Understanding what DASE is and how it works in the Community of Madrid helps you grasp from the outset how to access healthcare when you do not yet have legal residency in Spain. In this guide, we clearly explain who can apply, the necessary documentation, and the steps to process it.
What is DASE in the Community of Madrid
The DASE is the Health Assistance Document for foreign citizens without legal residency in Spain, a document with which the Community of Madrid certifies access to healthcare funded by public resources for those living here and meeting the stipulated requirements.
Many people identify it as the health card for foreigners, although the process in Madrid is structured through DASE. To avoid issues like this, it is highly advisable to consult with immigration lawyers in Madrid, such as Díaz y Asociados, as this will help you avoid confusions like this and other problems in the processing.
Who can apply for DASE
DASE is intended for foreign citizens living in Spain who are not registered or authorized as residents. To apply for it in the Community of Madrid, you must have been in Spain for more than 90 days since your entry and prove at least 3 months of registration.
Additionally, you need to have an expired stay visa and not have mandatory healthcare coverage through another means, whether by European regulations, bilateral agreements, or other applicable rules.
Requirements to apply for DASE in Madrid
If you are going to apply for DASE in Madrid, you must first check if you meet the conditions required by the Community of Madrid. We outline them clearly for you to see at a glance.
- Have stayed in Spain for more than 90 days since entry.
- Prove at least 3 months of registration.
- Not have a valid stay visa.
- Not be obliged to prove healthcare coverage through another means, whether by European Union regulations, bilateral agreements, or other applicable rules.
- Not be able to export the right to healthcare from the country of origin or residence in the stipulated cases.
- No third party is obliged to pay.
Necessary documentation to process DASE
Before submitting the application, you must gather all the necessary documentation to avoid delays in processing. The Community of Madrid requires these documents.
- Passport or identity document in accepted cases. Specific provisions are also made for minors under 14 years without a passport.
- Recent registration certificate, no older than 3 months, proving residence in Spain and current residence in a municipality of the Community of Madrid.
- Social worker report from the Public Administration if there is a manifest impossibility of registration or delay in its issuance.
- Certificate of non-export of the right to healthcare from the country of origin when applicable.
- Documentation proving representation if the application is submitted by another person on your behalf.
You can find more information on the official website of the Community of Madrid at sede.comunidad.madrid/prestacion-social/asistencia-sanitaria-extranjeros-dase
How to apply for DASE step by step in the Community of Madrid
Currently, there are 2 different ways to apply for DASE: the classic in-person method at the health centre or online via the online application.
Online application
The online application for DASE is submitted through the Digital Account of the Community of Madrid via the link https://digital.comunidad.madrid/acceso.
To do this, you need an accepted electronic signature system, fill out the form, attach the documentation, and submit everything electronically.
Since many people do not have an electronic signature system, they opt for the in-person application, which we explain below.
In-person application and appointment from the health centre
If you choose the in-person route and are not required to interact electronically with the Administration, you can fill out the form, download it, and submit it with the documents at the designated offices, keeping in mind that some offices require an appointment.
Additionally, the health centre corresponding to your residence will inform you about the procedure and, if you meet the requirements, will refer you with an appointment to the corresponding Processing Unit based on your registration.
How long it takes, how long it lasts, and what happens while it is being resolved
The Community of Madrid has set a maximum period of three months to resolve the DASE application. If you do not receive an unfavourable resolution within that time, the administrative silence is favourable, meaning you should understand that the application has been approved.
Regarding duration, once granted, the DASE is valid for two years.
While it is being processed, if you submit the application at a Processing Unit and the documentation is correct, you will be given a provisional accreditation document to access the health services of the Community of Madrid. This document is valid for a maximum of three months and, if the application is denied, it becomes void.
Renewal of DASE and obligation to report changes
When the 2-year validity period has passed, you can apply for renewal if you continue to reside effectively in Spain, still live in the Community of Madrid, and maintain the required conditions. The renewal is processed in the same way as the initial application, so it is advisable to review the documentation again before submitting it.
If you have questions about the renewal or any issues with this process, you can visit the offices of Díaz y Asociados in Madrid to consult your case with an expert lawyer in the field and review the documentation with more certainty.
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