All of them except Emirati nationals need a Schengen visa even for a short visit, and everyone needs a national visa or a residence permit to live, work or study in Spain for more than 90 days. Below you will find the routes that apply, the documents each consulate asks for and what to do after you arrive. We prepare the paperwork and go with you to appointments; legal advice is given by partner immigration lawyers.

Latest news

  • Algeria joins the Apostille Convention: in force 9 July 2026

    The 1961 Apostille Convention entered into force for Algeria on 9 July 2026. The Spanish Consulate General in Algiers has stopped legalising Algerian documents, so they now need the Hague apostille from the Algerian authorities. Official source

  • Supreme Court annuls ban on temp work agencies for seasonal permits

    A Supreme Court ruling of 8 July 2026 annulled the rule that barred temporary work agencies from holding residence and work authorisations for seasonal activities (article 101.1 of the Immigration Regulation). The sources say how it is applied should be confirmed. Official source

  • Royal Decree 316/2026 changes arraigo; regularisation closed 30 June

    Royal Decree 316/2026 entered into force on 16 April 2026: arraigo applicants can no longer hold or be applying for another stay or residence permit, and the extraordinary regularisation it created only admitted applications until 30 June 2026. It affects people from these countries already in Spain without a permit. Official source

  • EES fully operational: manual passport stamping has ended

    From 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System is fully operational at all external border crossing points of the countries using it, and manual stamping of passports is abolished. If you stay longer than allowed, the system identifies it and records it. Official source

  • 2026 collective hiring order in force until 31 December 2026

    Order ISM/1547/2025 on collective hiring at origin applies from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026. It lists Morocco among the countries with a migration-flow agreement, to which job offers are directed preferably, and taking part in the selection is free for workers. Official source

Your country at a glance

    Can you come without a visa?

    Eleven of the twelve countries on this page are on the EU list of countries whose nationals need a visa to cross the external borders, even for a short stay. Only nationals of the United Arab Emirates can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. In both cases entries and exits are recorded digitally in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). A short-stay visa or a visa-free stay does not allow you to work or to stay longer.

    • Schengen visa required even for short stays (Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806): Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Lebanon. Official source
    • United Arab Emirates: listed in Annex II of the same Regulation, so Emirati nationals do not need a visa for stays of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. The Spanish Embassy in Abu Dhabi confirms it. Official source
    • Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain remain in Annex I in the consolidated text of the Regulation dated 30 December 2025. No visa waiver for them is in force, so plan with a Schengen visa. Official source
    • Schengen visa: you apply between 6 months and 15 days before the trip. The fee is 90 euros from the age of 12 and 45 euros for children aged 6 to 11; it is free under 6. The legal decision period is 15 calendar days, which can be extended to 45. Travel medical insurance with cover of at least 30,000 euros is required. Official source
    • A visa does not guarantee entry. At the border you can be asked for a return ticket, proof of accommodation or an invitation letter, and proof of money for the stay. The passport must be valid for 3 months after the planned departure and issued within the last 10 years. Official source
    • The 90 days are counted as one single period for all the European countries that use the EES, not country by country. The EES registers both travellers who need a short-stay visa and those who do not. Official source
    • The EES has been fully operational at all external border crossing points since 10 April 2026 and manual passport stamping has ended. If you stay longer than allowed, the system identifies it and records it. Official source
    • ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are collected yet. When it starts, Emirati nationals will need it for short stays; the fee is EUR 20 and it is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires. Nationals who need a visa do not need ETIAS. Official source
    • To stay more than 90 days for work, study or residence you need a national visa. You also need a national visa to work in Spain for less than 90 days. Official source

    Ways to live in Spain

    Family reunification

    For the spouse or partner, children under 18 and, in some cases, parents over 65 of a non-EU national who already lives legally in Spain.

    Requirements

    • The family member in Spain (the sponsor) applies first for the family reunification permit at the Government Delegation or Sub-delegation of their province.
    • The sponsor must prove stable and sufficient income.
    • Only one spouse or partner can be reunited, and both must be over 18. This applies even if the law of your country allows more than one spouse.
    • For children of only one of the spouses: proof of sole parental authority or custody, or the other parent's consent to the move.
    • With the permit granted, the family member applies for the visa at the consulate within 2 months of the notification. The legal decision period for the visa is one month.
    • Marriage and birth certificates from the civil registry, criminal record certificate for the last 5 years and medical certificate, all apostilled or legalised and translated.
    • The visa is valid for 365 days and the TIE must be applied for within 1 month of arrival.

