Spain to Offer Residency to Overseas Pakistanis, Pathway to Citizenship After Seven Years

Eligible overseas Pakistanis will soon be able to obtain one-year resident cards in Spain, with a potential pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after seven to eight years, following a high-level meeting on the Spanish resident card scheme.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain co-chaired the session, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting and facilitating Pakistani citizens living abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged its full support for the Spanish resident card process [1].

Scheme Details and Eligibility

Pakistan’s ambassador to Spain, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, briefed officials on the scheme, clarifying that it is not intended for individuals seeking political asylum. Applicants will be required to submit a character certificate and other necessary documentation [2].

Initially, resident cards will be valid for one year. After completing seven to eight years of residency, eligible individuals will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency and, subsequently, citizenship.

Streamlined Verification Process

To expedite the process, officials have decided to accept only a single national character certificate issued by the National Police Bureau, rather than multiple certificates. The verification process will be simplified and accelerated to minimize difficulties for applicants [3].

Minister Naqvi stated that applicants will receive full support throughout the application process. Minister Hussain described the move as “welcoming,” anticipating that it will provide legal status to thousands of Pakistanis.

Coordination and Collaboration

The meeting, attended via Zoom by Pakistan’s ambassador to Spain, the Consul General in Barcelona, and the Community Welfare Attaché, also included representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, NADRA, FIA, and the Directorate General of Passports [1].