Author Irina Firsova Immigration lawyer in Spain, member of the Barcelona Bar Association no. 46.385 Updated 19 September 2026 13 min read Message the author

Spanish residence glossary: key immigration terms explained

Spanish bureaucracy speaks its own language: arraigo, empadronamiento, resguardo, silencio administrativo. This glossary covers 77 terms you meet when applying for residence, renewing it, bringing your family and applying for citizenship. Each has a short explanation and a link to our article where the topic is covered in detail.

The definitions have been checked against the immigration regulation RD 1155/2024 as amended in April 2026. IPREM and minimum-wage figures are filled in automatically and update with the official values.

The main terms in order: number, visa, card, registration, renewal, long-term residence, citizenship.

A · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · L · M · N · P · R · S · T · U · V

A

Abogado colegiado (bar-registered lawyer) — A lawyer registered with the provincial bar association (ICAB in Barcelona, ICAM in Madrid). Only a registered lawyer can act in court, including an appeal against a residence refusal in the administrative courts; the number can be checked in the bar’s public register. Read more: bar-registered lawyer.

Antecedentes penales (criminal record certificate) — A certificate of no criminal record from your country of nationality and the countries where you lived in recent years. For Spain it needs an apostille and a sworn translation, and it must be recent on the date you apply. Read more: criminal record certificate.

Apostilla (apostille) — A stamp under the Hague Convention confirming that a document is genuine for use in another country. It is issued in the country that issued the document; the sworn translation is made afterwards and covers the stamp too. Read more: apostille.

Arraigo (settlement) — Residence through settlement — a permit for a foreigner already living in Spain without status who has put down roots. Since 20 May 2025 there are five types; almost all require two years of continuous stay and no criminal record. Read more: settlement.

Arraigo de segunda oportunidad (second-chance settlement) — A type of arraigo for people who held a residence permit in the last two years that was not renewed for reasons other than public order. Only a non-renewed permit counts, not a revoked one. Read more: second-chance settlement.

Arraigo familiar (family settlement) — Since 2025 a narrow type of arraigo: for a parent or guardian of a minor citizen of another EU/EEA state or Switzerland and for a relative supporting an EU citizen with a disability. Relatives of Spanish citizens get a separate permit on form EX-24. Read more: family settlement.

Arraigo socioformativo (settlement through study) — A type of arraigo through study: enrolment in training and an integration report. Work is limited to 30 hours a week. Read more: settlement through study.

Arraigo sociolaboral (work-based settlement) — A type of arraigo for people who have an employer: a signed employment contract of at least 20 hours a week paying at least the minimum wage pro rata. You may work under the contract once the application is accepted for processing. Read more: work-based settlement.

Autorización de regreso (return authorisation) — Permission to leave Spain and come back while your permit is being renewed or your TIE card is not ready yet. Form EX-13, valid for up to 90 days, re-entry only through a Spanish border crossing. Read more: return authorisation.

Autónomo (self-employed) — A self-employed person in Spain: registered with the tax agency and with the RETA social security scheme, paying monthly contributions. Read more: self-employed.

C

Caducidad (expiry) — Expiry of a residence permit. It can still be renewed within three months after expiry, with a fine for the delay; after that renewal is no longer possible and your stay in Spain becomes unlawful. Read more: expiry.

Carta de invitación (letter of invitation) — An invitation from a private person in Spain for a visit. It is issued at a police station and shows where you will stay during the visit. Read more: letter of invitation.

CCSE (constitution and culture test) — The Instituto Cervantes test on Spain’s Constitution and society. It is required for citizenship by residence. Read more: constitution and culture test.

Certificado digital (digital certificate) — A personal electronic signature (FNMT and others) that lets you log in to government portals and file applications online. Read more: digital certificate.

Cita previa (appointment) — An appointment with the police, the foreigners’ office and other bodies. Without one you are not seen for fingerprints, for your TIE card and for many procedures. Read more: appointment.

