If you’re planning to move to Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), Digital Nomad Visa, or any other type of residency visa, it’s important to understand the Declaracion de Entrada process—particularly if you will enter Spain from another country within the Schengen Area.
When entering Spain directly from another Schengen country, your passport is not stamped at the border, and your arrival is not officially recorded by Spanish immigration. This lack of entry registration can create problems later when you apply for your residency card (TIE). The Declaración de Entrada is the solution to this issue and must be completed within 72 hours of arrival in Spain.
What is the Declaración de Entrada?
The Declaración de Entrada is a formal declaration that notifies Spanish authorities that you have entered the country. It is required for non-EU citizens holding a Spanish residency visa who arrive in Spain through another Schengen state and do not pass through passport control upon entry.
This declaration serves as your official proof of entry into Spain and is necessary for administrative processes such as applying for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
When Do You Need It?
You must submit a Declaración de Entrada if:
- You enter Spain from another Schengen country (such as France, Germany, Italy, or Poland)
- You are traveling on a Spanish residency visa and your passport is not stamped upon entry
- You plan to apply for a TIE and need proof of your legal arrival in Spain
You do not need the Declaración de Entrada if:
- You arrive in Spain directly from a non-Schengen country (such as the UK, the US, or Australia) and your passport is stamped by Spanish immigration
Understanding the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border checks between them. Once you enter one Schengen country, you can travel freely to the others without going through passport control at internal borders. This freedom of movement means that if your first point of entry into the Schengen Area is a country other than Spain, you may not receive a Spanish entry stamp.
Here is a map of the current Schengen countries as of 2025:
Some of the most common Schengen countries travelers pass through before arriving in Spain include:
- France
- Germany
- Portugal
- Italy
- Poland
- The Netherlands
- Belgium
How to Complete the Declaración de Entrada
- Download and print the form
You can download the official Declaración de Entrada form here:
Download Declaración de Entrada (PDF) – Always verify with official sources if the document is the last version. - Fill out the form with the following information:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Type of visa
- Date and location of entry into Spain
- Flight or transport details, if applicable
- Spanish address where you will be residing
- Visit a Policía Nacional station within 72 hours of your arrival in Spain. It’s best to choose a station near an international airport or border area, as not all local stations are familiar with this process.
- Bring these documents to the police station:
- Completed Declaración de Entrada form
- Passport with Spanish visa
- Travel tickets showing entry into Spain or the Schengen Zone
- Address in Spain (rental contract or booking confirmation, if available)
- Request the officer to stamp the form. This stamp will serve as your official proof of entry into Spain.
Why It Matters
Without a passport stamp or a stamped Declaración de Entrada, you may not be able to prove that you entered Spain during the validity period of your visa. This can delay or even prevent your TIE application, which must be submitted within 30 days of your arrival in Spain.
What Spainguru Community members say
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Go early in the day and be patient. Bring a Spanish-speaking friend if needed.
- Some police stations may not be familiar with the process. If you are turned away, try another station, ideally in a major city, in a city near the border or international airport.
- Keep a copy of the stamped form for your records and future appointments, like the TIE appointment.
Conclusion
The Declaración de Entrada is a simple but essential requirement for new residents entering Spain from another Schengen country. It ensures that your arrival is properly registered with Spanish authorities, helping you stay compliant with visa regulations and allowing you to apply for your residency card without issues. Print the form in advance, bring the necessary documents, and visit the right police station as soon as you arrive in Spain.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on Spainguru community insights and publicly available procedures. It is not legal advice. Please consult a legal expert for personalized guidance.
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