    Income required: 150% of the IPREM for a family unit of two people (the sponsor and one family member), plus 50% of the IPREM for each additional member (Royal Decree 1155/2024, art. 67).

    Where you apply: Permit: in Spain, by the sponsor. Visa: Spanish consulate (or its visa centre) for the place where the family member lives.

    Official source

    Residence and work visa as an employee (including seasonal work)

    For people aged 16 or over who have a work contract with an employer in Spain. It also covers seasonal work.

    Requirements

    • First, the employer obtains the initial residence and employee work authorisation in Spain.
    • You then apply for the visa at the consulate within one month of the day the employer is notified. The consulate decides within one month.
    • After arrival you must be registered with Social Security within three months, and before you start working. If the authorisation lasts more than six months, you apply for the TIE within one month of that registration.
    • Seasonal work: the authorisation lasts four years and allows work for up to nine months in each calendar year, for a single employer. The worker signs a commitment to return home after each season, and the employer must register the worker with Social Security within three days of arrival.
    • Seasonal applications are directed preferably to countries that have a migration-flow agreement with Spain. Morocco has one: see the note for Morocco below.
    • Collective hiring at origin: employers can recruit groups of workers who are not in Spain. Workers are selected in their own country and nobody may charge them for taking part in the selection.
    • The Supreme Court annulled on 8 July 2026 the rule that barred temporary work agencies from holding seasonal authorisations. A lawyer should confirm how this is applied.

    Where you apply: Work authorisation: in Spain, requested by the employer. Visa: Spanish consulate (or its visa centre) for the place where you live.

    Official source

    Study visa (long-term stay for studies)

    For people who will take higher education or post-compulsory secondary studies, a student mobility programme, volunteering or certain training activities in Spain for more than 90 days.

    Requirements

    • Proof of admission and of payment of the enrolment fee at an authorised school or university in Spain.
    • Proof of financial means for the whole stay and the return trip.
    • Health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, valid for the whole stay. Travel insurance is not accepted.
    • Medical certificate. For stays of more than 180 days, also a criminal record certificate from the countries where you lived in the last 5 years.
    • The visa must be applied for two months before the studies start, unless you can show a justified reason.
    • Spanish language courses qualify only at official language schools or centres accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, taught in person.
    • Stays for studies of up to 90 days need no study visa, but nationals who need a Schengen visa must still obtain one.

    Income required: 100% of the IPREM per month for the student, plus 75% of the IPREM for the first family member and 50% for each additional one. The amount is reduced if accommodation is already paid for the whole stay.

    Where you apply: At the Spanish consulate (or its visa centre) for the place where you live. If the stay permit is approved, the consulate decides the visa within one month.

    Official source

    Family member of an EU citizen (and of a Spanish citizen)

    For the spouse or partner, children under 21 or dependent, and dependent parents of a citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland who lives in or is moving to Spain.

    Requirements

    • Nationals who need a Schengen visa must first obtain an entry visa as a family member of a Union citizen. It is free of charge and processed with priority. Emirati nationals enter without a visa.
    • You need a valid passport and documents proving the family link: civil registry certificates of marriage or birth, registration as a partner, or proof of a stable relationship.
    • An unregistered partner qualifies if you can prove at least one year of living together or you have children together.
    • If you want to stay more than 90 days, once in Spain you must apply for the residence card of a family member of a Union citizen.
    • Family members of Spanish citizens follow a different route: the residence visa for family members of Spanish nationals, which has its own page at each consulate.
    • Which family members qualify in your case, and on what grounds a visa or card can be refused, should be checked with a lawyer.

    Where you apply: Entry visa: Spanish consulate (or its visa centre) for the place where you live. Residence card: in Spain. The legal decision period for the entry visa is 15 calendar days, which can be extended to 45.

    Official source

    Residence and self-employed work visa

    For people over 18 who want to open a business or work for themselves in Spain.

    Requirements

    • A plan for the business or activity, with the planned investment, the expected return and, where applicable, the jobs it will create.
    • The licences or permits the activity needs, or proof that you have applied for them.
    • The professional qualification the activity legally requires.
    • Proof of enough financial means for the planned investment, or a commitment of support from a financial institution.
    • The visa application includes the application for the residence and work permit. The legal decision period for the visa is 1 month from the day the consulate receives the decision on the permit.
    • The visa is valid for 365 days. After arrival you must register with Social Security within 3 months and before you start working.

    Where you apply: At the Spanish consulate (or its visa centre) for the place where you live.

