Guide to Visas in Spain
Guide to Visas in Spain
For those looking to make Spain their new permanent home, the government offers a number of residency visas. Moving to Spain can be done quickly in some cases, but no single path works for everyone. Because the process isn’t public, and because there are so many available options, staying up-to-date on the exact requirements of each visa is challenging.
Use the guide below as a starting point to see which Spanish residency visas might appeal to you. Note that each visa requires a national visa application form. All relevant documents must be translated, so consider using an apostille service. Other details are listed below.
1) Digital Nomad Visa
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The remote work/freelancer visa is for workers who work online for a non-Spanish company or doing freelance work. Self-employed applicants can work for a Spanish company, so long as it doesn’t exceed 20% of the applicant’s professional activity.
Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
- Obtain your Foreign Identity Number (NIE)
- Earn at least $30,240/year ($45,360 for applicant and family member)
- Employment contract with foreign company or proof of your own company
- Self-employed: articles of incorporation declaring the date and type of business
- Copy of degree or certificate confirming at least three years’ experience in this business
Digital Nomad Visa Benefits
- Lasts 12 months
- Renew for up to three years
- Eligible for permanent residency after five years
2) Study Visa
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Study visas are for stays exceeding 90 days for studies or au pairs. There is no age cap on student visas in Spain. Who wants to go back to school?
Study Visa Requirements
- Proof of acceptance and tuition payment
- Show ability to support yourself financially (about $700/month)
- Proof of public or private health insurance (travel insurance doesn’t qualify)
- Evidence of legal residence in the consular district where you’re attending classes
Study Visa Benefits
- Lasts up to 180 days (short-term visa) or 24 months (long-term)
- Can convert to a work permit after studies are complete
3) Non-working Residence Visa
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The Non-Working Residence Visa is designed for retirees or pensioners who receive a lifetime income from abroad, such as Social Security benefits or private pensions.
This visa insists on your relaxation; in fact, you cannot carry out any gainful activity in Spain while using it. Unlike some countries, you only have to be 18 to qualify for this visa. Our partners at Moving to Spain can even help you find the right neighborhood!
Non-working Residence Visa Requirements
- Proof of $2,700/month in retirement income (pension, annuity, Social Security, etc.)
- Additional amounts required for each dependent
- No mortgages or loans in the U.S.
- Proof of health insurance that meets Spain’s public health coverage
- Criminal record check for the last five years
- Medical certificate confirming no serious communicable diseases
Non-working Residence Visa Benefits
- Visa is valid for one year
- Renewable for up to five years
- Can apply for permanent residency at five years or citizenship at 10
4) Self-employed Work Visa
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The Self-employed Work visa is available to people 16 and over who want to work for themselves in Spain.
Self-employed Work Visa Requirements
- Obtain an initial residence and self-employed permit
- Submit the visa application in person at the Spanish Consulate
- Criminal record check certificate for the last five years
- Medical certificate confirming no serious communicable diseases
- Proof of legal residence in the consular district
Self-employed Work Visa Benefits
- Two-year temporary residency
- Five-year path to permanent residency
- Five-year path from permanent residency to citizenship
5) Visa for Highly Qualified Workers
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The Visa for Highly Skilled Workers is available to people who are employed in Spain as highly qualified professionals. This is generally available for university graduates and non-EU citizens in highly specialized positions.
Visa for Highly Qualified Workers Requirements
- Get a job with a Spanish company
- Permit issued by the Large Companies & Strategic Groups Unit
- Criminal record check certificate for the last five years
- Proof of residence in the consular district
Visa for Highly Qualified Workers Benefits
- Move freely within the Schengen area
- Streamlined application
- Initial visa valid for two years and can be renewed
- Five-year path from permanent residency to citizenship
- Access to Spain’s healthcare and education systems
6) Entrepreneur Visa
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The Entrepreneur Visa is designed for foreigners who wish to start or expand their business operations in Spain.
Entrepreneur Visa Requirements
- Favorable issued by ENISA under the Large Companies & Strategic Groups Unit
- Proof of sufficient financial resources or regular income ($8,000/year)
- Criminal record check certificate for the last five years
- Health insurance contracted with an insurer authorized in Spain
- Proof of residence in the consular district
Entrepreneur Visa Benefits
- Initial visa valid for three years, with option to renew
- Five-year path from permanent residency to citizenship
- Operate a business in country with affordable cost of living
7) Investor Visa
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The Investor Visa offers easy residency for people investing large sums in Spain, whether in cash or other projects. Note: this program may end soon, so don’t delay if you’re interested!
Investor Visa Requirements
- Invest €2 million in Spanish public debt securities or
- Invest €1 million in Spanish companies or bank deposits or
- Lead a business project that creates significant socio-economic impact or contributes to technical innovation
- Documents accrediting the investment
- Regular source of income exceeding €28,800 per year
- Criminal record check certificate for the last five years
- Health insurance contracted with an insurer authorized in Spain
- Proof of residence in the consular district
Investor Visa Benefits
- Initial 1-year residency, renewable to five years
- Permanent residency available after five years
Additional Resources
Of course, moving to any new country is quite the undertaking. Luckily, Expatsi has put together several resources to make the journey easier:
- How to Move to Spain in 6 Months webinar
- Looking to move quickly? Get on the fast track with our two-hour webinar, featuring our handpicked experts in immigration law, real estate, investments, and more. You’ll even receive the contact information for our professional partners.
- Spain scouting trips
- Come with us to see Spain like a local. Our scouting trip model lets you tour the neighborhoods you want while building community with fellow expats. We even hold an in-person seminar with local experts to help you see if Spain is best for you.
- Spain country guide
- Our country guide offer a broad look at what Spain has to offer expats. From blog posts to content creators and the Spanish healthcare system, we’ve gathered a range of free resources to show expats like you are living in Spain already.
Brett Andrews is an expat influencer and co-founder of Expatsi, a company that's helped thousands of expats on their moving abroad journeys. Brett and his partner Jen developed the Expatsi Test to recommend countries to move to, based on factors like budget, visa type, spoken languages, healthcare rankings, and more. In a former life, he worked as a software developer, IT support specialist, and college educator. When he's not working, Brett loves watching exploring new countries, reading unusual books, and pondering the wisdom of The Big Lebowski.
