How to get your Spanish residence or work permit approved (2025)

Index

“Resolución favorable“, a must-have for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

You know you’ve officially entered the Spanish paperwork zone when even your paperwork needs extra paperwork.

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, one document sits at the heart of it all: the residence or work permit approval letter. Without it, your dreams of sipping coffee in Alicante while working remotely under the Mediterranean sun are on hold.

Let’s demystify the process and help you secure that all-important piece of paper.

What is the residence or work permit approval letter?

It’s the formal document(resolución favorable) from the Spanish immigration office (Oficina de Extranjeros) confirming that your application to reside or work in Spain has been approved.

It’s absolutely essential for applying for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which will be your official identity card as a foreigner.

In short: no letter, no TIE.

Who needs it?

✅ Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens:
This includes British nationals post-Brexit, Russians, Ukrainians, Americans (North, South), Canadians Australians, Indians, Asians, Africans, etc. If you’re not from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, this letter is required.

❌ EU/EEA/Swiss citizens:
You’re exempt from this permit. Instead, you register your residence and apply for a Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión at the local police station or immigration office.

📄 Details for EU citizens:
Ministerio del Interior – Registration Certificate Info

Step-by-step: how to get your approval letter

1. Apply for the right residence or work permit

Depending on your situation:

Work permit: Your Spanish employer typically applies for you via the local Oficina de Extranjeros.
Residence visa (non-lucrative or self-employment): You can apply yourself either:
- At the Spanish consulate in your home country, or
- From within Spain, if permitted by your visa type.

📄 Where to apply:

List of foreign Consulates in Spain, by country
List of Immigration Offices in Spain (to book your appointment)

2. Gather your documentation

Exact documents depend on the permit type, but generally include:

Official application form (e.g., EX-03, EX-09, or EX-17)
Valid passport + photocopies
Work contract or business plan (if applicable)
Medical certificate and criminal background check
Proof of qualifications (for job-based permits)
Payment of the administrative fee using Modelo 790, Código 052

🧾 Download forms (or pick them up at the local immigration office):

3. Submit the application

Abroad: At the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.
In Spain: At the Oficina de Extranjeros (Immigration Office) or designated police station.
Some applications may be submitted online if you have a digital certificate.
💻 Online portal:
Red SARA – Electronic Submission

4. Wait for resolution (and track it)

Once your application is processed, the authorities will issue a favourable resolution—your official approval letter.

📬 How you’ll receive it:

By post
By email (in some provinces)
In person at the office

🔍 Track your application (in Spanish):

Check your status online (with NIE or expediente number)

Why it matters

You’ll need this approval letter for your TIE appointment, which formalises your legal status in Spain. Without it, you can’t complete the residency process—even if your visa is already stamped in your passport.

Final tips

Keep a paper trail – Always keep a printed original of your approval letter and take a copy to your TIE appointment. Spanish bureaucracy values printed proof, sometimes even more than digital confirmations. Think of it as a modern treasure hunt—just with stamps and queue tickets.
For added peace of mind and a smoother process, consider hiring a local gestor (consultant) or attorney who knows the ins and outs of the system! Check the Costa Blanca Directories to find one that speaks your language>>