Types of Residency Permits in Spain

The first step is to determine which residency pathway applies to you (work, study, retirement, entrepreneurship, or family). Most applications begin with obtaining an NIE number, then applying for the appropriate visa at a Spanish consulate abroad. Once in Spain, you register and obtain your TIE card. Try our Residency Route Finder to see which option fits you.

It depends on your nationality and personal situation. For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, the easiest path is using free movement rights and registering for a green residency certificate after 90 days. For non-EU citizens, retirees often choose the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) if they can prove sufficient funds. Remote workers commonly apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). Skilled professionals with a Spanish job offer may use the Highly-Qualified Professional permit or EU Blue Card, which are faster and less restrictive than standard work visas. There is no one-size-fits-all option — the 'easiest' path depends on whether you are working, retiring, studying or joining family in Spain. Check our Residency Route Finder to see which option fits you best.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa, but if they stay longer than 90 days they must register with the Central Registry of Foreigners and obtain a green residency certificate (Certificado de Registro).

Article 45 of Spain's Immigration Regulation groups nine families of permits that allow non-EU nationals to stay longer than 90 days but less than five years. They cover non-lucrative residence, family reunification, employee and self-employed work, researchers, seasonal work, posted workers, EU Blue Card holders and residence with exemption from a work permit.

Researchers invited by a foreign entity, artistic performers on tour, accredited journalistic correspondents, members of foreign government delegations and other profiles listed in Art. 117 RD 557/2011 may reside in Spain without a work permit for up to one year, renewable with proof of the activity.

Spain offers several residency permits, including Temporary Residency, Long-Term EU Residency, Non-Lucrative Residency, the Digital Nomad Visa and the Job Seeker Visa. The Golden Visa was available for investors but was discontinued on 3 April 2025.

Temporary Residency allows non-EU citizens to stay in Spain for more than 90 days but less than five years. It is renewable and typically granted for employment, studies, or family reunification. Years spent under temporary residency count toward long-term residency.

You must legally reside in Spain for at least five continuous years with valid permits. During that time you cannot exceed 10 months of absence (or six consecutive months). You must also show financial stability, integration (e.g. language proficiency) and have a clean criminal record.

The Non-Lucrative Visa lets non-EU citizens live in Spain without working. Applicants must prove sufficient funds (≥ 400% SMI per year) and hold private health insurance. It is a popular route for retirees.

Remote employees or freelancers whose employer or main clients are outside Spain. Applicants must show income ≥ €23,152 (200% SMI) in 2025 and provide proof of remote work arrangements.

Created by Real Decreto 1155/2024, this residence lets qualified non-EU nationals live in Spain for up to 12 months to look for work or prepare a business. Apply from abroad, prove ≥ €31,752 funds and convert to a work permit once you secure a job.

No. Spain's investor-residence programme was abolished on 3 April 2025. New applications are no longer accepted, although permits issued before that date remain valid until their card expiry.

You need a job offer from a Spanish employer who must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a local or EU worker. The employer initiates the application and once approved you apply for the visa at a Spanish consulate.

It allows non-EU residents to bring immediate family members (spouse, partner, children, or dependent parents) if they meet income and accommodation requirements. After approval, family members usually receive residence and work rights.

Processing times vary by visa type and location: Work or Family visas typically take 1–3 months, Digital Nomad Visa about 1–2 months, Student Visa 1–2 months and Long-Term Residency 3–6 months depending on documentation.

No. The Job Seeker Visa is specifically for those without a job offer. It allows you to reside in Spain for 12 months to look for employment or prepare a business plan, provided you meet the financial and eligibility requirements.

Yes. Most foreigners can apply after ten years of continuous legal residence. Nationals from Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic Jewish descent may apply after two years. In some cases (marriage to a Spaniard, children of Spaniards) the period is just one year.

It covers non-EU employees posted to Spain by their foreign employer to deliver a service. The company must file a posting declaration and the permit lasts for the project's duration (typically ≤ 12 months, extendable).

Yes. The Non-Lucrative Visa is the main option, but other authorisations (e.g. humanitarian, EU-family or international agreements) also provide residence without work rights.

No. Holders of fixed-term or seasonal permits must return to their home country and apply for a new residence type, unless an exception is explicitly granted.

Articles 72-85 of the Immigration Regulation (Real Decreto 557/2011) transpose EU Directive 2016/801, allowing Spanish research bodies to host non-EU researchers via a 'hosting agreement'.

The autónomo route (Art. 103–109) is for traditional local businesses such as shops or freelancers with Spanish clients. The Startup-Law permit (Ley 28/2022) targets innovative tech projects endorsed by ENISA/DGEE and grants a 3-year card plus tax incentives.

Not automatically. You become a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain or if your main economic interests are based there. Residency permits give legal stay but tax residency follows separate rules.

Yes. Many permits (NLV, DNV, Startup Law, Family Reunification) allow spouses, partners and children to be included if you meet higher income thresholds and provide adequate housing.