returning to spain after four years
 

I was resident in Spain up until nearly four years back but took ill in the UK and have been there since. I am thinking of returning to Spain - has anyone experienced this situation - can I just resume where I left off or will I have to renew NIE and the green paper residency document - both issued in 2008, and reapply for health care card (over 65)?

Re: returning to spain after four years
 

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: returning to spain after four years
 

Your NIE No is issued for life that does not expire and will be valid. There is some argument that the green paper needs to be renewed after 5 years but you are just within that so should be OK. To renew your health card the INSS will probably ask for an up to date Padron, residency cert and perhaps a new S1.

Re: returning to spain after four years
 

The green paper is valid for 5 years, though some say for life, but that's if you are living in Spain.Isn't it the case that you can only spend 6 months out of Spain, before it has to be renewed?

Re: returning to spain after four years
 

That would apply if you told them you were leaving/had left. If you did not how would they know? You would of course have to comply with the new requirements on income an health care but that should be no problem here since he is a State Pensioner.

Re: returning to spain after four years
 

Depending on your legal status when you left, and if you didn't inform anyone on leaving, you probably won't have to do anything and just resume your life in Spain. A visit to your designated medical centre with your current health card might be the easiest way to check. If your Spanish is up to it, you could telephone them from the UK.