It explains how to check whether you need a visa just to enter, the main routes to live in Spain for more than 90 days, how to get your documents accepted and the first steps after you arrive. We prepare your paperwork and go with you to appointments in almost all of Spain; legal advice is given by our partner immigration lawyers.

Latest news

  • Supreme Court annuls parts of the rules for family of Spanish citizens

    The consolidated text records that a Supreme Court ruling of 8 July 2026 annulled part of article 94.1 f) and the automatic refusal for criminal records without an individual assessment in the permit for family members of Spanish citizens. It affects anyone using that route. 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. It applies to both visa-holders and visa-exempt travellers. Official source

Can you come without a visa?

Whether you need a visa for a short visit depends on your passport. The EU keeps two lists: countries whose nationals need a visa to cross the border (Annex I) and countries whose nationals can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without one (Annex II). In both cases your entries and exits are now recorded digitally in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fully in use since 10 April 2026. ETIAS, the future online travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, is not in operation yet. To live in Spain you need a national visa or a residence permit, whatever your passport.

  • Look up your country in Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. If it is in Annex I, you need a visa even for a short visit. If it is in Annex II, you can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Official source
  • Annex II (no short-stay visa) includes, among others, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Singapore and Malaysia, and also holders of Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan passports. Annex I (visa needed) includes, among others, China, India, the Philippines, South Africa, Türkiye, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan and Nigeria. Official source
  • For some Annex II countries the exemption only applies to biometric passports (for example Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia), and for a few others it only applies once a visa agreement with the EU is in force. Read the footnote next to your country. Official source
  • If your country is in Annex I, you apply for a Schengen visa at the Spanish consulate for the place where you live. It allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment or short studies. It does not allow you to work or to stay longer. Official source
  • The 90 days are counted as one single period for all the European countries that use the EES, not country by country. Official source
  • The EES has been fully operational at all external border crossing points since 10 April 2026 and manual passport stamping has ended. It applies both to travellers with a short-stay visa and to visa-exempt travellers. If you travel with a visa, the system stores your facial image; if you do not need a visa, it stores four fingerprints and your facial image. Official source
  • If you stay longer than allowed, the EES identifies it and records it. Official source
  • ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are collected yet. The EU says it will announce the start date several months before launch. It will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals only; the announced fee is EUR 20 and it will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires. 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

Non-lucrative residence visa

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

Requirements

  • You may not carry out any work or professional activity in Spain.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for you and your family for the time you want to live in Spain.
  • Health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, covering the risks covered by the Spanish public health system.
  • Passport valid for at least one year, criminal record certificate for the countries where you lived in the last five years and medical certificate.
  • You apply for the visa and the residence permit together at the Spanish consulate.
  • The first residence permit lasts one year.

Income required: 400% of the IPREM per month for the main applicant plus 100% of the IPREM per month for each family member (Royal Decree 1155/2024, art. 62). The IPREM changes every year: the Spanish consular section in Washington states that in 2026 it is 600 € per month (7,200 € per year), so 400% = 28,800 € per year and 100% = 7,200 € per year. Check the figure your own consulate applies.

Where you apply: At the Spanish consulate for the place where you live. The consulate has up to one month to issue the visa once the residence permit has been approved; several consulates state a total legal period of three months.

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 recognised university, vocational training or business school, or at least 3 years of professional experience.
  • The foreign company must have had real, continuous activity for at least one year.
  • A working relationship of at least the last 3 months before applying, and proof that the work can be done remotely.
  • The visa lasts up to 1 year. The residence permit can last up to 3 years.
  • People who are legally in Spain can apply directly for the residence permit without a prior visa. The Spanish consular section in Washington explains that this includes people who are in Spain during the validity of any visa, for example a tourist visa.

Income required: Linked to the Spanish minimum wage (SMI). The Spanish consular section in Washington states for 2026: SMI = 1,221 €; applicant alone 200% of the monthly SMI = 2,442 € per month; first family member +75% = 916 € per month; each additional family member +25% = 306 € per month.

Where you apply: At the Spanish consulate for the place where you live, or directly in Spain before the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) if you are legally in Spain.

Official source

Residence and work permit as an employee

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

Requirements

  • The employer applies first for the initial residence and work permit at the Foreigners' Office of the province where the workplace is.
  • As a general rule the national employment situation must allow the hiring of a foreign worker.
  • The employer presents a signed work contract; conditions must follow the law and the applicable collective agreement.
  • With the permit granted, you apply for the visa at the consulate within one month of the notification to the employer.
  • You must be registered with Social Security within three months of entering Spain.
  • The first permit lasts as long as the job, up to one year, and is limited to one region and one occupation.

Where you apply: Work permit: in Spain, by the employer, at the Foreigners' Office of the province. Visa: at the Spanish consulate for the place where you live, which has up to one month to decide.

