martes, 31 de marzo de 2015

NATIONALITY

Spanish Nationality Acquisition

It is understood that one´s nationality is a ¨legal bond¨ between him and his country allowing him to enjoy the rights of all fellow citizens as well as fulfil a series of obligations and duties.  Nationality encompasses two major things: the fundamental rights of citizens and their legal status.



Nationality is the highest level of integration that an individual may have in a national community; it offers more than a residence and work authorization.

In this sense, nationality plays an important role because it offers foreigner citizens diplomatic protection overseas.  All state nationals are entitled to protection and guidance from their country´s diplomatic agencies while abroad.

Article 15 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes the following:

  • Everyone has the right to a nationality
  • No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

One may acquire Spanish nationality in the following ways:


  • 1.) Residency in Spain: by legally and continuously residing in Spain just prior to requesting nationality.  This period of ten years is reduced in the following scenarios:

a.) Five years: for those individuals who have been granted refugee status.

b.) Two years: for this originating from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and those of Sephardic origin.

c.) One year:  for those born on Spanish territory, those who did not exercise their right to obtain Spanish nationality by choice, those under legal guardianship of a Spanish citizen or institution for two conesecutive years, those who have been married for two years to a Spanish citizen at the time of application and who have not been legally separated, the widow or widower of a Spaniard if at the time of death the couple was not legally separated, those born outside of Spain to a Spanish mother or father (also born outside of Spain), or those who have a grandfather or grandmother originally of Spanish descent.  

  • 2.) Possession of family status: those who have possessed and used their Spanish nationality for ten consecutive years in good faith and who are registered in the Spanish Civil Registry.
  • 3.) By choice: those who are under the parental authority of a Spaniard or whose mother or father is Spanish and born on Spanish territory.
  • 4.) By certificate of naturalization: granted by the Government by Royal Decree.
  • 5.) Be of Spanish Origin: those born from a Spanish mother or father or those born in Spain with at least one parent born in Spain.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal

lunes, 30 de marzo de 2015

RENEWING LONG-STAY RESIDENCE PERMITS


A long-stay residence permit allows a foreign citizen to reside and work in Spain indefinitely under the same conditions as Spaniards.

Foreigners must have in Spain continuously for at least five years in order to apply for a long-stay residence permit.  Continuously means that your stay has not been interrupted by absences of more than six consecutive months and no more than ten months in total over the full five years.

Renewing this permit takes place after the initial five years.  You must submit the renewal application and corresponding documents within 60 days prior to the TIE expiration date (foreigner identification card).  It is important to keep this in mind because if you renew the card after it has expired, it may result in a disciplinary proceedings.

Please consult our immigration lawyers specializing in residence permit renewal if you have futher doubts or questions.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal  

INVESTORS

Immigration for Investors

In order to contribute to the economic growth in Spain by attracting talent and investment, the immigration policy, which up until now has mainly focused on the labor market, has regulated ways to support entrepreneurs and their internationalization (14/2013 of 27 September) in order to facilitate and speed up the visa and work permit process.


This measure benefits not only the investor but the investor´s spouse and family by means of a new simplified and efficient procedure carried out by a single authority and granted in a short period of time. The visa is also valid anywhere in the country.

Non -resident foreigners with the intention of coming to Spain to invest may request an entry visa or a residence visa once the have fulfilled the following requirements:



  • An initial investment of equal to or greater than 2 million euros in public debt bonds or equal to or greater than 1 million euros in corporate shares in Spanish companies or bank deposits in Spanish financial institutions.
  • Acquisition of property in Spain with an investment equal to or greater than 500,000 euros for each applicant.
  • Development of a business project considered to be of general interest to Spain.  For this, the applicant must demonstrate his plan to propose one of the following:

  1. Job creation
  2. Socioeconomic impact in the geographical area relevant to the project being developed 
  3. Relevant contribution to scientific research and/or technological innovation

Once all requirements are fulfilled and submitted, the foreign investor will be allowed to reside in Spain for at least one year after being granted the corresponding residence visa.  

Those who wish to stay in Spain for a period of more than one year must request a residence permit which is initially valid for two years.  In order to do this, certain requirements must be fulfilled such as providing proof of a residence visa, proof of having travelled to Spain at least once during the applicant´s authorized period of stay, proof of maintenance of the investment etc.

This residence permit may be extended two additional years if and when the applicant remains interested in his project and applies for the renewal of his residence permit.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal


domingo, 29 de marzo de 2015

Renovación de permisos de residencia de larga duración

Renovación de permisos de residencia de larga duración
La autorización de residencia de larga duración es aquella que permite a un ciudadano extranjero residir y trabajar en España de forma indefinida en las mismas condiciones que los españoles.

Uno de los requisitos para que sea concedido este permiso es que el ciudadano extranjero haya residido durante al menos cinco años en el territorio español de forma continuada. Por continuada, se entiende la residencia que no se ha visto interrumpida por ausencias de más de seis meses seguidos y que no sean más de diez a lo largo de todo el periodo.

