If you have recently purchased a property, for example townhouses, apartments or country properties in Spain and want to be Spanish resident then these are the steps to help you.

In order to get your Tarjeta de Residencia you will need the following documents:

• NIE - your foreigner's identification number.
• The form S1 if you are a (UK) pensioner or proof of health insurance if not. The S1 is issued by the UK pension department and can be obtained by telephoning them. If you are over pensionable age and if you are married to someone who is not, they can be added to the S1. But only if you request this!
• Confirmation of payment for the residencia in the bank.
• The completed residency application form which is EX18 which can be view here http://extranjeros.empleo.gob.es/es/ModelosSolicitudes/Mod_solicitudes2/
• 790 Form used to pay a fee of app. 11€ at any Spanish bank. You can get this form at your local Comisaria de Policia (police station).
• Original Passport + one photocopy and three small photos.
• Proof of income (this can be waived if you own property in Spain by showing the Nota Simple with your name/s on it).
• You must be able to demonstrate that your life in Spain is financially sustainable.

This could be an employer's letter (Certificado de vidalaboral) or a letter from your Spanish bank stating that you have had a monthly income above a certain amount for the last 12 months. They will sometimes accept the bank letter for a shorter time.

Once you have all the documentation, they must be taken and presented at your local police station. For Competa the nearest is at Torre del Mar.

If you don't speak perfect Spanish it would be wise to employ a local Gestor to do the work for you. You will have to attend the police station with the Gestor at least once.

Once the documentation is in order the process is quite quick and straight forward.

These requirements can and do change, so always check with a reliable source for up to date information.