Hi, has anyone heard of a ‘Residence Visa’ for Spain, or Schengen Area countries?

Until at least very recently, the visa issued by the Spanish Consulate (and I guess other Schengen Area Countries) was a 90 day 'C' type tourist visa.

A problem recently arose when a spouse travelling from Cebu to Spain was stopped by BI (Immigration Bureau) as she did not have a return ticket.

I have since been in touch with BI and they have sent me a copy of the regulations which show that holders of Tourist Visas MUST have a return ticket. This did not apply previously to spouses coming to Spain to join husbands. (My wife had a tourist visa and no problems).

Someone suggested that the Tourist Visa may he been replaced with a Residence Visa, but with the exception of a web page referring to Chicago, I cannot find any mention about such a change.

Does anyone have up to the minute info? I know the requirements for UK are different.

Thanks John