La renovación de este permiso se realiza tras cinco años de vigencia de la inicial y los trámites necesarios entre los que están la presentación del formulario que se pone a disposición por las oficinas de extranjería se deben realizar en los sesenta días anteriores a la fecha de caducidad de la denominada TIE o Tarjeta de identidad de extranjeros. Es necesario tener en cuenta estas fechas ya que si se presenta en una fecha posterior a la caducidad de la misma, cabe la posibilidad de que se incoe un procedimiento sancionador.

Consulte sus dudas acerca de la renovación de permisos con nuestros abogados especialistas.

viernes, 27 de marzo de 2015

RESIDENCY FOR EU CITIZEN FAMILY MEMBERS

Family members of Spanish citizens, citizens of other EU Member States, or citizens of countries party to the European Economic Area Agreement or Switzerland who are not nationals of said countries, may request an EU citizen family member residence card if they plan to reside in Spain for more than three months.


In order to apply for the EU citzen family member residence card, you must fulfil the following requirements:


  • To reunite with or accompany an EU Member citizen in Spain and work for self or paid employment or to carry out studies in a recognized learning center for a period exceeding three months, you must have health insurance and sufficient economic means for the family unit.


  • The EU Member State citizen, or citizen of the EEA or Switzerland must fall under one of the following four categories:
  1. Work for paid employment in Spain
  2. Work for self employment in Spain
  3. Have sufficient economic means to cover the living expenses of all family members and provide them with health insurance
  4. Be a student registered in a recognized public or private educational establishment or sponsored by the education administration to carry out studies or professional training.  You must also provide proof of health insurance and sufficient economic means to provide for the entire family unit.

  • If the applicant is a student, then he must have one of the following types of relationships with the EU Member citizen:
a.) Spouse- as long as the relationship hasn´t been declared invalid due o divorce or separation
b.) Partner- must be registered in a public registry
c.) EU citizen´s child or their spouse or registered partner´s child- must be under 21 years of age or of age but disabled and under the care of the applicant.


  • In all other scenarios, the applicant may also be a direct ascendant of the EU citizen or his spouse or registered partner.

Once all requirements are fulfilled, the family member must submit the application in person at the Immigration office or the corresponding police station in whichever province he intends to reside within three months of his arrival in Spain.  

Once granted, the card will be valid for five years from the date of issue.  If the foreseen period of residence of the Union citizen is less than five years, then the card will be valid for that amount of time.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal










Reconocimiento de sentencias extranjeras

Reconocimiento de sentencias extranjeras
Para que una sentencia extranjera pueda ejecutarse en nuestro país es necesario que se reconozcan los efectos de la misma. Con este objetivo un órgano judicial español deberá homologarla a través de un procedimiento al cual se denomina exeqúatur.

El reconocimiento de una resolución judicial supone que la misma tenga ciertas características. La primera de ella que sea un pronunciamiento en firme, en la que no quepa posibilidad de recurso. Además, se requiere que las partes afectadas por la resolución sean correctamente emplazadas cumpliendo con el derecho de la defensa de las mismas, lo que significa que tengan conocimiento de la existencia del litigio aunque voluntariamente no acudan al proceso.

Una de las características de este proceso es que en el mismo el Juez no revisa el fondo del asunto, si no que se realiza un control de ciertas características de la sentencia entre las que se encuentran la verificación de la existencia de Tratados Internacionales o bilaterales con el país de origen y la compatibilidad de la resolución con las legislación del nuestro, advirtiendo que el contenido no sea contrario al orden público. Si se acredita todo ello, el Juzgado otorgará el exeqúatur y podrá ejecutar la sentencia en cuestión.  

miércoles, 25 de marzo de 2015

RESIDENCY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A WORK PERMIT


Immigration legislation distinguishes between the different circumstances that allow foreign residents without a work permit to carry out certain profit-making, economic or professional activities in our country.

Some examples of individuals and groups who are not required to have a work permit in Spain to carry out labor practices are the following:


  • Scientists, researchers or technicians, who have been invited or hired by the General Admission of the State, an autonomous community, a univerisity, or local governments or entities, as long as their goal is geared towards research development and promotion.



  • Managers, teachers, cultural or institutional professors dependent on other countries or private entities and officially recognized in Spain with plans to develop cultural and educational programs in Spanish territory.



  • Civilian or military officials from foreign national administrations or foreign media correspondents who plan to develop cooperation activities with a Spanish administration, as long as they are duly accredited by Spanish authorities as special correspondents sent to work in the region.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal


lunes, 23 de marzo de 2015

Residencia con excepción de autorización de trabajo

Residencia con excepción de autorización de trabajo
La normativa de extranjería establece ciertas circunstancias que dan lugar a que se produzca la excepción en la necesidad de contar con una autorización de trabajo para poder llevar a cabo ciertas actividades lucrativas, económicas o profesionales en nuestro país.

