Hi everyone,
So, I live in the UK and am a British citizen. I lived in the South of Spain 1999 - 2001. I hired a professional to get me my NIE and bar licence as I was confused by the whole system. In 2001, I became a residencia as I bought some property. I left Spain at the end of 2001 and then sold the property in 2002. This was all done in my maiden name and fast forward 18 years later and I am still in the UK, have married and now my Husband and I are wanting to adopt. To get through the process, I have to have a Spanish DBS check for the time that I lived there for.
The issue is I do not have any of this paperwork anymore. My NIE, my Residencia card as it was out of date, the only bank statements I have is for a bank that I understand no longer exists (Banco De Andalucia) as I thought I could call them to ask what it is.
I called the Consulate in London and they said I needed to speak with the Malaga Embassy. I called them and was told that I need to go to the office or police station that issued my NIE. I explained that I live in the UK and she told me to 'Google' the answer on the UK Government website as she couldn't help.
I am guessing the NIE was issued from the local police station to where this company did it for me and where I lived in 1999. I can sort of remember where the office is, but not the name of the company to call them. Does this now mean I need to take what documentation I have (although it's nothing at all apart from an old passport), jump on a flight, do some detective work whilst in Spain for a few days and hope for the best?
If anyone could advise me on the steps to take, I would be so grateful so we can move on in the adoption process otherwise it may never be able to happen. I am of course now kicking myself for not keeping the paperwork, but who would have thought 18 years later, I would have needed it?
Thank you in advance. x