People have been leaving Spain – the prime minister to attend the European Summit, large numbers of Spanish and foreign citizens to seek their fortunes elsewhere, and at least one police patrol-boat (reportedly) to explore the waters off Gibraltar. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy set off for this week’s European Council meeting in Brussels with an unusually strong mandate to “fight for Spain” (the striking expression sprinkled liberally into media statements by government spokespeople) having secured cross-party support for a ten-point negotiating platform. The platform is not substantially different from what Madrid and other capitals on the EU’s troubled periphery have been demanding … [Read more...] about Tales for Tapas: Leaving Spain
NIE
Embassies and consulates in Spain
Here we take a look at the differences between embassies and consulates and their functions. What does an embassy do? The function of the embassy is to protect the interests of a country in the country the embassy is located. Its activities might include: • Negotiating with the host country’s government • Promoting a good relationship between the two countries • Formulating methods of encouraging economic, cultural and scientific growth • Preparing treaties (commercial and political) • Organising state visits There is only one embassy of a particular country to be found in a host country and it is usually located in the capital city. Spanish and foreign consulates There can be … [Read more...] about Embassies and consulates in Spain
From abroad or in Spain? Obtaining a foreigner’s identification number
You need an NIE if you live in Spain. Your foreigner’s identification number (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros) is the key to everything from buying your home to collecting your mail. It can also be essential for the non-resident too. If you want to make a house purchase or you have been left Spanish property in a relative’s will you need an NIE to make the transaction. If you need to get an NIE as quickly as possible then you may prefer not to have to travel to Spain at all. Until 2011 it was possible to obtain a power of attorney in your home country which enabled someone in Spain to act on your behalf and obtain the NIE for you. However, in April 2011 a new regulation stipulated … [Read more...] about From abroad or in Spain? Obtaining a foreigner’s identification number