No requerirán dicha autorización, entre otros, los técnicos, investigadores y científicos cuando han sido invitados o contratados por la Administración General del Estado, las comunidades autónomas, las universidades, los entes locales o los organismos siempre que los mismos tengan por objeto la promoción y el desarrollo de la investigaciones en la que participan de forma mayoritaria alguna de las entidades anteriores.

Se encuentran también en esa situación el personal directivo o profesorado de instituciones culturales o docentes que dependen de otros Estados, así como de entidades privadas, reconocidas oficialmente por España, que tengan por objeto desarrollar en territorio español programas culturales y docentes.

Tampoco la necesitarán los funcionarios civiles o militares de las Administraciones estatales extranjeras que desarrollen actividades de cooperación con una Administración española ni los corresponsales de medios de comunicación extranjeros siempre que estén debidamente acreditados por las autoridades españolas en concepto de corresponsales o de enviados especiales.

WHAT IS VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION?

Voluntary Repatriation programs provide aid and support to foreign citizens returning to their country of origin.  The foreigner must fulfil certain requirements in order to qualify for these programs. These programs are funded by the Ministry of Employment and Social Security through the Secretary General of Immigration and Emigration and the Department of Migration.



These programs are normally managed by specialized non-governmental organizations for immigrants.  Their purpose is to guarantee the foreigner a satisfactory reintegration, offering support to increase their social and labor opportunities in their home country.

Some of these programs for example are directed at foreigners who want to undertake a business project in their country of origin and who are looking for assistance in doing so upon their return.

It is possible for non- EU member citizens returning to their home country to receive unemployment benefits if they fulfil the necessary requirements.  They may even receive payment cumulatively and in advance.  If and when all requirements are fulfilled, the payment will be made in two instalments.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal

DEPORTATION SUSPENSION


For immigrants subject to expulsion, we recommend that they request an administrative act suspension.  During the time between the request for suspension before the court and the final decision, whether they agree to it or not, it is possible that the Brigade of Alien Affairs will execute the expulsion.

In order to avoid this, if the foreigner is released and not sent to an internment camp during the time between the initiation of the request of suspension and the final decision, the best scenario is for him to become untraceable until the suspension request in resolved.

Proof of arraigo, or social integration in Spain, is one motive for arguing for a deportation suspension. Above all, deporting the foreigher may nullify the purpose of the appeal.  The Jurisdiction Act of 1998 has opened up a range of possibilities so that the court will grant the suspension.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are certain severe sanctions that do not necessarily result in deportation during the allegation period as well as during the time of request for suspension.

The law states that depending on how severe the sanction is (those mentioned in article 53), the foreigner may be given a fine or even deported, depending on the circumstances.  Consequentially, it is important to plead that deportation is a disproportionate form of punishment.

Apart from illegal residence, another common reason for deportation is interference or activities contrary to public order or against the Law on Public Safety such as the possession of narcotics or being in the process of criminal proceedings.

Remeber that in either of these two scenarios the person is presumed innocent unil the final sanction has been imposed.  This is not always accepted by the courts or the Brigade of Alien Affairs where they usually open a file for deportation at the moment the person is accused of an offense.  In any event, this is another reason to counter the deportation charge.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal


domingo, 22 de marzo de 2015

Denegación de la renovación del permiso de residencia y trabajo

Denegación de la renovación del permiso de residencia y trabajo
Cabe la posibilidad de que ante la solicitud de renovación de un permiso de residencia y trabajo el órgano administrativo competente deniegue la misma. ¿Qué se puede hacer en estos casos?

La primera de las alternativas es la interposición de un recurso de alzada frente al órgano que dictó la denegación de la renovación. El plazo que se otorga para llevar a cabo este recurso con carácter administrativo es de un mes y suele ser efectivo en los casos en los que ha existido un error en la tramitación ya que si la causa es diferente es difícil que prospere.

La segunda de las alternativas es la interposición de un recurso contencioso – administrativo, iniciando un proceso judicial ante el Juzgado del orden contencioso administrativo. El plazo en estos casos se amplía a dos meses pero se recomienda que en cuanto se notifique la resolución denegatoria se contacte con un abogado para evitar que caduque este plazo. En el contenido de la demanda es posible la solicitud de una medida cautelar para que el Juez conceda hasta que se dicte la sentencia el mantenimiento de la vigencia del permiso que permita al extranjero seguir residiendo y trabajando.  

viernes, 20 de marzo de 2015

¿Qué es el retorno voluntario?

¿Qué es el retorno voluntario?
Los programas de retorno voluntario ofrecen la posibilidad de que las personas extranjeras que así lo deseen puedan volver a su país de origen. Para poder formar parte de estos programas financiadas por el Ministerio de Empleo y Seguridad Social, a través de la Secretaría General de Inmigración y Emigración y la Dirección General de Migraciones es necesario cumplir ciertos requisitos establecidos.

El objetivo de los programas, cuya gestión se encomienda normalmente a organizaciones no gubernamentales especializadas en atención a personas inmigrantes, es garantizar que el regreso de estas personas se produzca de la manera más satisfactoria y busca incrementar las opciones de se produzca una integración socio laboral en su país.

