member state, or be a Spanish state national.

The following are the requirements that must be fulfilled for non-EU member state nationals to apply for family reunification:


  • Not be a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland 
  • Not be a family member of a citizen pertaining to the aforementioned countries
  • Not be in Spain illegally
  • Have lived in Spain for at least one year and have been authorized to remain in the country at least one more year
  • Not have a criminal record in Spain or in country of previous residence
  • Have social security or private health insurance coverage
  • Have sufficient economic means to meet the needs of family members, according to established critera.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal

HIRING NON- EU RESIDENTS


Employer´s have the option to hire non-EU resident foreigners.  In order to carry out this procedure, there are requirements that must be fulfilled so that the foreigner can be authorized to reside and work legally in our country.

Except in exceptional circumstances, the national employment situation allows for the hiring of non-resident foreigners if the position being filled is included in the catalogue of coverage for difficult jobs. This may also be done if the employer can provide the employment services office with evidence proving difficulty in hiring personnel for such occupation.  The hiring company must be able to accredit to having the necessary economic, human and material resources to develop their project, therefore guaranteeing ongoing activity for the worker whose recruitment must be in accordance with current employment legislation.

Finally, the worker must fulfil the minimum requirements in order to be authorized to reside and work in Spain.  Such requirements include not having a criminal record and not being in an irregular situation in Spain.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal 

martes, 24 de febrero de 2015

Contratación de extranjeros no residentes

Contratación de extranjeros no residentes
Es posible que un empresario se plantee la contratación de un extranjero no comunitario que no resida en España y a continuación se explican cuáles son los requisitos que se deben de dar para poder realizar este trámite y que se autorice a trabajador a residir y trabajar en nuestro país.

Uno de estos requisitos es, salvo que se nos encontremos en algún tipo de situación excepcional, que la situación nacional de empleo permita que se realice esta contratación lo que ocurre en el caso de que la misma esté incluida en el catálogo de ocupaciones de difícil cobertura o bien, si el empleador acredita la dificultad para contratar personal para esa ocupación ante los servicios de Empleo.

Es necesario, además, que el empresario contratante garantice que tiene medios económicos, materiales y personales para desarrollar su proyecto y, por lo tanto, que garantiza un actividad prolongada en el tipo para el trabajador cuya contratación debe ser acorde a la legislación laboral vigente.

Por último, el trabajador tiene que cumplir con los requisitos mínimos para poder ser autorizado a residir y trabajar en nuestro país, requisitos entre los que se exigen no estar en situación irregular y carecer de antecedentes penales.

lunes, 23 de febrero de 2015

COMMUNITY CITIZEN DRIVING LICENSE

A Community citizen in possession of a driving license issued in any EU member state does not need to request a new one in our country, but that on the contrary, their existing license will be valid without the need to swap it out for a Spanish one (unlike non-EU citizens).

A driving license coming from en EU member state is valid only by meeting the conditions for which the license was issued. The one exception to this is that the minimum age to be able to drive must conform to the legal driving age in Spain.  Another indespensable condition is that the driving license may not be expired.

As we all well know, driving licenses must be renewed periodically.  When dealing with driving license renewals, EU member state card holders will be subject to Spanish rules and regulations, for example when dealing with penalties and fines.

The Council Directive 2006/126/CE has established a legal framework for the harmonization of Community permits.  Specifically speaking, since 2013 driving licenses have been issued with standardized administrative validity in Europe.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal

sábado, 21 de febrero de 2015

Permisos de conducir de ciudadanos comunitarios

Permisos de conducir de ciudadanos comunitarios
Un ciudadano comunitario que cuenta con un permiso de conducir expedido en algún Estado miembro de la Unión Europea no necesita obtener un nuevo permiso en nuestro país, sino que por el contrario, será válido el anterior evitando el trámite de canje del mismo como ocurre con los ciudadanos procedentes de otros países.

El permiso de conducir procedente de un país comunitario es válido con las condiciones en las que se expidió el mismo, salvo con una excepción, la edad mínima a partir de la cual se puede conducir que se adaptará a las normas españolas al respecto. Otro requisito ineludible es que el permiso se encuentre en vigor a todos los efectos.

Como bien se sabe, los permisos deben ser periódicamente renovados. En referencia a la renovación del permiso, los titulares de los permisos de conducir de un Estado miembro de la Unión Europea se verán sometidos a la normativa española en este sentido, por ejemplo, lo relativo al sistema de sanción de puntos.

