Over the past 20 years, Spain has become a second homeland for several tens of thousands of emigrants, who make up about 10% of the country’s population. Foreigners are attracted to the country by the warm climate, historical monuments and high quality of life, which is explained by the rapid economic development. Immigration to Spain, despite all the gossip and rumors, is in most cases successful if certain rules are followed.
Migration policy of Spain
The popularity of this country among those wishing to change their place of residence is simply amazing. And it’s not just about a high standard of living and decent salaries. Thanks to natural factors and the loyal migration policy of the country’s government, emigration from Ukraine to Spain provides the following advantages:
- Economical development. The rapid economic growth that began in the early 90s led to the development of tourism, construction, and the creation of thousands of jobs, of which migrants occupy about 40%. In addition, immigration to Spain also brought high-class specialists, whose salary reaches 2,000 dollars a month.
- The rules of moving are clear. In the last 20 years, Spain’s migration legislation has been quite liberal. Transparent rules and mechanisms of legalization allow most foreigners to obtain a residence permit in Spain quite easily. At the same time, the country has a large number of those who live there illegally.
- Membership in the EU. The Schengen area and the sales market in Europe allow those who have obtained residence in Spain to travel and work in EU member states without obstacles.
- Mediterranean climate. The mild climate and beautiful weather attract wealthy retirees and freelancers who can work anywhere in the world. The most popular coastal destinations are Malaga and Alicante.
Methods of emigration to Spain
Immigration to Spain is quite possible for Ukrainians, because local legislation offers several legal opportunities for a foreigner to become a citizen of this country:
- Family reunification. It is quite possible to obtain permanent residence in Spain if you are the husband or wife of a foreigner and your marriage is recognized by Spanish law. In addition, minor children, dependent parents over 65 years of age or persons under the guardianship of a foreigner also have the right to move. All of them can receive a special GNP, if the receiving party receives a PNP, and also proves the availability of housing and money to support the family.
- Work and accommodation. Not every permit is suitable for legal employment in the country. To formalize labor relations, a special GNP is issued, which gives a work permit to any person who has reached the age of 16. The permit can be obtained only at the request of the employer, provided that the foreigner is not a citizen of the EU, does not have a ban on entering the country, and does not have a criminal record. The employer will need to provide an employment contract, registration in the social security system, as well as proof of solvency. If all these conditions are met, immigration to Spain 2022 is possible to fill those vacancies that cannot be filled with the help of the local population.
- Business. According to article 61 of the law 14/2013 “On support of entrepreneurs and their internationality”, foreign investors receive simplified conditions for entry and stay in the country. In order to obtain Spanish citizenship, a migrant must be of legal age, have no criminal record, have an insurance policy and have the means to support himself and his family. To receive GNP, a foreigner must invest at least 2 million euros in government debt securities or 1 million euros in shares of Spanish companies, investment forms or bank deposits. Together with the investor, his spouse, children or close relatives who cannot support themselves have the right to move.
- Education. To study in the higher educational institutions of the kingdom, a special permit can be issued for the entire period of education. Such a permit must be extended every year, which is possible only if the student fulfills the study requirements of the higher education institution where he receives his education. In order to receive it, it is also necessary to have no criminal record, to have an insurance policy and sufficient funds for living. Education seekers can also work in the country with some restrictions.
- Marriage. Immigrating to Spain from Ukraine by marrying a citizen of the country is probably the easiest way to obtain Spanish citizenship. After the marriage ceremony, the stateless spouse can move to Spain with a free visa for family members. After that, a permit for temporary stay and obtaining citizenship must be obtained under a simplified procedure. Thus, in accordance with Article 22 of the Civil Code, the official partner of a Spanish citizen can obtain citizenship already one year after the marriage registration, if the spouses are registered at the same address and have sufficient funds to support the family, have no criminal record and know the Spanish language.
- Rooting. Some foreigners who have been living on the territory of the country for a long time, even without having legal grounds for it, are subject to paragraph 3 of Article 31 of Law No. 4/2000. Residency can be labor, when the emigrant works for more than 2 years and 6 months, social, which implies the presence of family ties with residents of the country, and family, if the migrant is the parent or child of a Spanish citizen.
- Investments. The purchase of real estate for the amount of 500,000 euros or more gives the right to receive a “Residence Visa for Investors” and their family members.
- Refugee status. Immigration to Spain from Ukraine, which is caused by armed aggression, gives the right to receive refugee status under a simplified procedure and to receive citizenship 5 years after submitting the application.
After learning how to obtain Spanish citizenship, do not neglect the legal advice of a specialist. He will help you in preparing a package of documents for obtaining status, and will also try to resolve controversial or difficult issues that arise during registration.