Por ejemplo, algunos de estos programas se dirigen a extranjeros que al retornar quieren emprender un proyecto empresarial en su país o se materializan en ayudas al viaje de retorno.

Cabe la posibilidad que los extranjeros no comunitarios que tengan el deseo de retornar a sus países, asuman dicho compromiso y cumplan los requisitos para cobrar la contribución por desempleo, puedan percibir esta pensión de forma anticipada y acumulada. En caso de que se den estos requisitos el pago se realizará en dos plazos.

miércoles, 18 de marzo de 2015

RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT RENEWAL REJECTION

It is possible that the competent administrative body handling your residence and work permit renewal application denies your request.  What can we do if this happens?



The first option is to motion for an appeal before the body that denied the renewal request. Administration gives applicants one month to file the appeal.  This route is usually effective in cases where there was a error made by administration when reviewing the file.  If the cause of rejection is due to something else, then it is difficult to tell if the renewal will have a favorable result the second time around.

The second option is to submit a contentious-administrative appeal, initiating legal proceedings before the contentious-administrative court.  This appeal may be submittied up to two months after being notified of the renewal rejection.  However, it is advisable to contact a lawyer as soon as you receive the notification so as not to miss the deadline.  It is possible to request precautionary measures of the court which would allow the applicant to reside and work in Spain until the court has reached a decision regarding the the status of the residence and work permit renewal.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal

CERTIFICATE OF MATRIMONIAL CAPACITY

When foreign nationals decide to marry Spanish other foreign nationals, they must open a marriage file at the Civil Registry to review and monitor the legality of their marriage.

A certificate of matrimonial capacity is one of the documents that must be submitted with the marriage application.  This document proves that you are not already legally married or in a civil union in your country of origin.  The document states that the marriage shall be recognized in our country according to the Spanish marriage laws even if it is not well-known among Civil Registry officials.

In cases where the certificate of matrimonial capacity does not originate from a Spanish-speaking country, the applicant must submit the original certificate attached to a sworn translation in Spanish.

The foreigner may request such certificate in their country of origin or at their country´s consulate in Spain.  It must be duly legalized or apostilled.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal


El certificado de capacidad matrimonial

El certificado de capacidad matrimonial
A la hora de que un extranjero contraiga matrimonio en España con otro ciudadano extranjero o con un español, será necesario el inicio de un expediente de matrimonio por parte del Registro Civil para controlar la legalidad del mismo.

Uno de los documentos que se exigen a la hora de presentar la solicitud para el inicio de estos trámites es el certificado de capacidad matrimonial. En este documento las autoridades del país del que es nacional el contrayente establecen la capacidad que el mismo tiene para contraer matrimonio en atención a la ley de dicho país que le es aplicable y que debe ser respectada en nuestro país, aunque no necesariamente conocida por los funcionarios encargados del Registro Civil.

En caso de que el certificado de capacidad matrimonial provenga de un país en el que no se hable español y, por lo tanto, esté en otro idioma, será necesario presentar el certificado original junto a una copia en español que debe realizar un traductor acreditado.

El certificado se solicita en el órgano competente a estos efectos en el país de origen del contrayente o en el Consulado del mismo en nuestro país con la correspondiente legalización o apostilla  

AIRPORT REJECTION ASSISTANCE

                                                            Helpful Tips and Resources

Being denied entrance at an airport is a very stressful situation to be in, which is why one should contact a lawyer who has experience dealing with customs and border control authorities in order to avoid deportation before being heard by a judge.



If the foreigner falls under one of the following categories, then it is understood that he is entering Spain illegally:


  • If the foreigner has been deported previously from the country
  • If the foreigner is subject to the international criminal court
  • If the foreigner is considered to be a threat to public policy, safety and public health
  • If the foreigner has not specified the purpose and conditions of travel

The entrance control officials may demand to see traveler documentation justifying the purpose of the trip.  Foreigners may choose any document that they see fit to justify their travel plans.  You must always present officials with your round trip ticket or tourist circuit.  


For business trips you must also present the following:

  • An invitation from a firm or authority inviting you to participate in trade, industry or work meetings related to the intended work activity.
  • Documentation illustrating the existence of business relations or links to the intended work activity.
  • Trade fair and Congress Center entry tickets.

For tourism or private trips, you may show the following:

  • Supporting lodging documentation during travels.  This must be issued by the accommodation establishment or in an invitation letter from an individual with which you will be staying during your trip.  The personal invitation letter (which may not take the place of the other mandatory entry requirement) must contain all relative information regarding accommodation and it must state that the host accepts full responsibility for invitee maintenance during the period of time specified in the letter.
  • Reservation confirmation of an organized trip (if applicable).  

For study or training trips you must also present supporting documentation of confirmed enrollment issued by the learning center. 