Contrato indefinido (open-ended contract) — An employment contract with no end date — the default in Spain since the 2021 reform. It is not required for arraigo sociolaboral, which looks at hours and pay rather than duration. Read more: open-ended contract.

Convalidación (credit recognition) — Recognition of part of your studies abroad so you can continue them in Spain. Unlike homologation it does not give the right to practise a profession. Read more: credit recognition.

Cuenta ajena (employment) — Work as an employee. It determines the type of permit: a work visa, arraigo sociolaboral or the right to work under a permit you already hold. Read more: employment.

Cuenta propia (self-employment) — Working for yourself as an autónomo or through your own company. For non-EU nationals it is a separate permit with a business plan and proof of funds. Read more: self-employment.

D

Declaración de entrada (entry declaration) — A record of entry for people who arrived in Spain via another Schengen country without a stamp. It is filed with the police within three days of entry. Read more: entry declaration.

DELE (Spanish language exam) — The official Spanish language exam of the Instituto Cervantes. Citizenship requires at least level A2 unless Spanish is your native language. Read more: Spanish language exam.

DNI (Spanish ID card) — The identity card of a Spanish citizen. Foreigners do not have one: they have an NIE number and a TIE card instead. Read more: Spanish ID card.

DNV (digital nomad visa) — Visado de nómada digital — a permit for remote work for foreign employers or clients under Law 14/2013. Income must be at least €2,849 a month for the main applicant. Read more: digital nomad visa.

E

Empadronamiento (municipal registration) — Registration on the municipal register (padrón) at the address where you live. It is needed for residence permits, school, healthcare and many procedures. Read more: municipal registration.

Estancia (stay) — Being in Spain for up to 90 days, with or without a visa, plus long-term stays for study. Unlike residencia it does not give the right to live in the country. Read more: stay.

EX-10 (exceptional-circumstances form) — The general application form for residence on exceptional circumstances: all types of arraigo, humanitarian grounds and cooperation with the authorities. Read more: exceptional-circumstances form.

EX-13 (return authorisation form) — The application for an autorización de regreso — permission to leave and return while your permit is being renewed. Read more: return authorisation form.

EX-15 (NIE form) — The application for a foreigner’s identity number (NIE) and certificates about it. Read more: NIE form.

EX-17 (TIE card form) — The application to issue or renew a TIE card; it is filed at the police appointment together with your fingerprints. Read more: TIE card form.

EX-24 (Spanish citizen’s relative permit) — Since 20 May 2025, the form for a separate five-year permit with the right to work for a relative of a Spanish citizen. The EU family member card (EX-19) is available to a Spaniard’s relative only if the Spaniard has exercised EU free movement. Read more: Spanish citizen’s relative permit.

Extranjería (foreigners’ office) — The Oficina de Extranjería — the office in each province that receives and decides residence applications under the general regime. Permits under Law 14/2013 are handled by a separate unit, the UGE. Read more: foreigners’ office.

F

Formularios EX (EX forms) — The official foreigners’ application forms, EX-00 to EX-29: each procedure has its own form. They are published by the Ministry of Inclusion and can be filed in person or through Mercurio. Read more: EX forms.

G

Gestor, gestoría (administrative agent) — An administrative agent who prepares and files documents with the tax agency, social security and other bodies and keeps an autónomo’s books. Unlike a lawyer, a gestor does not represent you in court. Read more: administrative agent.

Golden visa (golden visa — abolished) — A residence permit for buying property and other investments. It was abolished on 3 April 2025; what remains for investors is covered in the article on residence by investment. Read more: residence by investment.

H

Homologación (degree homologation) — Recognition of a foreign degree as equivalent to a Spanish one. It is needed for regulated professions such as doctor, lawyer or architect. Read more: degree homologation.

Huellas (fingerprinting) — The police appointment where fingerprints are taken for your TIE card. You book it in advance through cita previa. Read more: fingerprinting.

I

Informe de arraigo (integration report) — An integration report from the autonomous community or municipality confirming housing, ties, language and participation in society. It is needed for some types of arraigo. Read more: integration report.