La directiva comunitaria 2006/126/CE ha establecido un marco mínimo para la armonización de los permisos comunitarios y, precisamente, desde enero de 2013 en Europa se expiden permisos de conducir que cuentan con validez administrativa normalizada.

viernes, 20 de febrero de 2015

SPECIFIC CASES



SPANISH NATIONALITY ACQUISITION

The following are the ways by which one may request Spanish nationality:
  • Ten years of residency in Spain legally, continuously or immediately prior to application. 

This ten year period shall be reduced in the following circumstances:

a.) Five years: Those people who have been granted refugee status.

b.) Two years: Those people belonging to Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or people of Sephardic origin.

c.) One year: Those people born on Spanish territory.  This category includes all of the following situations:

-Those who haven´t exercised their right to Spanish nationality by choice.

-Those who have been in care of Spanish citizens or institutions for two consecutive years.

-Those who at the time of application have been married to a Spanish citizen for one year and who have not been legally separated during this time.

-The widow or widower of a Spaniard if at the time of death they were not legally separated.

-Those born outside of Spain to parents or grandparents who may also have been born outside of Spain but are originally of Spanish origin.  

  • Formal Legalized letter: granted by the Government by Royal Decree in exceptional circumstances.

  • Being of Spanish Origin: born to a Spanish mother or father or born in Spain to foreign parents if at least one parent was also born in Spain.

  • State possession:  those who have legally resided in Spain continuously for ten years in good faith and registered in the Civil Registry, even though they are not of Spanish origin.

  • Nationality by choice: a benefit that our legislation offers to those foreigners whose mother or father is of Spanish origin or subject to the guardianship of a Spaniard.

NON-LUCRATIVE RESIDENCE PERMIT:

Foreigners looking to obtain an initial temporary residence permit with no intention of carrying out labour or professional activites must fulfil the following requirements:

  • Should not find themselves in a situation of irregularity in Spain
  • Should not have any previous criminal record
  • Should have sufficient financial means to cover personal and family member living and accommodation expenses.  
  • Should have public or private health insurance and not suffer from any disease that may lead to serious public health repercussions.  

It is understood that sufficient economic means include the following:

  • For personal monthly maintenance, 400% of IPREM in euros, or its equivalent in foreign currency.

  • For maintenance of each family member for whom the applicant is financially responsible, 100% IPREM monthly in euros, or its equivalent in foreign currency.  IPREM for 2015: 532,51 euros.


VISAS AND STUDENT RESIDENCE CARD RENEWALS 

Students shall be authorized to remain in Spain for a period of more than 90 days if the purpose falls under one of the following categories:

• Studies or extended studies in an authorized learning center in Spain. The program must be full-time and the student must receive a degree or certificate of studies.

• Research or training.

• Participation in a program encouraging student and scholar mobility following a secondary school or higher education program in a high school or officially recognized scientific center.

• Non-labor practices in a public or private organization.

• Volunteer service with a program pursuing general-interest objectives.

The length of authorized stay will be the same as the length of the course or activity for which the authorization was granted with a maximum one year limit, although it may be renewed annually provided that the applicant can prove their fulfillment of all previous requirements such as passing appropriate tests. The research or studies carried out by the foreign national must prove to be satisfactorily progressing.


EU CITIZEN FAMILY MEMBERS

EU citizen family members may reside in Spain for a period of more than three months if they request and obtain the Residence Card for Relatives of European Union Citizens.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal

jueves, 19 de febrero de 2015

DEPORTATION OF FOREIGNERS


Immigration laws anticipate the deportation of foreigners in the following scenarios:


  • When commit serious or very serious illegal conducts.  This may result in expulsion following appropriate administrative proceedings and written determination that address the facts of infringement.

  • When they have been convicted of an offense punishable by law inside or outside of Spain and sentenced to more than one year of imprisonment, unless their criminal record has been wiped clean.  

The deportation of foreigners leading to the invalidation of any type of Spanish legal residence authorization or the archiving of any requested residence or work permit in Spain, shall not be imposed upon any of the following:

  • People born in Spain who have resided in the country for the last five years

  • Long-term residents

  • People of Spanish origin who have lost Spanish nationality

  • Recipients of a permanent work disability benefit due to a labor accident or occupational disease contracted in Spain, or recipients of an unemployment benefit or a pubic economic benefit issued for their social or labor integration or reintergration.

