Alan

I heard something like this on the radio a few weeks back that the government are starting to now make sure anyone who moves and lives here have enough money to support there selfs and not live off the state. It was a suggestion I didn't know they have started asking for proof now.

I WAS UP AT JEFF'S OFFICE THIS MORNING AND IT HAD A POSTER ON THE DOOR WHICH SAID SOMETHING ABOUT A CARD FOR PEOPLE OVER 65 I WONDER IF THAT WAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS. IT MENTIONED SOCIAL SECURITY. I WILL HAVE A LOOK WHEN I AM UP THE TOP TOMORROW.

I know they used to give plastic cards origionaly for residencia and then changed it to the green A4 paper ( which i also have). I dont understand about having to prove you can afford to live here.......If you pay nothing into the system you cant get anything out so the Spanish will never be out of pocket. I know over 65's get their free healthcare but that because we're in Europe.
Im sure someone has the answer!

Alan. it is new it came in on the 1st of June, it will only effect none UK people they are trying to stop people from other countries coming to work and not having proper papers and those not paying into the system, i was told it will not affect the british

I popped in to see our friend who has just completed her Residencia,she showed me the card,it looks rather like a miniatured version of the large A4 sized paper one that most of us have,it is made of paper,is credit card sized,and comes with a plastis envelope,
It still can not be used as proof of who you are and states that on the card.
Regarding having proof of being able to support yourself once you are in Spain,she was told to take bank statements,which she duly supplied,but her pensions are paid into an English bank,and she transfers money through that,The clerk insisted that pensions would be paid into a Spanish Account,after much huffing and puffing the clerk looked at something on her computer and issued the residencia.

Just read your answer Linda,our Friend is born and bred English,she had made plans for someone to take her to assist,last Thursday but was told at the last minute to cancel it as the new rules came in the previous day,and she would need to get information on the new rules,one of which was the proof of self supporting.This is one of the reasons i really love Spain,no one knows what the rules are at any one time,normally it takes a few years for everyone to know what is what,it is then they change the rules and the merry go round starts again.
Thanks to everyone who answered my query,This is one of the main things forums are about,trying to help each other

Hi Alan, I checked today with my solicitor. Her words were at present the green A4 sheet does not need renewing. Of course being Spain she said she does not know how long this will last, but at present you do not have to re-new.

Helo Alan. I am spanish and I was not aware of this new card replacing the A4 (stupid) sized document.. If you are not too much in a hurry, I will try to get the information from the authorities and I will come back to you as soon as I can, is that ok for you? Bye, catherine

Thank you Catherine,that would be very good of you if you can do that.
It is always nice to hear from the Spanish on these sort of things,
Perhaps you could help us ex-pats in the future,I am sure you will make things more easily understandable.

http://www.inlandcosta.com/information/residents-certificate.php

Take a look at this link Alan, see if it helps.

Thanks Andi,
At least at the moment we dont have to re-apply as we have the A4 size one.
Still strange they dont mention proof of self suffiency required,But as I said before,this is Spain,and rules and laws are quite different to U.K. rules and Laws

Money to self suppor is an historic issue, years ago you had to prove you had the financial means if you wanted to live in Spain & obtain residencia.

I have copied this from Jeffs Blog it may be of interest to all here.
Residencia Cards/Paper
With regards to the enquiry regarding Residencia Cards. The change, according to Madrid, is so that the green paper Residencia form will be replaced by a more convenient format, with the new Residencia card. The green paper copy will remain valid as there are no plans to have them replaced, the new card is only for new applicants. The application is pretty much the same as before.
In the past the authorities did not bother too much about proof of income, i.e,. being able to support oneself without being a burden on the state. Now, due to a tightening up of the legislation, it will be necessary to provide bank statements or reciepts for your pensions. For those who do not have an income, they will have to prove that they either have sufficient funds, a contract of employment or a sponsor, who will support the individual until they are self sufficient financially. This Card will not be considered Identification as it will not have a photo on it. Remember without a Residencia you cannot obtain a a Padron Cert.

Thanks weejohnten,I think jeffs blog answer my question perfectly,So we all know what the rules are,and our friend was completely right in what she told us.
Possibly more important,is this blog was put on today,after an enquiry,so we can take it as said, that jeff does read this forum,but as is his right (and personally I think it is the correct one)he will not answer on this forum
questions that are asked on it.
I hope this is not going to be the start of another slanging match on here as to how jeff should answer.The point is if it is deemed important and of public interest he will answer on his blog