Informe de vivienda (housing report) — A report confirming that your home is adequate for your family — required for family reunification. It is issued by the social services of the autonomous community or the municipality within one month; if it is late, the housing is proved by other documents. Read more: housing report.

IPREM (income benchmark) — The benchmark used to set income thresholds for many permits. In 2026 it is €600 a month. Read more: income benchmark.

J

Jura de nacionalidad (citizenship oath) — The last step to citizenship: an oath to the Constitution and the King, followed by registration in the Registro Civil. If you do not take the oath in time, the citizenship decision lapses. Read more: citizenship oath.

L

Larga duración (long-term residence) — Long-term residence after five years of legal residence. It gives the right to live and work without renewals; the card is updated every five years. Read more: long-term residence.

Ley 14/2013 (entrepreneurs law) — The law supporting entrepreneurs: it governs the digital nomad, start-up, highly qualified and intra-company transfer permits. Applications are decided by the UGE rather than the provincial office. Read more: entrepreneurs law.

M

Mercurio (online filing) — The Ministry of Inclusion portal for filing general-regime residence applications online with a digital certificate. Read more: online filing.

Modelo 720 (foreign assets return) — An information return on bank accounts, securities and property abroad for Spanish tax residents when a category of assets exceeds €50,000. Read more: foreign assets return.

N

NIE (foreigner’s number) — Número de Identidad de Extranjero — a foreigner’s personal number for tax, transactions and work. By itself it does not give the right to live in Spain. Read more: foreigner’s number.

NIE verde (EU registration certificate) — The EU citizen registration certificate with an NIE number — the document for EU citizens living in Spain for more than three months. Read more: EU registration certificate.

No lucrativa (non-lucrative residence) — Residence for people who live on their own means and do not work in Spain. Income or savings must be at least 400% of IPREM for the main applicant. Read more: non-lucrative residence.

Nota simple (land registry extract) — An extract from the property register showing the owner and any charges or mortgages. It is checked before buying or renting. Read more: land registry extract.

NUSS (social security number) — Número de la Seguridad Social — your social security number, needed for employment and for registering as an autónomo. Read more: social security number.

P

Padrón (municipal register) — The municipal register of residents. A certificate from it (volante or certificado) proves your address and how long you have lived there. Read more: municipal register.

Pareja de hecho (registered partnership) — A couple registered in the partnership register of an autonomous community. For residence it is treated like marriage if the cohabitation conditions are met. Read more: registered partnership.

Presencia efectiva (physical presence) — The days you actually spend in Spain. They determine tax residency (more than 183 days a year) and continuity of residence for arraigo and long-term residence. Read more: physical presence.

Prórroga de estancia (extension of stay) — Extending a short stay beyond the permitted period — only for exceptional reasons. With a visa under article 33 of the Visa Code, without a visa on form EX-29. Read more: extension of stay.

R

Reagrupación familiar (family reunification) — Residence for the spouse, children and parents of a foreigner who has lived in Spain for a year and renewed the permit. Income, adequate housing and insurance are required. Read more: family reunification.

Recurso de alzada (hierarchical appeal) — An appeal to a higher body against a decision that does not end the administrative procedure. Read more: hierarchical appeal.

Recurso de reposición (appeal for reconsideration) — An administrative appeal against a refusal to the same body that decided. It is filed within one month and is optional before going to court. Read more: appeal for reconsideration.

Reglamento de Extranjería (immigration regulation) — Royal Decree 1155/2024 — the detailed rules implementing the Aliens Law. In force since 20 May 2025 and amended by Royal Decree 316/2026 from 16 April 2026. Read more: immigration regulation.

Regularización extraordinaria (2026 regularisation) — The one-off regularisation of undocumented migrants in 2026. Applications closed on 30 June 2026; the ordinary routes, above all arraigo, remain. Read more: 2026 regularisation.

Renovación (renewal) — Renewing a residence permit: as a rule, up to two months before expiry or within three months after. Filing on time keeps the previous permit valid until the decision. Read more: renewal.

