If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or a family member of one of them, and you are living in Spain, it is likely that you have heard of the Community card. This is a document that allows you to accredit your right to reside in the country and enjoy the same rights as Spanish citizens in terms of access to the services offered by the state.
This card also allows cardholders to travel within the European Union with ease and security, as Member States consider the cardholder to be a person authorised by the European Union to access its services and resources. The Spanish Community Card It also facilitates the movement of people between EU countries, allowing holders to work and live in other EU countries without having to go through traditional immigration procedures.
Remember that you can count on our team of experts in foreigners to help you with the whole process.
What is the Community card?
The Community card is an official document issued by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which identifies citizens of the European Union (EU) and other countries who have the right to reside and work in Spain. This card allows holders to access special services and benefits for foreigners residing in Spain. The residence permit is valid until the holder leaves the country, changes residence within the EU, changes nationality, or dies.
This card, also known as an EU long-term residence card, contains the holder's identification, date, place of issue, and a photograph. The card is issued to permanent EU residents who are registered in Spain's register of foreigners. To apply, they must meet certain requirements, which may vary depending on their country of origin.
In general, it is necessary to prove that you have a sufficient means of subsistence and that you have valid health insurance in Spain. In addition, it is necessary to present some documents, such as personal identification, certificate of census registration, among others.
What are the requirements for obtaining a Community card?
The EU card is a document that allows EU citizens and their family members to reside and work in another EU country. In general, EU or EEA citizens who want to apply for the EU card must prove that they have sufficient financial resources to live in Spain without having to work, or that they have a job or a job offer.
The requirements for obtaining an EC card may vary depending on the country of application, but in general, the common requirements in 2023 are as follows:
- Be a citizen of an EU country or be a family member of an EU citizen residing in the country where you are applying for an EU card.
- Proof of valid and sufficient medical insurance to cover any medical eventuality during the stay in the country of destination.
- Have sufficient income or employment to support themselves financially during their stay in the country of destination.
- Have a suitable and sufficient place of residence for accommodation during the stay in the host country.
- In some countries, a clean criminal record may be required.
- If you are a family member of an EU citizen, it is necessary to present documentation proving the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
It is important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the country where you are applying for the EU card, and may be subject to change depending on the legislation in force. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of the country in question before taking any action.
Benefits of the Community Card
The Community card is an identification document for family members of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens residing in a Member State other than their country of origin. Some of the benefits of having an EU card are:
- Right to reside: the EU card allows its holder to reside legally in the host country, without the need to apply for an additional residence permit.
- Right to work: This allows the holder to work in the host country without the need to apply for an additional work permit.
- Access to public services: EU card holders have access to the same public services as host country nationals, such as education, health care and social security.
- Right to family reunificationAllows family members of EU/EEA nationals to reside and work in the same host country, facilitating family reunification.
- Right to travel: is valid in all EU/EEA countries and therefore allows the holder to travel freely in Europe without the need for an additional visa.
In short, the EU Card offers a number of important benefits for EU/EEA citizens and their family members, allowing them to enjoy the same rights as citizens of the host country.
What happens if I lose my Community Card?
If you lose your Community Card, you should immediately inform the relevant authorities in your country of residence. In some countries, you may have to report it to the police.
In addition, it is important that you apply for a new card as soon as possible to avoid problems when travelling or accessing public services. The process for obtaining a new card may vary from country to country, but generally you should submit an application along with the required documentation.
In some cases, you may have to pay a fee to obtain a new one. If you have questions about the specific process in your country, you can contact the competent authority or a lawyer specialised in immigration law for more information and advice.
