Declaration of Entry into Spain (Declaración de Entrada): what is it, when and how to submit it
One of the procedures that generates the most questions during the travel season is the declaration of entry into Spain - Declaración de Entrada. Knowing what the Declaración de Entrada is, when and how to submit it, and in which cases it is necessary, avoids incidents in obtaining or renewing residence permits.
The Declaración de Entrada is a quick but essential procedure in these cases. Ignoring it can lead to problems in residence applications or renewals.
Table of contents
- What is the Declaración de Entrada?
- Declaración de entrada: when and how to do it
- Who has to submit the Declaración de Entrada?
- Recommendations about the Declaración de Entrada
What is the Declaración de Entrada?
The declaration of entry into Spanish territory is an official procedure that citizens of non-European Union countries must complete when entering Spain and do not have an entry stamp in their passport.
This document serves as legal proof of the date of arrival in the country, which is essential for:- Applying for a residence permit during the 90 days covered by the tourist visa.
- Proving that the maximum period of absence allowed for renewing a valid residence permit has not been exceeded.
Normally, entry into Spain is recorded with a stamp in your passport at border control. However, in certain cases this stamp is not affixed, which means you must submit a declaration of entry into Spain. This occurs, for example:
- Travel from the Schengen Area: if you enter Spain from another Schengen country as part of a connecting flight, it is common for there to be no passport control on arrival.
- Border errors: due to carelessness, the control officer may fail to stamp the passport.
Declaración de entrada a España: when and how to do it
The deadline for submitting the Declaración de Entrada into Spain is 72 hours from the time of arrival.
The procedure must be carried out at the police station at the airport of entry into the country. If the person has entered through another point or is unable to do so at the time, it is advisable to coordinate the process as soon as possible with a specialist in international mobility.
Who has to submit the Declaración de Entrada?
This procedure applies to non-EU citizens who do not have an entry stamp in their passport and who:
-
Arrive in Spain as tourists and plan to apply for a residence permit within the permitted 90 days.
-
Have a valid residence permit and need to prove that they have not exceeded the limit of absences from Spain for its renewal.
Recommendations about the Declaración de Entrada
-
Check your passport within 24 hours of arrival to confirm that the entry stamp is present.
-
Include this procedure in your international mobility checklist to avoid forgetting it.
-
Seek specialist advice on how to deal with incidents relating to your declaration of entry into Spanish territory.
Need to know more about Declaración de Entrada ?
Drop us a line for more information.
We can help you with all the procedures involved in international mobility, immigration, and relocation to Spain.
.jpg)