For other purposes of travel, you may present the following:

  • Invitiations, enrollments or programs.
  • Trip-related event participation certificates, entry cards or receipts.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal


martes, 17 de marzo de 2015

RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR MINORS

There is a residence permit for foreign minors not born in Spain but born to foreigners with legal residency in the country as well as minors who are under the care of a legal guardian, Spanish institution or a foreign legal resident of Spain.



Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:


  • Minor may not be a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland or a family member of a citizen pertaining to any of the aforementioned areas.
  • Proof of minor´s continuous stay in Spain of at least two years.
  • The minor´s parents or legal guardians must provide accrediting documentation or proof of employment or sufficient economic means to cover the living expenses of the family in the following amounts:
  1. In two member families, including the mother or the father, 150% of IPREM is demanded.  For each additional member,  child or parent, the IPREM will be increased by 50%.
  2. The parents or legal guardian must be able to provide the minor with adequate housing.
  3. In cases where the minor is of compulsory schooling age, proof of school registration during minor´s period of residence in Spain must be submitted.

There are always other circumstances and conditions regarding the best option for residency of foreign minors in our country.  Please contact a lawyer to implement faster solutions and facilitate the process.

Required Documentation:

  • Official application form.
  • Complete copy of the minor´s valid passport or travel document.
  • Supporting documentation of parent´s, legal guardian´s or institution´s permanent legal residence in Spain.
  • Applicant´s identification documentation.
  • Supporting documentation accrediting at least two year legal and continuous stay in Spain.
  • Certificate accrediting school enrollment.
In cases where the minor has foreign parents of legal residence or a Spanish guardian, the following documentation must be submitted:

  • Provide proof of employment or proof of sufficient economic means to cover the living expenses of the family.
  • Provide proof of adequate housing.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal

LONG-TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT


The following are eligible foreign nationals authorized to reside and work in Spain indefinitely under the same circumstances as Spanish nationals:


  • Foreigners who have resided legally and continuously in Spanish territory for five years.
  • EU Blue Card holders proving to have resided legally and continuously in the EU as long as during the last two years prior to submitting the long-term residence application they have resided within Spanish territory.  Absences of six months will not affect applicants as long as it does not exceed ten months within the five years of required continuous stay in Spain. Work-related absences may not exceed one year.
  • Foreigners who fall under the following categories:
  1. Foreigners benefiting from a retirement pension under their contribution regime.
  2. Resident beneficiares of a permament, long-term or grave disability pension under their contribution regime or those entitled to a non-capitalized sufficient lifelong pension of retired benefits that can cover living expenses.
  3. Residents born in Spain who, upon reaching the age of legal majority, have legally and continuously resided in the country for at least three consecutive years prior to submitting the application.
  4. Residents of Spanish origin who have lost Spanish nationality.
  5. Resident who, upon reaching the age leagl majority, have been under the care of a Spanish public entity for five consecutive years priot to submitting the application.
  6. Stateless individuals, refugees or beneficiares of subsidary or temporary protection on Spanish territory recognized in the country.
  7. Notorious architects of scientific or cultural progress in Spain or of external projection.

All applicants must submit the official application form before the Diplomatic or Consular office wherever they reside or before the Immigration office in the province where they currently reside or plan to reside in the future. 

Alongside the official application form, the following documentation must be submitted:

  • Complete copy of valid passport or travel document.  The original must be shown as well.
  • Bank fee receipt to process the application.
  • Report accrediting schooling for minors under the applicant´s care for minors of compulsory school age (applications based on periods of previous residence).
  • Supporting documentation of previous periods of residence, such as with EU Blue Card holders.
  • Supporting documentation of status of stateless persons, refugees or beneficiares of subsidary protection.
  • Criminal record 

Once the application is submitted, the request will be resolved by officials within a maximum of three months. Once the authorization is granted, the foreigner must request the corresponding foreigner identification card in person.  This card must be renewed every five years.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal

lunes, 16 de marzo de 2015

CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY REQUIRED TO OBTAIN NATIONALITY


One of the requirements for foreign citizens to obtain nationality is the fulfillment of certain periods of residency in Spain that vary from case to case and depend on personal circunstances and the origin of the applicant.  These residency periods can range from two years to ten years in extreme cases. The applicant must have resided both legally and continuously in Spain.  What is considered to be continuous residency varies from case to case according to the registry responsible for processing the application.

The Supreme Court has established flexible criteria in cases where circumstances clearly show that the applicant´s residential status in our country prior to requesting Spanish nationality was undoubtedly legal for an extended period of time.  In such cases it is understood that any type of interruption throughout this period of time should not be considered a break in continuity.  This is due to the fact that such disruptions may be the result of permit renewal difficulties throughout this extensive period of time.

Translated by:  Katherine Pascal

domingo, 15 de marzo de 2015

La residencia continuada como requisito para obtener la nacionalidad

La residencia continuada como requisito para obtener la nacionalidad
Uno de los requisitos para la obtención de la nacionalidad de un ciudadano extranjero es el cumplimiento de ciertos plazos de residencia que varían en función de las circunstancias personales y de procedencia del solicitante y que van desde los dos años hasta los diez en los casos más extremos. La residencia exigida, además de legal, debe ser continuada. La consideración de una residencia continua por parte del solicitante varía, en ocasiones, en función del Registro encargado de tramitar el expediente.

