I don't suppose one can compare these two countries (esp my backward island) but whenever we applied for Residencia , the police actually did go to the English Bars to ask if we were known, if we worked, and if we were married and if we were living together, then they came round to our abode to just see if we were there. We were never there together, he was usually out working and they never passed the front door to see if we shared the place, we always got out permissions!!