Resguardo (filing receipt) — Proof that an application was filed. Together with the old card it shows lawful stay while a renewal is decided, but it is not enough for travel abroad. Read more: filing receipt.

Residencia (residence) — Living in Spain under a residence permit, temporary or long-term. Unlike estancia it gives the right to live in the country. Read more: residence.

Régimen comunitario (EU regime) — The rules for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland and their families under Royal Decree 240/2007. Family members receive a five-year EU family member card. Read more: EU regime.

Régimen de impatriados (Beckham law) — A special tax regime for people moving to Spain: 24% on income up to €600,000 a year instead of the general scale, for six years. You apply on form Modelo 149. Read more: Beckham law.

S

Sede electrónica (e-government portal) — An authority’s official website for filing applications, booking appointments and receiving notifications. You log in with a digital certificate or Cl@ve. Read more: e-government portal.

Seguro médico sin copagos (insurance without co-payments) — Private health insurance without co-payments per visit and with cover equivalent to the public system. It is required for most permits without Spanish employment. Read more: insurance without co-payments.

Silencio administrativo (administrative silence) — The effect of an authority not answering in time. For a renewal, silence means approval; for a first application it usually means refusal. Read more: administrative silence.

SMI (minimum wage) — Salario Mínimo Interprofesional — the minimum wage: in 2026 it is €1,221 a month paid 14 times a year. It sets the income threshold for the digital nomad permit and for arraigo. Read more: minimum wage.

T

Tarjeta comunitaria (EU family member card) — A five-year card for a non-EU relative of an EU citizen. It gives the right to live and work without separate permits. Read more: EU family member card.

Tasa (government fee) — The fee for a procedure. For residence it is paid on forms 790-012 (cards and certificates) and 790-052 (permits). Read more: government fee.

TIE (foreigner’s identity card) — Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — the plastic card proving your residence permit. You get it from the police after the permit is approved, with fingerprints. Read more: foreigner’s identity card.

Traductor jurado (sworn translator) — A translator accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Authorities accept a sworn translation with the stamp without further certification. Read more: sworn translator.

U

UGE (large companies unit) — Unidad de Grandes Empresas — the unit that decides permits under Law 14/2013: digital nomad, start-up, highly qualified. Filing is online, and silence on a renewal means approval. Read more: large companies unit.

V

Vida laboral (employment history) — A social security report listing all periods of work and contributions. It proves your work history for permits, pensions and mortgages. Read more: employment history.

Visado D (national visa) — A long-stay visa for entering to live, work or study. After entry you obtain a TIE card. Read more: national visa.

Volante de empadronamiento (registration slip) — A simple certificate from the municipal register for everyday use. For residence and citizenship a certificado — a certified version with your address history — is often required. Read more: registration slip.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an NIE and a TIE?

The NIE is your foreigner’s number and stays with you for life. The TIE is the plastic card carrying that number that proves your residence permit; you get it from the police after approval and renew it when the permit is renewed.

What is the difference between estancia and residencia?

Estancia is a stay of up to 90 days or a long-term stay for study; it does not give the right to live in the country. Residencia means living in Spain under a residence permit, temporary or long-term.

How does homologation differ from convalidación?

Homologation recognises a foreign degree as equivalent to a Spanish one and is needed to practise a regulated profession. Convalidación credits part of your studies so you can continue them in Spain.

Can I travel with a resguardo?

No. The filing receipt together with your old card proves lawful stay in Spain while a renewal is decided, but to leave and come back you need an autorización de regreso on form EX-13.

What does administrative silence mean?

It is the effect of an authority not answering in time. For a residence renewal, silence after three months means approval; for a first application it usually means refusal.

What is the difference between a volante and a certificado de empadronamiento?

A volante is a simple registration slip for everyday use. A certificado is a certified version, often with your address history, and is usually required for residence and citizenship.

How does arraigo differ from family reunification?

Arraigo is obtained by a foreigner who already lives in Spain without status. Family reunification is a permit for the relatives of a foreigner who lives in Spain legally and brings the family over.