El Tribunal Supremo ha establecido un criterio flexible a la hora de interpretar el concepto de residencia continuada como requisito para la obtención de la nacionalidad española en los casos en los que las circunstancias del asunto concreto determinan claramente que la residencia anterior a la solicitud del extranjero ha sido indudablemente legal durante un periodo largo de tiempo y se observa un arraigo suficiente de este con nuestro país. Esta postura supone que algún tipo de interrupción en todo este periodo no debe ser considerado como una ruptura de la continuidad ya que en muchas ocasiones puede deberse a las propias vicisitudes del procedimiento de renovación de los permisos a lo largo de este extenso periodo.

viernes, 13 de marzo de 2015

WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST BE FULFILLED BEFORE BEING ISSUED A STUDENT VISA?


All foreign citizens who come to Spain to study must request the corresponding student visa in the Spanish Consulate in their country of origin after fulfilling all necessary requirements.

It may be assumed that foreigners requesting this visa intend to carry out or continue their studies in a recognized learning center in Spain where they have been previously accepted and will receive a certificate or degree upon completion.

It is understood by immigration that foreign students will be taking part in an academic mobility program which takes full responsibility for the student´s stay in Spain, studies and return to home country.

Participation in training activities or research programs in a recognized learning center is also considered part of one´s course development and continued course training in our country.  One may request a student visa for such programs as well.

You  may also request a student visa if you plan on carrying out non labor practices. In this case, a signed agreement with the company must be submitted.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal




¿Qué requisitos hay que cumplir para obtener un visado de estudios?

¿Qué requisitos hay que cumplir para obtener un visado de estudios?
En el caso de que un ciudadano extranjero se haya propuesto venir a estudiar a nuestro país, es necesario solicitar un visado de estudios ante la Oficina Consular correspondiente y se prevén ciertos supuestos que permiten la concesión del mismo.

Por un lado, una de las razones que se pueden aducir es la realización o ampliación de estudios para lo que se exige la aceptación en un centro de estudios en España en el cual se puede obtener un título.

Otra de las formas previstas por la normativa de extranjería para la concesión de un visado de estudios es la participación en un programa de movilidad. De este modo, la organización normalmente se hace cargo de la estancia, estudios y regreso del participante.

La realización de actividades de formación o investigación en un centro reconocido de forma oficial en nuestro país supone otra posibilidad para poder proseguir o continuar con la formación y desarrollo de una persona.

Además, la realización de prácticas no laborales supone otra de las opciones para la solicitud de este visado. En este caso, se deberá presentar un convenio con la empresa en la que se van a desarrollar las mismas

WHAT IS THE SCHENGEN AGREEMENT?


The Schengen Agreement was signed by various European countries in 1985 eliminating international border control among the signatory countries.  That being said, border control still exists among third countries which have not signed the agreement.

This led to the creation of the Schengen Area in 1995, in turn creating a common European area. The Schengen area represents a territory of free movement of EU members and residents who have legally entered or who legally reside in the area.

The Schengen area represents 26 European countries.  Some of these countries are: Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, Spain, Austria, Denmark, Slovakia, Belgium, France, Greece and Italy.  Other countries, like the United Kingdom and Ireland, have opted out of this agreement in order to preserve their own free movement agreement.  However, they still collaborate on other levels with the member states.

This agreement does not only involve free movement of people within the common area.  It also establishes certain international cooperation and coordination measures between police services and judicial authorities in order to protect and maintain international security amoung its members.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal

WHAT IS A N.I.E?

The N.I.E, or Foreign Citizen´s Identification Number, is granted to each foreigner in order to register him with the Spanish immigration office.

Foreigner´s will be given this registration number after all standard immigration procedures have been approved and all necessary requirements have been fulfilled. This means that the foreigner has been issued an authorization to reside in our country.

The N.I.E is required of all foreigners during their authorized stay in Spain in order to handle administrative procedures .  For example, it will allow him to purchase a house, open a bank account, as well as pay his taxes.

The application to request a N.I.E is issued by administration and it must be submitted along with either the original or copy of the foreigner´s passport, identity card and notification demonstrating social, economic or professional reasons justifying the request.  The N.I.E. application may be submitted by an accredited representative with sufficient enforcement authority.


Translated by: Katherine Pascal


jueves, 12 de marzo de 2015

¿Qué es el acuerdo Schengen?

¿Qué es el acuerdo Schengen?
Se denominó acuerdo de Schengen al acuerdo firmado en 1985 a través del cual varios países de Europa suprimieron los controles en las fronteras entre los países firmantes, por lo que solo existen dichas fronteras respecto a los países terceros no firmantes.