    Official source

    Highly qualified professional

    For professionals hired by a company in Spain for a highly qualified job, company managers, and graduates or postgraduates of well-regarded universities and business schools.

    Requirements

    • The residence permit is issued by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) before you apply for the visa.
    • Criminal record certificate from the countries where you lived in the last 2 years, plus a signed declaration covering the last five years.
    • Your spouse or partner, children and dependent parents can obtain the visa with you.
    • With the permit granted, you apply for the visa at the consulate. The legal decision period for the visa is 10 days.
    • The visa is valid for 1 year, or for the length of the permit if shorter.

    Where you apply: Residence permit: UGE (Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration). Visa: Spanish consulate or its visa centre.

    Official source

    International telework visa ("digital nomad")

    For people who work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain and want to live in Spain while doing so.

    Requirements

    • Employees may only work for companies outside Spain. Self-employed professionals may work for Spanish companies only up to 20% of their total activity.
    • A degree from a well-regarded university, vocational training centre or business school, or at least 3 years of professional experience.
    • The foreign company must have existed for at least one year, and your working relationship with it must be at least 3 months old.
    • Criminal record certificate from the countries where you lived in the last 2 years, plus a signed declaration covering the last five years.
    • Social Security: registration in Spain or, where a bilateral Social Security agreement allows it, a certificate from your home country. Only some countries issue that certificate for teleworkers.
    • You must prove legal residence in the country where you apply. The visa is valid for up to 1 year.

    Income required: 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI) per month for the teleworker, plus 75% of the SMI for the first family member and 25% for each additional one.

    Where you apply: At the Spanish consulate (or its visa centre) for the place where you live. The legal decision period for the visa is 10 days.

    Official source

    Non-lucrative residence visa

    For people who want to live in Spain without working, living on savings, a pension or other regular income.

    Requirements

    • This visa does not allow you to work.
    • Proof of sufficient financial means for the first year, or of a regular source of income, for you and your family.
    • Public or private health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, covering everything the Spanish public health system covers.
    • Criminal record certificate from the countries where you lived in the last 5 years, apostilled or legalised and translated.
    • Medical certificate.
    • The residence permit is processed together with the visa. The visa is valid for 365 days.

    Income required: 400% of the IPREM for the main applicant plus 100% of the IPREM for each dependent family member.

    Where you apply: At the Spanish consulate (or its visa centre) for the place where you live. The legal decision period is one month from the day the consulate receives the favourable decision on the residence permit.

    Official source

    Arraigo (residence for people who are already in Spain without a permit)

    For people who are already in Spain and have ties here. It is an exceptional permit, decided case by case, and not a way to plan a move: a lawyer must assess each case.

    Requirements

    • There are five types: social, socio-labour (sociolaboral), socio-training (socioformativo), second chance (segunda oportunidad) and family (familiar).
    • General rule: at least two years of continuous stay in Spain before applying. Time spent as an asylum seeker does not count. Family arraigo needs no minimum stay.
    • No criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you lived in the five years before entering Spain. The certificate from your country must be apostilled or legalised.
    • You cannot be an asylum seeker when applying and, since 16 April 2026, you cannot hold or be applying for another stay or residence permit.
    • Socio-labour: one or more work contracts adding up to at least 20 hours a week, paid at least the minimum wage. Social: family ties with foreign residents and means of at least 100% of the IPREM, or a favourable social integration report.
    • Socio-training: being enrolled in, or committing to, certain training; it allows work of up to 30 hours a week. Second chance: having held a residence permit in the previous two years that was not renewed.
    • Family arraigo is for the parent or guardian of a minor who is a citizen of another EU or EEA country or Switzerland, and lasts five years. The other types last one year.
    • The extraordinary regularisation approved by Royal Decree 316/2026 only admitted applications until 30 June 2026.

    Where you apply: In Spain, in person at the Foreigners' Office of the province where you live. No visa is needed.

    Official source

    The investor ("golden") visa no longer exists. Organic Law 1/2025 removed articles 63 to 67 of Law 14/2013 with effect from 3 April 2025. Buying a home in Spain does not give a right to residence. A lawyer should confirm how investor permits granted before that date are renewed. Official source

    After you arrive

    1. TIE (foreigner identity card)

      If your visa or permit is for more than six months, you must apply in person for the TIE at the Police station. Official source

      Deadline: Within one month of entering Spain (for employees and the self-employed, within one month of registering with Social Security).