*It is important to note that those who do fall under one of the aforementioned examples will and shall be subject to deportation if they have committed one of the following serious offenses:

  • An infringment concerning national security
  • An offense jeopardizing Spain's relations with other countries
  • A serious offense involving activities contrary to public order foreseen as very serious or recurring acts within one year of the initial one

Deportation shall not be imposed upon the spouse of the accused if he has legally resided in Spain for over two years nor will it affect his ascendants or underage children, or his disabled children of age who are not capable of providing for themselves due to their mental state.

In cases where it would violate the principle of non-refoulement or where it may affect the health or gestation period of pregnant women, the expulsion will come with a ban on entry into Spanish territory of no more than five years.

Exceptionally, when the foreigner poses a serious threat to public order, public security, national security, or public health, then he may be banned from re-entering the country for up to ten years.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal





MIXED MARRIAGES BETWEEN FOREIGNERS AND SPANIARDS


When we say mixed marriage, we are referring to the matrimony between people of different nationalities.  In this case, we are talking about foreign nationals who have chosen to marry a Spanish national.  There is a possibility that such marriage may be celebrated even if the foreign national does not legally reside in Spain.

Mixed marriages have special characteristics that make them unique with respect to the celebration of them among Spaniards.  A previous marriage record must be registered with the intention of making sure that the spouses are capable of seeing it through and giving their consent without any foreseen hindrance.

The Civil Registry in the applicant´s place of residence is responsible for processing the marriage record.

To start a marriage record both spouses must submit required documentation, such as a municipal registration certificate (empadronamiento) or a birth certificate.  After passing through a series of phases in processing to check for anything that may stand in the way of celebrating the marriage, it will be authorized.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal 

HOW TO OBTAIN NATIONALITY- THE TEST

Spanish nationality acquisition procedures were established by immigration standards. They are conditional on the fulfillment of terms of residence on Spanish territory. Terms and conditions vary depending on the circumstances, characteristics and foreigner´s country of origin. On top of aforementioned information, the law stresses the importance of proving civic conduct and sufficient integration into Spanish society.

To demonstrate such integration into Spanish society, the applicat must take a an exam, or test, that consists of a number of questions regarding culture, history, and the society of our country.  It is understood that one´s ability to answer such questions will accredit the foreigner´s integration in Spain.

The Civil Registries are responsable for the nationality exam as they are considered the most competent in handling the nationality applications and treat it more as a process than a file.  These registries are in charge of preparing the questions and later evaluating and assessing the applicant's answers.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal

miércoles, 18 de febrero de 2015

Matrimonios mixtos entre ciudadanos españoles y extranjeros

Matrimonios mixtos entre ciudadanos españoles y extranjeros
Se habla de matrimonio mixto en los casos en los que los contrayentes tienen una nacionalidad diferente y en este caso nos ocupamos del supuesto en el que los ciudadanos que van a contraer matrimonio son un español y un extranjero. Cabe la posibilidad de que este enlace se celebre incluso con extranjeros que no residen legalmente en España.

Los matrimonios mixtos presentan características particulares respecto a la celebración de aquellos entre españoles. La celebración de este tipo de enlaces requiere de la realización de un expediente previo que tiene la finalidad de constatar que los contrayentes presentan la capacidad necesaria para llevar a cabo el matrimonio y prestar su consentimiento al mismo sin que existan vicios de ningún tipo.

La competencia para tramitar el expediente es del Registro Civil correspondiente al lugar de residencia de alguna de las dos partes.

El inicio del expediente se da con la presentación por parte de los futuros cónyuges de la documentación requerida por la normativa vigente, por ejemplo, certificado de empadronamiento o nacimiento. Tras una serie de fases en el procedimiento en las que se comprueba la falta de impedimentos para la celebración del matrimonio, se autorizará el mismo.

martes, 17 de febrero de 2015

DEGREE ACCREDITATION

Public Legalization of Documents


Assuming that all public foreign documentation must be legalized in order to be valid in Spain, and all Spanish public documentation must be legalized to be valid abroad, it is important to understand that the term ¨legalizing¨ refers to the process of authorizing or certifying a legal foreign document bearing an authentic signature so a foreign country´s legal system may be able to recognize it.