El mismo entró en vigor en 1995, y supone la creación de un espacio común al que se denomina precisamente espacio Schengen. En este espacio existe libre circulación para las personas residentes en los países miembros o cualquiera que haya entrado de forma regular por una frontera exterior.

¿Qué países forman parte del acuerdo? Forman parte de este acuerdo 26 países entre los que se encuentran, entre otros, Alemania, , Eslovenia, Hungría, España, Austria, Dinamarca, Eslovaquia, Bélgica, Francia, Grecia, Italia, etc. Otros países como Reino Unido o Irlanda no pertenecen a este acuerdo por sus excepciones a algunos de los contenidos del mismo sin embargo, sí que colaboran en otros ámbitos con los países miembros.

Este acuerdo no supone solamente la libre circulación dentro de este espacio sino que se establecen ciertas medidas de cooperación y coordinación entre los servicios de policía y las autoridades judiciales en aras de proteger la seguridad interior de los Estados.  

sábado, 7 de marzo de 2015

El visado

El visado
Se denomina visado al permiso que se utiliza para acreditar la entrada y estancia de ciudadanos extranjeros que no dispongan de nacionalidad en el país al que acceden o bien de libre tránsito como consecuencia de los tratados bilaterales que mantienen los países de origen y destino.

Los visados se incluyen en el pasaporte del ciudadano autorizado, habitualmente a través de métodos fotomecánicos, con la finalidad de que en los controles de las fronteras del país de destino se permita la entrada.

La normativa de extranjería española prevé tres tipos de visados: aeroportuario, de corta duración y nacional. En el primero de los casos, se habilita al titular a atravesar la zona internacional de tránsito en un aeropuerto español.

El visado de corta duración permite el tránsito y estancia en España durante un periodo inferior a tres meses dentro de un periodo de seis que se empieza a contar desde el momento en el que se entró por primera vez en el denominado espacio Schengen.

Por último el visado nacional es aquel que habilita para residir, estudiar o investigar o trabajar en nuestro país. Este tipo de visado lo requieren los ciudadanos extranjeros que procedan de Estados distintos a los pertenecientes a la Unión Europea.

jueves, 5 de marzo de 2015

VISAS

Visas are necessary for foreign citizens to be able to enter and stay in a foreign country where they do not have nationality.  They allow for free movement as a result of bilateral treaties between countries of origin and destination.


Visas are printed directly onto a blank passport page so that the officials can easily plug the information into the system allowing the foreigner to enter the country without difficulty or delay.

Spanish immigration provides the following three types of visas:


  • The Airport Transit Visa: This visa allows citizens to cross the international border in a Spanish airport (Please research which countries require this visa as not all do).

  • The Short-Term Visa: This visa authorizes transit and stay in Spain during a period of less than three months.  This time period starts from the first moment of entry in the Schengen area. 

  • The National Long-Stay Visa: This visa is intended for those citizens who are planning to study, research, work or reside in our country.  This visa is required of all citizens who pertain to non-European Union countries.



Translated by: Katherine Pascal

SOCIAL INTEGRATION RESIDENCE PERMIT (ARRAIGO SOCIAL)


Foreign citizens may acquire a temporary residence permit on the grounds of exceptional circumstances by applying for what we call an arraigo social.  When going this route, it is understood that the foreigner has resided in our country for a certain amount of time presuming that he or she has personal connections or family ties or is socially integrated in Spanish society.

The following are some of the requirements that must be fulfilled  in order to apply for an arraigo social:

  • The applicant may not be be a citizen of the European Union nor the European Economic Area or Switzerland (There are other rules and regulations that apply to citizens of these territories).
  • The applicant must be clear of any criminal record either in Spain or country of origin.
  • The applicant may not be prohibited from entering Spain.
  • The applicant must have lived in Spain for at least three years without a gap exceeding 120 days.

The applicant must provide evidence of family ties with either family members or other foreign Spanish residents.  In other cases, the applicant may provide a report isued by the Autonomous Community on his behalf regarding his social integration in Spanish society.


Translated by:  Katherine Pascal

Residencia por arraigo social

Residencia por arraigo social
Es posible que un ciudadano extranjero obtenga un permiso de residencia de carácter temporal por circunstancias excepcionales que se basan en el arraigo social. Por arraigo social se entiende una situación en la cual un ciudadano ha permanecido en nuestro país durante un tiempo determinado por el que se presume que existirán ciertos lazos o se está integrado socialmente o bien se mantienen vínculos familiares.

Los requisitos que exige la normativa de extranjería para la solicitud de la residencia por arraigo son, entre otros, no ser ciudadano de ningún Estado de la Unión Europea, Espacio Económico Europeo o Suiza, ya que en tal caso se aplicarían las reglas propias para ciudadanos de estos territorios. Además, de los requisitos generales de carecer de antecedentes penales y no tener prohibida la entrada en España, es necesario que el interesado haya permanecido en España durante un periodo de al menos tres años y con carácter continuado no debiendo haber estado ausente de nuestro país durante más de 120 días.