    2. Padrón (town hall registration)

      Everyone who lives in Spain must register in the padrón of the town where they usually live. You will be asked for the padrón certificate in many other procedures. Non-EU nationals without a long-term residence permit must renew the registration every two years. Official source

      Deadline: As soon as you have a home address.

    3. Social Security number (if you work)

      The Social Security Treasury (TGSS) gives each person a Social Security number. You apply with form TA.1 or online. Employees must be registered before they start working; self-employed workers within 3 months and before starting. Official source

      Deadline: Before your first day of work.

    4. Health cover

      Students need health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, valid for the whole stay. Travel insurance is not accepted: the policy must let you see a doctor for check-ups, illness and emergencies. Official source

      Deadline: From day one; keep the policy active without gaps.

    5. Bank account

      A Spanish account makes it easier to pay rent, utilities and insurance. Banks may charge up to 3 euros per month for a basic payment account. Official source

      Deadline: In the first weeks.

    6. Driving licence

      Your licence is valid in Spain for six months from the date you become resident. Spain has licence-exchange agreements with Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia: car and motorcycle licences are exchanged without tests, and lorry and bus licences need extra tests. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Lebanon are not on the list. A licence obtained in your country when you were already a legal resident in Spain cannot be exchanged. Official source

      Deadline: Six months from becoming resident.

    7. Tax residence

      You become tax resident in Spain if you spend more than 183 days here in a calendar year, or if the main centre of your economic interests is in Spain. Plan your arrival date with a tax adviser. Official source

      Deadline: Counted per calendar year (1 January to 31 December).

    8. Renewals

      Do not let your permit expire. Temporary residence permits are renewed at the Foreigners' Office during the two months before they expire. Official source

      Deadline: Two months before expiry.

    9. Spanish nationality

      The general rule is ten years of legal, continuous residence immediately before the application. One year is enough if you have been married to a Spanish citizen for a year, or if you were born in Spain. You must show good civic conduct and sufficient integration. The Civil Code asks nationals of the countries on this page to declare that they renounce their previous nationality. Official source

      Deadline: After ten years of legal and continuous residence (general rule).

    Documents to prepare

    • Valid passport with at least 1 year of validity and two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted. Official source
    • Criminal record certificate from the country or countries where you lived in the last 5 years. For the telework and highly qualified visas it is the last 2 years, plus a signed declaration covering five years. Official source
    • Apostille: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman are party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Their public documents are apostilled by the authorities of the country that issued them and need no further step at the Spanish consulate. Official source
    • Algeria is the newest member: the Convention entered into force for Algeria on 9 July 2026 and the Spanish Consulate General in Algiers has stopped legalising Algerian documents. Algerian documents now need the apostille from the Algerian authorities. Official source
    • Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Lebanon are not party to the Convention. Their documents need two legalisations: first by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country that issued them, then by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate there. Official source
    • Only original documents (or authentic copies issued by the same body) are legalised or apostilled. Legalised photocopies do not replace the original. Official source
    • Documents in Arabic or French must come with a translation into Spanish. A translation is official if it is made by a sworn translator-interpreter appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which publishes the list by language. Official source
    • Medical certificate stating that you do not have any disease that could have serious public-health consequences under the International Health Regulations (2005). Official source
    • Health insurance certificate from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, covering everything the Spanish public health system covers. For the telework visa it is not required if you prove cover by Spanish Social Security. Official source
    • Family documents: marriage and birth certificates issued by the civil registry. In a second or later marriage, proof of divorce from the previous spouse. Official source

    Taxes

    • You are tax resident in Spain if you stay more than 183 days in the calendar year, or if the main base of your economic activities or interests is in Spain. Short absences count as days in Spain unless you prove tax residence in another country. Official source
    • Workers who move to Spain can choose a special tax regime (often called the "Beckham law") for the year they arrive and the next five years, if they were not resident in Spain in the previous five years and meet the other conditions. Under it, income up to 600,000 euros is taxed at 24% and the rest at 47%. Official source
    • The option is made with form 149, within six months from the start date of the activity shown in your Spanish Social Security registration. Official source
    • The Spanish Tax Agency lists double-taxation treaties with Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. Bahrain, Jordan and Lebanon are not on that list. How each type of income is taxed depends on the treaty; a tax adviser should review your case. Official source
    • Spain has bilateral Social Security agreements with Morocco and Tunisia. The other ten countries on this page are not on the Social Security list of bilateral agreements, so contributions paid there may not count towards a Spanish pension. Official source
    • If you telework from Spain for a company in your country, a Social Security agreement may let you stay insured at home with a certificate instead of registering in Spain. Only some countries issue that certificate for teleworkers. Official source