This process has been simplified due to signed ageements among countries as their has been an increasing need for public legalization of foreign documents worldwide.  The most relevant agreement is the Hague Convention of October 5th 1961 which substitutes documentation legalization with a simple stamp or aspostille that never expires.



The original documents, as well as copies issued by Public Administration Authorities, must be legalized, such as notarized authenticity testimonies.

However, foreign documents that are going to have effect in Spain must be translated into Spanish. Only official translations are permitted, such as the following:


  • Official translation realized in Spain by a sworn Spanish translator or interpreter appointed by the Ministry.
  • Official translation issued by Spanish representation abroad.
  • Offiial translation completed by diplomatic or consular representation in Spain from the country issuing the document.

On the other hand, countries that are not part of the Hague Convention must legalize all foreign public documents.  In general, each relevant authority must attach their notarization individually. When dealing with a document that has been issued by a non-consular authority in foreigner´s the country of origin, then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and Spanish Diplomatic Representation or Consular Office in the corresponding country must intervene.

If dealing with documents presented by a duly authorized consular authority in Spain, then it will only require intervention on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Spain.

The following documents shall be exempted from legalization:


  • Academic documents submitted to the Spanish Embassy Registry and Spanish Consulates.

  • Academic documents submitted to the Spanish Ministry of Education Registry.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal



lunes, 16 de febrero de 2015

MODIFYING RESIDENCE PERMITS

There are many reasons why foreigner´s situation of stay or residency in Spain may change to one that is completely different. Our law firm meets the concerns and doubts that may come from changing your purpose of stay in Spain and processes the resolution in order to carry it out legally.
Foreigners may find themselves in one of the following situations:



  • 1. Modifying Legal Residence Status to Residence and Work

From Residence Permit to: 

a.) work permit for paid-employment
b.) work permit for self- employment
c.) residency with the exception of a work permit
d.) residence and work permit for research
e.) residence and work permit for highly qualified professionals

  • 2. Modifying from European Union Regime to General Regime- cases dealing with annulment, divorce, cancellation, EU Member cessation, or EU Family Member Residence Card holder termination.

From European Union Regime to:

a.) non-lucrative residence permit
b.) residence and work for paid employment
c.) residence and work for paid self-employment
d.) residency with exception of a work permit
e.) residence and work permit for research
f.) residence and work permit for highly qualified professionals

  • 3. Modification of Residence Permit for Exceptional Circumstances

From Residence Permit under Exceptional Circumstances to: 

a.) non-lucrative residence permit
b.) residence and work permit for paid employment (eligible to work)
c.) residence and work permit for paid employment (not eligible to work)
d.) residence and work permit for self-employment
e.) residency with the exception of a work permit
f.) residence and work permit for research
g.) residence and work permit for highly qualified professionals

  • 4. COMPATIBILITY PERMITS: Residence and Work Permit for Paid Employment/ Residence and Work Permit for Self-Employment
  • 5. Territory and Occupation Modification for Initial Residence and Work Permit for Self-Employment
  • 6. Modification of Residence and Work Permit for Paid or Self-Employment to Residency, Residency with Exception of Work Permit, Residence and Work Permit for Research, and Residence and Work Permit for Highly Qualified Personnel. 
  • 7. Modification of purpose of stay for studies, research, training or internship.

Translated by: Katherine Pascal


Procedimiento para obtener la nacionalidad. El test.

Procedimiento para obtener la nacionalidad. El test.
Los trámites de adquisición de la nacionalidad española quedan establecidos por la normativa de extranjería y se condicionan al cumplimiento de unos plazos de residencia en el territorio español por parte del extranjero que quiere solicitarla. Tanto los plazos, como algunos de los trámites a realizar pueden variar en función de las circunstancias, características y origen del interesado. Además de todo lo mencionado hasta ahora, la Ley habla de la necesidad de que se acredite la existencia de una conducta cívica y de un grado suficiente de integración en la sociedad española.

La demostración de la integración del solicitante en nuestra sociedad se lleva a cabo a través de un examen o test que consta de diversas cuestiones acerca de la cultura, historia, sociedad de nuestro país. Se entiende que el hecho de poder contestar a estas preguntas acredita el arraigo e integración del ciudadano en España.

