Spanish Visas & Residency

Understanding your visa and/or residency requirements starts with your country of origin. Spain’s visa policies vary depending on your nationality and travel intentions. The rules governing how easy it is to move to Spain full-time or spend time here as a short-term visitor depend largely on whether or not you are an EU citizen.

Non-EU or 'Third-Country' Citizens

Visiting Spain

If you are from a country outside the EU and the Schengen Zone, you may need a Schengen Visa to visit Spain. To check whether this applies to you, refer to Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. The Schengen Visa allows you to stay in Spain for up to 90 days.

However, some non-EU countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, do not require a Schengen Visa. Citizens of these countries can stay in Spain for one three-month period every six months.

For travelers from these visa-exempt countries, a new system called the European Travel and Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in May 2025. This system will require visitors to complete an online form and pay a €7 fee before entering Spain. Once approved, the ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.

Living in Spain

If you’re considering a more permanent move to Spain, there are several visa options available.

Non-Working Residence Visa (Non-Lucrative Visa)

This visa is ideal for retirees or individuals who want to enjoy life in Spain without engaging in any form of employment or professional activities.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means, with a minimum of €2,400 per month or €28,800 annually, plus an additional €600 per month for each dependent. This can be demonstrated by a regular income (e.g pension), savings, or a combination of both. A medical certificate issued within three months of the application is required, along with private Spanish health insurance.

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The application process begins at the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy. If approved, the applicant receives a 90-day visa, which must be exchanged for a TIE (Spanish ID card) within one month of arrival in Spain. The TIE grants an initial residency period of one year.

This visa can be renewed for two-year periods, and after five years of legal residency, applicants may be eligible for permanent residency. After ten years, they can apply for Spanish citizenship.

Digital Nomad or Telework Visa

Introduced in 2023, this visa is ideal for remote workers employed by companies based outside of Spain. Self-employed professionals can also apply, as long as no more than 20% of their work is for Spanish clients.

Applicants must provide a letter from their employer confirming their eligibility for remote work, the start date, and the duration of their contract. They must also demonstrate proof of income, earning at least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage, which amounts to €2,646 per month. Additionally, social security registration is required, either in the applicant’s home country or in Spain.

The visa is valid for one year and does not require a TIE (Spanish ID card), although obtaining one is optional.

Visa for Highly Qualified Workers & Intra-Company Transfers

These visas are designed for professionals with specialized skills or employees relocating within their company.

For the Highly Qualified Workers Visa, applicants must have a job offer for a senior management or highly skilled position. The Intra-Company Transfer Visa allows employees to transfer within the same company or corporate group.

The application process begins by obtaining a residency permit through Spain’s Large Companies Strategic Growth Unit. Once this permit is secured, applicants must apply for the visa at their local Spanish consulate, submitting the required documents along with the residency permit.

These visas grant one year of residency and can be renewed under the same conditions as the Non-Working Residence Visa.

EU Citizens

If you’re an EU citizen, you can travel to Spain without a visa.

For stays exceeding three months, you must register with the Spanish authorities, obtaining both an EU Citizen Registration Certificate and a NIE (Spanish ID Number).

These documents grant you the freedom to live and work in Spain indefinitely.

The same rules apply to citizens of Switzerland and European Economic Area (EEA) countries: Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

How HomeEspaña can help?

HomeEspaña advisors will be able to discuss your specific requirements and explain further about the options available to you. If you need further advice, we will be able to recommend specialist legal representatives who can assist you with your visa plans. You can email us at info@homeespana.com.

For more information about the steps to buying a property in Spain, we have compiled this further short guide – Buying Process in Spain