Es necesario que de cara a esta solicitud, se acredite tener vínculos familiares con familiares u otros extranjeros residentes o que la Comunidad Autónoma emita un informe sobre la integración social del solicitante.

miércoles, 4 de marzo de 2015

LOSING ONE´S NATIONALITY

There has been a history of legal insecurity when dealing with Spanish nationality procedures due to the fact that it can be taken away from nationals although it remains unclear who came up with such a decision.  Nevertheless, the consequence has resulted in an extraordinary power for the Directorate General for Registers and Notaries as well as its ¨so-called¨ management body.


Nationals of non-Spanish origin (for example those who have acquired nationality by residency), will lose nationality in the following circumstances:


  • If during a period of three years the national exclusively uses the nationality they have chosen to renounce to acquire Spanish nationality.
  • If one voluntarily provides any services as a political officer or uses weapons in a foreign state when prohibited by the government.  
  • When the judicial sentence declares that the national is guilty of having acquired Spanish nationality by misrepresentation or fraud.  However, this shall not result in adverse effects on third parties in good faith.  The Public Prosecutor shall process denunciation or nullification within a period of fifteen years.

Despite all this, the Civil Code states that it is possible to recover one´s nationality as long as the he fulfills the following requirements:

  • Is a legal Spanish resident.  This requirement shall not be applicable to migrants nor children of migrants.  In exceptional circumstances, the Ministry of Justice may waive this requirement. 
  • Declare before the Civil Registry their willingness to recover their Spanish nationality.
  • File for the recovery in the Civil Registry.

It shall not be possible to recover or acquire Spanish nationality without previous authorization from the government.  

Translated by:  Katherine Pascal 

¿Qué es el N.I.E?

¿Qué es el N.I.E?
El N.I.E que corresponde a las siglas Número de Identificación de Extranjeros es el número que de manera personal y exclusiva se otorga a un extranjero por parte de la oficina de extranjería.

Este número se otorga en el momento en que el extranjero, tras los trámites precisos y cumpliendo los requisitos establecidos por la normativa de extranjería, obtiene una autorización para permanecer en nuestro país.

El N.I.E es necesario durante la permanencia en España del extranjero por el tiempo establecido normativamente para realizar trámites y gestiones de la vida diaria en los ámbitos sociales (comprar una vivienda) profesionales o económicos (abrir una cuenta bancaria), así como en cualquier relación con la Administración (impuestos).

La solicitud de este número para el extranjero con una autorización de permanencia en España se realizara mediante la presentación del impreso normalizado proporcionado por la Administración, el original o copia del pasaporte, documento de identidad, etc. , y la comunicación de las causas económicas o sociales que dan lugar a la petición. Se otorga la posibilidad de que la solicitud del N.I.E se realice a través de representante y a los anteriores documentos se deberá añadir una acreditación en la que conste el poder suficiente de forma expresa.

lunes, 2 de marzo de 2015

STUDENT RESIDENCE PERMIT

This permit authorizes foreigners to remain in Spain for a period of over 90 days to carry out or continue their studies in an authorized learning center in Spain. The program must be full-time and the student must receive a certificate or diploma when the program ends.


In order to do this, the applicant must fulfil the following requirements:

• Not be an Member of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland or family members of citizens of either of these.

• Not be prohibited from entering Spain or denied entrance within the territorial space of any country that has signed an agreement with Spain.

• Have sufficient economic means to cover expenses within Spain and to return to their country of origin. Student´s must cover the expenses of family members travelling with them. Accommodation must be previously paid for along with the following:


  • 100% IPREM monthly for the applicant 
  • 75% IPREM for the first family member 
  • 50% IPREM for each of the remaining family members 


• Have public or private health insurance contracted with a company that provides coverage in Spain.

• When dealing with minors who are travelling unaccommpanied, they must present an authorization signed by a parent or legal guardian and by the learning center, organization or entity responsible for the student´s activity and period of stay in Spain.

The student must have been accepted to study in an authorized learning center in Spain.

In the event that the program duration is more than six months, then the following requirements must be fulfilled:


  • Students of legal age must present a notarized criminal background check.
  • Must not suffer from any illness or infectious diseases that may have serious repercussions on public health.

After having fulfilled the aforementioned requirements, the applicant, or his parent, legal guardian or authorized representative in the event that he is minor, must submit the application at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office wherever he resides.

The visa once granted must be collected within two months from the date of notification.  The visa will be granted for the same amount of time as the intended duration of the program, with a maximum of one year.

If the period of stay exceeds 6 months, the applicant must request a foreigner´s identification card in person within the first month of stay.  This may be done at the immigration office or police station in the province where the authorization was granted.  The foreigner must present the following when applying for their identification card:

  • Foreigner Identification Card application
  • Certification of payment of corresponding fee
  • Three recent passport size photos in color with a white background

The student may come accommpanied by family members and may also be authorized to work for self-employment or paid employment as long as the work does not interfere with his studies and the revenue earned is not the main necessary means of living.

Translated by:  Katherine Pascal


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