Residency help for expats

ON Wednesday a video conference took place at the Alfaz del Pi Casa de Cultura for British residents in the town.

It was arranged by the foreign residents department and attended by councillor Martine Mertens.

The meeting was chaired by Babelia, a non-profit association commissioned by the British government to assist and provide support to British nationals in Alicante province who are applying for legal residency.

The service they provide is completely free, and only the €12 cost of the new TIE foreigners identification cards has to be paid by the applicant, who has to attend an appointment in person because the procedure requires fingerprints to be taken.

People attending the meeting were reminded that they have to be on the municipal register (padrón) in the town they reside in.

New applicants for the TIE were also told they have to meet criteria for healthcare – either being entitled to treatment under Spanish social security, or having private health insurance equal to or superior to the national cover.

They are also being asked for proof of economic means, which can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Around 30 people attended the meeting and following an informative talk on the procedure and requirements, the floor was opened to a question and answer session.

For advice on applying, call

Babelia on 865 820 229 – Irene Berenguer is the contact for this area – or send an email to info@asociacionbabelia.org or see their Facebook profile.