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SURVIVAL GUIDE
Bureaucracy in Spain is a way of life, so
when you feel lost and don't know where to start in order to find the
information you need and to understand which documents and procedures are
required the following list of tips and suggestions can help you with just
about any type of red tape.
Where to go
Often the first hurdle you must jump
is finding out where to go in order to obtain a specific document or permit. If
you don't know anyone and don't feel comfortable approaching your new neighbours,
it is best to direct your questions to either your local town hall (usually
centrally located) - specifically the "foreigners's department" in the
few municipalities that have one - or the local or national police station.
Maps
Throughout any bureaucratic process
you should carry a map of your local area with you as you may be required to go
from one government department to the next in order to gather together all the
required documentation.
Documents
It's wise to embark on any
bureaucratic adventure with the clear expectation that it could take much longer
than you would like to think it will. However, it helps to be as prepared as
possible. So, stop before you go and make a list of all the possible documents
that might be required: birth certificates, residence cards, an original
print-out of your "certificado de empadronamiento" showing that
you are officially registered at the town hall, title deeds etc. Next, check all
documents to make sure none are out of date. Remember that the "certificados
de empadronamiento" have short expiration dates.
Photocopies
It is a good idea to have three photo
copies of each document in your possession. Any photocopy that might have to be
"compulsado" - or made official - must show both sides of a
document on the same side of a sheet of paper. For example, you would be sure
that both sides of your residence card appeared on the same side of a sheet of
paper in order to be properly "compulsado" by a bureaucrat. For
other purposes you will need to have card copied back to front with each side
appearing on opposite sides of a paper in the same corner, in order to cut it
out and create a paper version of the original card. Sound complicated? It is.
Photos
If you think you might need photos -
for driver's licenses and residency cards, for example - these can be obtained
in any photo shop.
Cultural Know-how
While cutting red tape in Spain can be
frustrating at times, it is crucial that you maintain a calm approach and be
aware of certain cultural norms that, if followed, will help you be more
successful. Rule one - dress as nicely as possible. Image is very important in
Spanish culture and unconsciously paid great respect. Rule two - be polite no
matter how unrealistic the process seems to be. "Buena educación", or
good manners, is also put on a pedestal in Spanish society, ahead of such
concepts as "efficiency", or in some cases even "fairness",
for example.
Basic Language Skills
While you can probably get by with
very basic language skills when carrying out simple procedures, it can still be
frustrating. However, you can be sure that over the course of the project you
will improve your knowledge of Spanish, adding to your vocabulary. For more
complex or urgent projects, those who don't speak very much Spanish might
consider hiring a "gestor", who specialises in cutting red tape. This
option is considered more than acceptable by government authorities and most -
if not all - projects are designed to be handled by a third party professional
as well as the person directly involved.
*
top tip * Find a gestor in a Gestoria - an office where there are several
specialists.
A Good Book
As you never know how many hours you
might spend in queues, it is always a good idea to bring some good reading
material with you.
myCADIZ.biz
publishes this information in good faith. We cannot be responsible for any
consequences arising from its content.
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