    Notes for Morocco

    • Schengen visa required. The Rabat consulate states the fee as 90 euros (971 dirhams) for adults and 45 euros (485 dirhams) for children aged 6 to 11.
    • Spain has Consulates General in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan, Nador, Agadir and Larache. You apply at the one that covers the province where you live.
    • In Rabat, applications are filed at the BLS offices or at the Consulate General, depending on the type of visa. For the Schengen visa, the Rabat consulate only accepts as proof of residence a passport issued in a city of its district.
    • Morocco has been party to the Apostille Convention since 14 August 2016: documents issued from that date are apostilled by the Moroccan authorities.
    • Driving licence: exchange agreement in force since 8 June 2004, amended on 7 April 2024. Car and motorcycle licences are exchanged without tests; lorry and bus licences need a driving test.
    • Social Security agreement and double-taxation treaty with Spain: both exist.
    • Work: the 2001 labour agreement between Spain and Morocco covers the selection of Moroccan workers, including seasonal workers. The 2026 ministerial order on collective hiring at origin lists Morocco among the countries with a migration-flow agreement, to which job offers are directed preferably. Taking part in the selection is free of charge for workers. The order is valid until 31 December 2026.

    Notes for Algeria

    • Schengen visa required.
    • Spain has Consulates General in Algiers and Oran. Oran covers the wilayas of Oran, Mascara, Sidi Bel Abbès, Tlemcen and Tindouf. In Algiers, national visa applications are filed at the BLS centre.
    • Apostille: the Convention entered into force for Algeria on 9 July 2026. The Consulate General in Algiers no longer legalises Algerian documents; you need the apostille from the Algerian authorities.
    • Driving licence: exchange agreement in force since 6 October 2006. Car and motorcycle licences are exchanged without tests; lorry and bus licences need a specific theory test and a driving test.
    • Double-taxation treaty with Spain: yes. Algeria is not on the Social Security list of bilateral agreements.

    Notes for Tunisia

    • Schengen visa required.
    • Tunisia is party to the Apostille Convention. The Spanish Embassy in Tunis states that Tunisian notaries are the authority that apostilles Tunisian public documents.
    • Driving licence: exchange agreement in force since 29 July 2011. Car and motorcycle licences are exchanged without tests; lorry and bus licences need a specific test and a driving test.
    • Social Security agreement and double-taxation treaty with Spain: both exist.

    Notes for Egypt

    • Schengen visa required.
    • The consular district of the Spanish Embassy in Cairo covers all the governorates of Egypt.
    • Egypt is not party to the Apostille Convention. Egyptian documents are legalised first by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the consular section in Cairo, by appointment. The Embassy does not legalise translations.
    • Double-taxation treaty with Spain: yes. No driving-licence exchange agreement and no bilateral Social Security agreement.

    Notes for Saudi Arabia

    • Schengen visa required: Saudi Arabia is in Annex I of the EU Regulation.
    • Saudi Arabia is party to the Apostille Convention (in force since 7 December 2022). Saudi documents are apostilled in Saudi Arabia and need no legalisation at the Embassy.
    • Double-taxation treaty with Spain: yes. No driving-licence exchange agreement and no bilateral Social Security agreement.

    Notes for United Arab Emirates

    • No visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. When ETIAS starts, Emirati nationals will need it.
    • National visa applications are filed at the BLS visa application centre in Dubai, not at the BLS premises in Abu Dhabi.
    • The UAE is not party to the Apostille Convention. The Embassy in Abu Dhabi legalises Emirati documents that the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has legalised first, by appointment.
    • Double-taxation treaty with Spain: yes. No driving-licence exchange agreement and no bilateral Social Security agreement.

    Notes for Qatar

    • Schengen visa required: Qatar is in Annex I of the EU Regulation.
    • Qatar is not party to the Apostille Convention. The Embassy in Doha legalises documents issued in Qatar that the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs has legalised first. It does not legalise translations.
    • Double-taxation treaty with Spain: yes. No driving-licence exchange agreement and no bilateral Social Security agreement.

    Notes for Kuwait

    • Schengen visa required: Kuwait is in Annex I of the EU Regulation.
    • Kuwait is not party to the Apostille Convention. Documents are legalised at the Spanish Embassy in Kuwait by appointment.
    • Double-taxation treaty with Spain: yes. No driving-licence exchange agreement and no bilateral Social Security agreement.