El examen o test de nacionalidad es responsabilidad de los Registros Civiles como entes con competencia para tramitar el expediente de nacionalidad y puesto que el mismo es un trámite más del expediente, estos Registros serán los encargados de preparar las preguntas y evaluar la corrección de las respuestas.  

viernes, 13 de febrero de 2015

LONG-STAY VISAS

A long-stay visa is a document that allows a foreigner to reside, work and study in Spain for an extended period of time.  Citizens not pertaining to the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland must request this visa to be able to carry out any of these activities in our country.

The Organic Law 4/2000 and its regulatory development established regulations to implement the application.  In accordance with its provisions, the long-stay visa application must be submitted at the Diplomatic Missions or Spanish Consular Office where the applicant legally resides.  This application is conditional upon the payment of the administrative fee, keeping in mind that there may be exceptions and discounts.

Requirements to request the long-stay visa depend on the purpose of stay in Spain, which is why it is important to consult each option at the Consular Office where such formalities are carried out.

Administration will issue an official response to the applicant´s request for the long-stay visa within a month from the application submission date.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal 

RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT

A foreigner looking to live and work in our country must request a residence and work permit for self-employment. Such permit differs on some levels from a residence and work permit for paid employment.

One of the first requirements demanded of the applicant requesting a residence and work permit for self-employment is the possession of proper professional qualifications or sufficient accredited experience in the field in order to carry out such economic activity in Spain.  Regulations also impose compulsory membership in cases where the professional activity demands it, such as with advocacy for example.

Please contact us at abogados de extranjería en Barcelona

Since self-employment requires an investment to start the economic activity, in order to carry out the activity the applicant must provide proof of sufficient economic means to obtain the corresponding residence and work permit.  At the same time, the applicant must be sure to fulfill any other further requirement that may exist due to specific regulations before initiating the activity.

Translated by: Katherine Pascal








El permiso de residencia y trabajo por cuenta propia

El permiso de residencia y trabajo por cuenta propia
Un ciudadano extranjero que desee trabajar por cuenta propia en nuestro país necesita solicitar un permiso de residencia y trabajo especial para estos casos y que se diferencia en algunos aspectos con el que se exige en el caso de que el solicitante quiera desempeñar actividades laborales por cuenta ajena.

Uno de los primeros requisitos que se exigen a aquel que va a iniciar una nueva actividad económica en España es que posea la cualificación profesional o acredite una experiencia suficiente para el ejercicio de dicha actividad. La normativa impone, además, que en el caso de que el desempeño de la profesión lo exija, como en el caso de la abogacía por ejemplo, será necesaria la colegiación del ciudadano.

Contacte con nuestros abogados de extranjería en Barcelona.

En cuanto que el trabajo por cuenta propia requiere habitualmente una inversión para el inicio de la actividad económica, uno de los requisitos para conseguir este tipo de permiso de residencia y trabajo es acreditar que se cuenta con medios suficientes para implantarla. Del mismo modo, si existe algún tipo de normativa específica que requiera el cumplimiento de cualquier otro tipo de requisitos para iniciar una actividad económica, es necesario poner en conocimiento que se cumple con estos extremos.

martes, 10 de febrero de 2015

Visados de larga duración

Visados de larga duración
Se denomina visado de larga duración al documento que permite a un ciudadano extranjero residir, trabajar o estudiar en España durante un periodo extenso de tiempo. Para poder llevar a cabo alguna de estas actividades en nuestro país es necesario que cualquier ciudadano que no proceda de la Unión Europea, Islandia, Liechtenstein, Noruega o Suiza solicite este visado.

La Ley Orgánica 4/2000 y su desarrollo reglamentario establecen la normativa para llevar a cabo esta solicitud. De acuerdo con estas disposiciones, la solicitud de un visado de larga duración debe presentarse en la Misión Diplomática u Oficina Consular española de la región en la que se resida legalmente. Este trámite está supeditado al pago de la tasa administrativa, teniendo en cuenta la existencia de supuesto excepcionales o con reducciones.

Los requisitos exigidos para la obtención del visado de larga duración dependerán de objetivo del viaje y estancia, de modo que en es necesario consultar las especificaciones para cada uno de los supuestos en la Oficina consular en la cual se realicen los trámites.

El plazo impuesto por las disposiciones legales para que la Administración emita una respuesta sobre el expediente es de un mes a partir de la fecha de presentación.


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