Visa and residency options in Spain: which one fits you?

Moving to Spain from outside the EU, or bringing family over, means choosing the right residence route before you start the paperwork. Spain has many different visas and permits, and each has its own requirements, offices and deadlines. This guide gives you an overview of the main options in 2026. If you would like help with your case, tick what you need in the form at the end of this article, and we will put you in touch with a professional residency and immigration specialist who helps clients of all nationalities.

Applying from your home country

Most non-EU citizens apply for their visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country before they move. The most common routes are:

• Non-lucrative visa (NLV): for people who can live on their own income or savings without working in Spain, such as retirees. Private health insurance is required. Read our guide to the non-lucrative visa.
• Digital nomad visa: for people who work remotely for clients or an employer outside Spain. See our digital nomad visa guide.
• Highly qualified professional: for specialists hired by a company in Spain, usually handled together with the employer.
• Entrepreneur visa: for people starting an innovative business in Spain, based on a business plan.
• Employee or self-employed residence and work: for people with a job offer in Spain, or who plan to work as autónomo. Our guide to visas and work permits explains the basics.
• Study stay: for courses lasting more than 90 days. Students can generally work up to 30 hours a week.
• Family reunification: applied for by a family member who already lives legally in Spain.
• Job-seeking visa: a residence permit of up to 12 months to look for work in Spain.

The golden visa for property investment was abolished on 3 April 2025 and is no longer available. Read more in our article on the end of the golden visa.

Applying when you are already in Spain

Some permits are applied for in Spain, at the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) or online:

• Arraigo (residence based on ties): for people who have lived in Spain for some time without a permit. There are several types, including social, socio-employment, training, family and “second chance” arraigo, each with its own conditions.
• Family of a Spanish or EU citizen: spouses, registered partners, children and some other relatives can apply for a residence card.
• Digital nomad from Spain: remote workers who are already in Spain legally can apply through the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) instead of a consulate.
• Change of status: for example from a study stay to a work permit.
• Long-term residence: after five years of continuous legal residence.

EU citizens, NIE, TIE and padrón

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa, but they must register as residents and get the green EU registration certificate if they stay longer than three months. Whatever your nationality, you will also meet these steps:

• NIE: your foreigner’s identification number, needed for buying property, signing contracts and paying tax.
• TIE: the physical residence card for non-EU residents, collected after an appointment and fingerprinting at the police station.
• Padrón: registration with your town hall, needed for healthcare, schools and many other services.

Our guide to becoming a resident in Spain walks you through the order of these steps.

Renewals, appeals and nationality

Most permits must be renewed before they expire, and a refused application can often be appealed within a strict deadline. After living legally in Spain for a number of years, you may be able to apply for Spanish nationality by residence. The general rule is ten years, but it is one year if you are married to a Spanish citizen, and shorter for some nationalities. Applicants usually need to pass the DELE A2 Spanish exam and the CCSE exam on Spanish culture and society.

Health insurance for your visa

Many visas, including the non-lucrative visa, the digital nomad visa and student visas, require private health insurance with full cover in Spain. The policy must usually have no co-payments and no waiting periods. Check what your consulate asks for before you buy a policy. You can also ask for a health insurance quote through the form below.

Get help with your application

Tick what you need help with and send the form. We forward your request to our partner, a professional residency and immigration specialist, who will contact you with the next steps and a quote. Sending the form is free and does not commit you to anything.

Our partner helps clients of all nationalities – from the UK and the US to South America, the Philippines, Australia, Pakistan and many other countries – so you get support whichever passport you hold.

FAQ: residency and visas in Spain

Which visa should I apply for to live in Spain?

It depends on whether you will work in Spain, work remotely, study, or live on your own income. Retirees often choose the non-lucrative visa, while remote workers usually choose the digital nomad visa.

Can I apply for residency once I am already in Spain?

Some permits, such as arraigo, residence as a family member of a Spanish citizen and the digital nomad permit through the UGE, can be applied for from Spain. Most other visas must be applied for at a consulate before you travel.

Do EU citizens need a visa to live in Spain?

No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens only need to register as residents and get the EU registration certificate if they stay more than three months.

Does it cost anything to send the form?

No. The form is free and without obligation. The specialist will tell you the price for your case before you decide.

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change, so check with the consulate, the immigration office or a qualified professional before you apply. When you send the form, we share your details with our partner so they can contact you.