    Notes for Bahrain

    • Schengen visa required: Bahrain is in Annex I of the EU Regulation.
    • Bahrain is party to the Apostille Convention (in force since 31 December 2013).
    • Bahrain is not on the Spanish Tax Agency's list of double-taxation treaties, the DGT list of licence exchanges or the Social Security list of bilateral agreements.

    Notes for Oman

    • Schengen visa required: Oman is in Annex I of the EU Regulation.
    • Oman has been party to the Apostille Convention since 2012; the apostille is issued by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Spanish Embassy in Muscat does not legalise foreign documents.
    • National visa appointments in Muscat are requested by email to the Embassy.
    • Double-taxation treaty with Spain: yes. No driving-licence exchange agreement and no bilateral Social Security agreement.

    Notes for Jordan

    • Schengen visa required.
    • Jordan is not party to the Apostille Convention. The Embassy in Amman legalises Jordanian documents that the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has legalised first, with a limit of four documents per visit.
    • Jordan is not on the Spanish Tax Agency's list of double-taxation treaties, the DGT list of licence exchanges or the Social Security list of bilateral agreements.

    Notes for Lebanon

    • Schengen visa required.
    • Lebanon is not party to the Apostille Convention. Documents are legalised at the Spanish Embassy in Beirut without an appointment, after legalisation by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants.
    • Lebanon is not on the Spanish Tax Agency's list of double-taxation treaties, the DGT list of licence exchanges or the Social Security list of bilateral agreements.

    Common mistakes

    • Travelling on a Schengen visa and expecting to change to a residence permit in Spain. Most routes start with a national visa at the consulate.
    • Presenting documents without the apostille or without the two legalisations that non-Hague countries need.
    • Still asking the Spanish consulate in Algiers to legalise Algerian documents: since July 2026 they need the apostille.
    • Presenting a legalised photocopy instead of the original document.
    • Using a translation that is not official. Check that the translator is on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs list.
    • Applying at a consulate that does not cover the place where you live.
    • Missing the deadline to apply for the visa after the permit is granted in Spain: one month for work, two months for family reunification.
    • Driving on a licence from a country without an exchange agreement more than six months after becoming resident.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do I need a visa just to visit Spain?

    Yes, unless you are an Emirati national. Nationals of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Lebanon need a Schengen visa for stays of up to 90 days. Emirati nationals can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

    Can I enter as a tourist and sort out the papers later?

    Usually not. A short stay does not let you work or stay longer, and most routes start with a national visa at the Spanish consulate for the place where you live. Arraigo exists for people already in Spain, but it requires, as a general rule, two years of continuous stay and is decided case by case. A lawyer should assess it.

    My husband or wife lives legally in Spain. How can I join them?

    Through family reunification. Your spouse applies first in Spain and must show income of 150% of the IPREM for the two of you, plus 50% for each additional family member. Once the permit is granted you have 2 months to apply for the visa at the consulate. Only one spouse can be reunited.

    I am married to a Spanish citizen. Which route applies?

    The residence visa for family members of Spanish nationals. The Rabat consulate states that it is free of charge, that it is decided within 15 days once the residence permit is approved, and that it is valid for 365 days. The rules changed in May 2025 and the Supreme Court annulled parts of them in July 2026, so check your case with a lawyer.

    Do my documents need an apostille or a legalisation?

    It depends on the country. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman issue the Hague Apostille. Documents from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Lebanon need to be legalised by that country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Spanish Embassy. In both cases, documents in Arabic or French need an official translation into Spanish.

    Can I exchange my driving licence?

    Only if it is from Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia. Car and motorcycle licences are exchanged without tests. Licences from the other countries on this page are valid for six months after you become resident and cannot be exchanged.

    When can I apply for Spanish nationality?

    As a general rule, after ten years of legal and continuous residence. One year is enough if you have been married to a Spanish citizen for a year or if you were born in Spain. The Civil Code asks you to declare that you renounce your previous nationality. A lawyer should review your case.

    What do you do and what does the lawyer do?

    We prepare and organise your documents, book appointments and go with you to them in almost all of Spain. Legal advice on which route fits you, and any legal representation, is provided by partner immigration lawyers.

    Official sources used on this page

    General information taken from the official sources linked on this page. It is not legal advice and rules change: our partner immigration lawyers confirm your specific case.

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    Reply within 1 business dayLanguages: ES · EN · FR · DE · NL · RU · ARBased in Alicante, Spain
    Relocation Centers is a trade name of Velorix SL, a private company. This is not an official website and is not affiliated with any government body or public organisation.