There has been a great deal of confusion recently about the issuing of residencia certificates, following changes to the paperwork issued.
A reader emailed to say he had been told his green residencia certificate was no longer valid when he tried to purchase a mobile phone, and was sent to Murcia to get the new paperwork, which he was told was a blue document.
Another reader emailed to say she had been told her green certificate was no longer valid by her Spanish teacher.
The system has indeed changed, as from 16th January, but not as drastically as some are saying.
Originally, residents were issued with a residency card, with an expiry date, which had to be renewed.
This was replaced with a large, light green coloured residency certificate, which most residents will now have.
The general perception is that this has no expiry date, but in fact it is only valid for 5 years.
The issue date is clearly shown at the bottom in the right hand corner.
At the end of 5 years, it is necessary to update this certificate for a new one.
The changes which have taken place on the 16th January this year only relate to the design and structure of the new paperwork being issued.
From 16th January, those arriving in Spain for the first time and applying for a residencia certificate, as well as anyone taking an expired residency card in for updating, will be given a smaller green certificate.
This is simply a design change, as the green residency certificate is deemed to be too large to carry around at all times, although legally we should all carry these certificates with us at all times to provide ID.
This in itself is a contradiction, as the certificate does not bear a photo, so is not accepted as irrefutable proof of ID in many locations. This has lead to many expats carrying passports as a form of ID, which in this day and age of handbag theft, may not be the most sensible thing to do . Whilst certified photocopies are accepted in some quarters, the passport is the required proof in most situations.
It´s always advisable to take copies of everything in triplicate if intending to apply for any sort of service, and always to have a couple of passport photos and Padrón in the folder for good measure.
The green certificate is only issued to EU nationals, who are considered "comunitarios " not those of non EU member states who are considered as "extranjeros", foreigners.
All certificates must be renewed at the end of a 5 year period and are totally valid for that duration, so our reader was wrongfully sent to Murcia to renew his paperwork, when in fact he didn´t need to.
The Comisaría advise that if any shop refuses to accept the existing green certificate, they should be referred to the Comisaría to confirm their facts, and that as a consumer you have the right to complain by asking for a Hoja de reclamaciones, a complaints form, although it is advisable to take additional ID, even if it is a photocopy of your passport.
Normally the mere request for one of these forms will transform a non-compliant and stubborn retail assistant into a charming and helpful assistant, as these official complaints forms are taken very seriously.
If you still have a plastic ID card, which is now out of date, it is extremely important to update it for a certificate, so make a point of getting it updated. This is a simple process and ensures that you have vital ID should a brush with the ever increasingly vigilant forces of law and order occur.
Cartagena Comisaría C/ Menéndez Pelayo Nº 6 - 30204, Cartagena
968321285
Murcia Comisaría
Ctra. Mazarron, Avda. Mercamurcia S/N - 30120, El Palmar
968889607
Other Comisarías : Comisarias
| Area | Town | Subject |
| Surviving Spain.. |
All Text and Images are Subject to Copyright |
