Declaration of Entry to Spain

So, great news—you’ve got your visa, and you’re heading to Spain! In this article, we’ll explain what to do if you’re not entering Spain directly but driving through France, as this is the case for many of our clients.

Entry Stamp into France

The first and most important step when travelling through France is to ensure you get an entry stamp into France. This stamp shows your initial entry into the Schengen Area. While it doesn’t prove your entry into Spain, it serves as a starting point to demonstrate that you have entered the Schengen Zone.

When crossing the border into Spain, you’ll notice there is nowhere to have your passport stamped. So, what happens next?

Declaración de Entrada

The Declaración de Entrada, or Declaration of Entry, is the process through which you officially notify Spanish authorities of your entry into Spain. This is necessary when your passport doesn’t have the usual entry stamp.

You have three working days to make the declaration of entry after entering Spanish territory, as stated in Spanish law (Real Decreto 557/2011)

“Tendrán la obligación de declarar la entrada personalmente ante las autoridades policiales españolas los extranjeros que accedan a territorio español procedentes de un Estado con el que España haya firmado un acuerdo de supresión de controles fronterizos.”

This can be done at any Cuerpo Nacional de Policía station or Oficina de Extranjería, as also outlined in the law:

“Si no se hubiese efectuado en el momento de la entrada, dicha declaración deberá efectuarse en el plazo de tres días hábiles a partir de aquélla, en cualquier comisaría del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía u Oficina de Extranjería.”

There is often a police offices located in airports that can assist with this process.

Required Documentation

It is crucial to keep any proof of your entry into Spain and your subsequent journey through the country. This could include:

• Hotel receipts
• Petrol station receipts
• Any other relevant documentation

You will need to print and complete the form and present it along with your passport and the proof you have collected. A full translation of how to fill out the form is provided at the end of this article.

What If the Police Say No?

Obtaining a Declaración de Entrada can sometimes be challenging. Here are a few potential obstacles:

1. Language Barriers: Some police officers may not understand what you are requesting.
2. Timetable Limitations: Most police stations operate administratively between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. While they handle emergencies 24/7, administrative tasks like issuing this document are limited to these hours.
3. Unfamiliarity: Some officers may not be familiar with the process or see its importance.

If you are not an Upsticks client, this can be frustrating. However, we have successfully registered non-lucrative visas without a Declaración de Entrada, as long as there is sufficient proof that our client has entered Spain along with the French entry stamp.

Alternative Ways to Obtain an Entry Stamp

If you are unable to secure a Declaración de Entrada, here are some alternative options:

• Andorra: Travelling through Andorra can sometimes result in an entry stamp on your exit from the Principality.
• Gibraltar: A trip to Gibraltar can provide an exit stamp when leaving Gibraltar and a return stamp when re-entering Spain.
• Flight Detour: Taking a budget flight (e.g., Ryanair or EasyJet) out of Spain and back can also provide the necessary stamp.

Residency Date Considerations

Your residency date will start from your declared entry into Spain, which is determined by the entry stamp. If you lack a Declaración de Entrada or an entry stamp, immigration authorities may use the date of your French entry stamp or the start date of your visa. While this isn’t usually a problem, it can result in an earlier renewal date.

Guide to Filling Out the Form

1. Nombre (Name): Enter your first name.
2. 1er Apellido (First Surname): Provide your first surname.
3. 2º Apellido (Second Surname): Provide your second surname (if applicable).
4. Nacionalidad (Nationality): Write your nationality.
5. NIE / Pasaporte Nº (Foreign ID / Passport Number): Enter your NIE or passport number.
6. Fecha de nacimiento (Date of Birth): Write your date of birth in the format dd/mm/yyyy.
7. Localidad y País (City and Country): Enter the city and country of your birth.
8. Nombre del padre / Nombre de la madre (Father’s Name / Mother’s Name): Write the full names of your parents.
9. Estado civil (Marital Status): Select one:
   • S: Soltero (Single)
   • C: Casado (Married)
   • V: Viudo (Widowed)
   • D: Divorciado (Divorced)
   • Sp: Separado (Separated)
10. Domicilio en España (Address in Spain): Include:
    • Nº (Number): House/building number.
    • Piso (Floor): Floor number.
    • Localidad (City): City of residence.
    • C.P. (Postal Code): Postal code.
    • Provincia (Province): Province name.
11. Teléfono (Phone): Provide your contact number.
12. E-mail: Enter your email address.
13. Representante legal, en su caso (Legal Representative, if applicable): Provide their name and ID – Normally not needed as you will be present in person.
14. Fecha (Date): Enter the date of entry into Spain.
15. Procedente de: País (From: Country): Indicate the country of origin.
16. Motivo de la permanencia (Reason for Stay): Specify your purpose of stay.
17. Tiempo previsto (Expected Duration): State your expected duration of stay.
18. Firma (Signature): Sign the form.

Need Assistance?

If you’re considering moving to Spain on a non-lucrative visa or renewing your current visa, book a call with us, and we’ll guide you through the process.