VISAS & RESIDENCY IN SPAIN
Moving to Spain: understanding the basics
The visa or residency route that applies to you will depend on your nationality, the purpose of your move and how long you intend to live in Spain.
If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national and plan to live, work or study in Spain for more than 90 days, you will generally need an appropriate national visa before establishing residence. Different visa routes apply depending on your circumstances, including employment, study and non-working residence.
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland do not require a visa to live or work in Spain. Those staying for more than three months must, however, register as residents. The requirements vary according to circumstances and can include evidence of employment or self-employment, or sufficient financial resources and appropriate healthcare cover.
Different requirements can also apply to family members, particularly where they are not themselves EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Depending on their nationality and circumstances, they may need an entry visa and/or residence documentation.
Visa and residency requirements can change and individual circumstances differ, so we always recommend obtaining current advice relevant to your situation.
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VISA OPTIONS
Employee Work Visa (Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena)
Who it’s for: Foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from a Spanish company.
Duration: Typically 1 year, renewable in 2-year increments, leading to long-term residence after 5 years.
Requirements:
- Formal job offer/contract from a Spanish employer.
- Employer must demonstrate the role could not easily be filled by an EU/EEA citizen.
- Proof of qualifications or experience for the role.
- Clean criminal record and medical certificate.
Work rights: Full work rights with sponsoring employer. Changing jobs requires updating authorisation.
Self-Employed Work Visa (Trabajo por Cuenta Propia)
Who it’s for: Freelancers, independent professionals, or entrepreneurs working on their own.
Duration: Usually 1 year, renewable.
Requirements:
- Detailed business plan or proof of freelance contracts.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
- Evidence of relevant qualifications/experience.
- Licenses/permits if required (e.g., for regulated professions).
Work rights: Can operate as an autónomo (self-employed) in Spain.
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
Who it’s for: Retirees or financially independent people who want to live in Spain without working.
Duration: Initial 1 year, then renewable for 2-year periods.
Requirements:
- Proof of sufficient financial resources (often ~€28,000+ per year, plus ~€7,000 for each dependent).
- Private health insurance valid in Spain.
- Proof of accommodation.
Work rights: No work permitted (though after renewals it can sometimes be converted to a work permit).
Highly Qualified Professional Visa (including EU Blue Card)
Who it’s for: Skilled professionals hired into senior or technical roles, or researchers/lecturers.
Duration: Typically 2 years, renewable.
Requirements:
- University degree or professional expertise.
- Job offer in a role that is managerial, technical, or requiring advanced qualifications.
- Salary threshold (often higher than average Spanish wage).
- For EU Blue Card: minimum 1-year contract and proof qualifications match the role.
Work rights: Full work rights, easier mobility within EU if holding Blue Card.
Digital Nomad Visa (since 2023)
Who it’s for: Remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies, or freelancers with mostly foreign clients.
Duration: 1 year initially, extendable up to 5 years.
Requirements:
- Proof of remote work contract or freelance contracts (at least 80% of income from outside Spain).
- Minimum income threshold (approx. €2,200–€2,500/month).
- Professional/academic qualifications or 3+ years of work experience.
- Proof of health insurance.
Work rights: Allowed to work remotely for foreign companies; may take limited Spanish clients if income cap respected.
Entrepreneur Visa (Start-up Visa)
Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs planning to launch innovative or high-impact businesses in Spain.
Duration: Initial 2 years, renewable.
Requirements:
- Innovative business plan approved by Spain’s Directorate-General for International Trade and Investment.
- Proof of sufficient financial backing to support yourself and the venture.
- Clean record, health insurance.
Work rights: Yes, to manage and operate your business.