The extension of stay in Spain is one of the first concerns faced by those of us who have come from Venezuela with a heart full of hope.
Many of us come looking for a new life, opportunities and a respite from the difficult situation we left behind. But we also know that nostalgia for our homeland is always present.
In the midst of this mix of emotions, we must deal with the legality of our permanence. This is where the extension of stay in Spain becomes an essential tool for many of us.
What is the extension of stay in Spain?
The extension of stay in Spain is a administrative procedure which allows foreigners to prolong their stay in the country beyond the time initially authorised.
This is especially important for those of us who enter as tourists or with a study visit o medical treatmentsand then we need to stay a little bit longer, either because of procedures, family reasons or simply because circumstances have changed.
For example, if we enter as tourists with a 90-day authorisation, but during that time personal, family, medical or administrative reasons arise that justify staying a little longer, we can apply for this extension. In simple terms, it is a legal lifeline for avoid falling into an irregular situation.
Many of us arrived with a short-stay visaAnd by the time we realise it, time has flown by. It is at that moment that the extension of stay in Spain offers us an option to temporarily regularise our situation.
Cases in which it can be applied for
We, the VenezuelansWe are well aware that sometimes circumstances overtake us. Many of us arrive fleeing from a situation that gives us no guarantee of security, work or quality of life. In such cases, the extension of stay in Spain can be ordered by:
- Humanitarian reasonsif there is a crisis in our country that threatens our security or well-being.
- Medical reasonswhen we are undergoing treatment or have unavoidable medical appointments.
- Family reasonsif we have direct relatives here, and we have to stay here to look after them or be with them.
- Ongoing legal proceedingsas asylum application processes, rootsreunification or other.
It is important to be clear about the cause because it is the cause that will determine the documentation and the likelihood of the application being approved.
Who can benefit
Any foreign national who is legally in Spain under a Permit to Stay may benefit from this extension.
It doesn't matter if you arrived with tourist visaof studies or for medical treatment. What is essential is that your status is still lawful at the time of application and that you have a reasonable justification for extending your time here.
Many Venezuelans We use this option because we know that returning home is not easy. Sometimes there are no flights, sometimes there is no money, and often there is simply no guarantee that we can start again if we return. This measure allows us to organise ourselves better, without the pressure of being outside the law.
Requirements for applying for an extension of stay in Spain
To apply for the extension of stay in SpainIn order to be able to do so, it is necessary to comply with a series of requirements set by the migration law. Although it may seem like a complicated process, with the right information and some patience, it is entirely feasible.
These are the main requirements:
- Not having exceeded the initially authorised timei.e. you must ask for the extension before your current stay expires.
- Justifying the need for extensionThis may be for personal, family, humanitarian, health or other reasons.
- Proof of sufficient financial meansto demonstrate that you are able to support yourself for the additional time you are requesting.
- Health insuranceHealth insurance covering the entire period of the extension is essential.
- No criminal record at Spain nor in the countries where you have previously resided.
We, the VenezuelansIn the case of the latter, we usually have ample reason to ask for this extension. Sometimes the situation in our country does not allow for an immediate return, or perhaps we have found a possibility for work, study or simply the need to be close to family members.
How to apply for an extension
The procedure for applying for the extension of stay in Spain It may seem like a bureaucratic process, but with patience, organisation and knowledge, it can be carried out successfully. This procedure must be carried out before the expiry of the current Permit to StaySo the key is to act in advance.
Step 1: Make an appointment
The first thing to do is to enter the electronic headquarters of the Spanish public administration and look for the option corresponding to "Aliens". There we select under "Mercury".. Availability of appointments may be limited, so check back frequently.
Step 2: Complete form EX-00
This form is the document basis of the application. It is essential to fill it out carefully, indicating correctly all of our personal datathe reason for the extension and the additional time we are requesting. We must also sign it and bring a copy with us.
Step 3: Gather all documentation
The documentation will depend on the reason for which we are requesting the extensionbut general documents include:
- Full copy of the passport in force.
- Supporting documents of the reason (medical appointments, registration or academic certificate, court documents, etc.).
- Accredited financial means (bank statements, sponsorship letter, etc.).
- Valid medical insurance.
- Registration if required in your locality.
It is advisable to bring both originals and simple copies. Every detail counts, a poorly presented paper can be a reason for inadmissibility.
Step 4: Show up for the appointment
On the assigned date and time, you must go to the corresponding immigration office or police station. It is essential to arrive on time, with all the organised documentation. Many offices do not allow escorts, so if you need help communicating, be sure to let them know in advance.
During the meeting, the official will review the documents and you can ask basic questions about our stay. If everything is in order, they will stamp the papers and give you a presentation voucher.
Step 5: Wait for resolution
Upon delivery of the documentsthe administration has a deadline for issuing a resolutionThis can take from a few weeks to up to three months. You can consult the state of our online application with the file number.
If the application is approved, we will be able to legally stay in the country. Spain for the time granted. In case of refusal, a legal appeal is possible, although this involves further steps.
And if I don't get it approved, what do I do?
We know that the outcome is not always what we expect. Sometimes, because of minor details or for reasons beyond our control, the request for extension of stay in Spain may be refused.
At that moment, we feel a mixture of frustration and fear. What now? What are our options? Do we have to leave immediately? The good news is that there are alternatives, and we are not alone.
First, if we receive a negative decisionwe have the right to file a appeal for reconsideration before the same Aliens Office which refused the extension.
This appeal must be lodged within one month Since the official notification, we must make a clear case as to why we believe the decision was wrong. We can also provide new documentation to support our claim.
Another option is to turn to the judicial channels through a contentious-administrative appeal. This step often requires legal advice and may involve costs, but it is a valid way to defend our right to remain in the country. Spain if there are solid foundations.
It is also advisable to contact migrant support organisationsas CEAR, Red Cross or Venezuelan associations in Spain. Many of them offer free or low-cost legal advice and can provide guidance on the steps to take.
Receive a refusal does not mean that all is lost. Rather, it is a call to act with calm, strategy and perseverance. We, as Venezuelans, know what it is to face adversity and get up. This is just another battle on the road to a better life.
It is important not to give up. Every story is different, and often, with the right advice, you can find legal ways to stay in the country.
What it feels like to be away
It is not possible to talk about the extension of stay in Spain not to mention the distance. We miss our people, our food, our customs. But we also value security, stability, the possibility of building something new.
We are seeking this extension in the hope that we will not go backwards, that we will be able to continue fighting for a dignified future.
At CuriaraWe hope we have helped you in this process and we encourage you to take the next step with confidence. We know that this is just the beginning of a new life full of learning, growth and new experiences.
And as long as life continues to take us down new paths, we will always carry in our souls that piece of Venezuela that we leave behind, but that never leaves us.
We wish you every success on your way!