Official source

Residence and self-employed work permit

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

Requirements

  • You must meet the same requirements that Spanish nationals must meet to open and run the planned activity.
  • The professional qualification legally required, or enough proven experience, and membership of a professional body where required.
  • Proof that the planned investment is sufficient and of its effect on job creation, including self-employment.
  • No criminal record in Spain; the Foreigners' Office checks it and asks for a police report.
  • The visa application includes the application for the residence and work permit.
  • The first permit lasts one year and is limited to one region and one sector of activity.

Where you apply: At the Spanish consulate for the place where you live. The Foreigners' Office has up to three months to decide on the permit; the consulate then has up to one month to issue the visa.

Official source

Highly qualified professional and EU Blue Card

For professionals with a higher-education qualification or equivalent experience who are hired by a company in Spain for a highly qualified job.

Requirements

  • The company or the professional applies for the residence permit to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE).
  • There are two types: the EU Blue Card and the national permit for highly qualified professionals. Each has its own qualification, experience and salary conditions.
  • The permit lasts three years, or the length of the contract plus three months if the contract is shorter.
  • The UGE has a maximum of twenty days to decide from the electronic filing of the application.
  • If you are outside Spain, once the permit is granted you apply for the visa at the consulate.

Where you apply: Residence permit: UGE (Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration), online. Visa: Spanish consulate for the place where you live.

Official source

Study visa (long-term stay for studies)

For people who will study, take part in a student mobility programme, volunteer or do a training activity in Spain for more than 90 days.

Requirements

  • Admission to a recognised or authorised school or university in Spain, in a full-time programme.
  • Passport valid for at least one year.
  • Health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, valid for the whole stay.
  • Medical certificate. For stays of more than six months, adults also need a criminal record certificate for the countries where they lived in the last five years.
  • Apply at the consulate at least two months before the course or activity starts.
  • Higher-education students may work up to 30 hours per week if the work is compatible with their studies.
  • If your stay is longer than six months you must get the TIE within one month of arrival.

Income required: 100% of the IPREM per month for the student, unless accommodation for the whole stay is already paid; +75% of the IPREM for the first family member and +50% for each additional one (Royal Decree 1155/2024, art. 35). Money for tuition does not count towards these amounts.

Where you apply: At the Spanish consulate for the place where you live. The consulate has up to one month to issue the visa after the stay permit is approved.

Official source

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

For the spouse, partner, children or dependent parents of a citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland who lives in or is moving to Spain, and for family members of Spanish citizens.

Requirements

  • If your country is in Annex I, you need an entry visa. It is free of charge and is processed with priority when you travel with the EU citizen or join them. If your country is in Annex II, you can enter without a visa.
  • To stay more than three months you must apply in Spain for the residence card of a family member of a Union citizen within three months of entering Spain.
  • You need a valid passport, proof of the family link (translated and apostilled or legalised where applicable) and the registration certificate of the EU family member.
  • Family members of Spanish citizens follow a different route since 20 May 2025: the temporary residence permit for family members of Spanish nationals. It gives the right to live and work in Spain.
  • For that permit, the Spanish citizen can apply in Spain while you are abroad, you can apply with the visa at the consulate if you both live abroad, or, exceptionally, either of you can apply in Spain if you are both here.

Where you apply: EU/EEA/Swiss family member: in Spain, at the Foreigners' Office or the Police station of the province where you will live. Family member of a Spanish citizen: Foreigners' Office in Spain or the Spanish consulate, depending on where each of you is.

Official source

Family reunification

For the spouse or partner, children under 18 and, in some cases, dependent 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.
  • As a general rule, the sponsor must have lived in Spain for at least one year and have applied to stay for at least another year.
  • The sponsor must prove regular income and adequate housing.
  • With the permit granted, the family member applies for the visa at the consulate within two months of the notification, with the original documents that prove the family link.
  • The consulate has up to one month to decide on the visa.

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: at the Spanish consulate for the place where the family member lives.

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 no longer gives a right to residence, whatever your nationality. Investor visas and permits that were already valid keep their validity and can be renewed under the previous rules. 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, 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. Health cover

    With a non-lucrative permit you must have health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain that covers the risks covered by the public system. If you work and are registered with Spanish Social Security, the consulates accept that cover instead of private insurance for the telework visa. Official source

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

  4. 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 with a digital certificate. Employees must be registered within three months of entering Spain. Official source

    Deadline: Before you start working.

  5. Bank account

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

    Deadline: In the first weeks.

  6. Driving licence

    A licence from outside the EU and EEA is valid in Spain only for six months from the date you become resident. If your country has an exchange agreement with Spain (see the DGT list), you exchange it for a Spanish one. If it does not, you must obtain a Spanish licence by passing the tests. 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. A non-lucrative permit is renewed at the Foreigners' Office during the two months before it expires. Telework visa holders can apply for the residence permit during the 60 days before the visa expires. Official source

    Deadline: Two months (60 days) before expiry.

Documents to prepare

  • Valid passport. The regulation asks for at least one year of validity for a residence visa. Consulates usually also ask for two blank pages and do not accept passports issued more than 10 years ago. Official source
  • Criminal record certificate from every country where you lived in the last five years, legalised or apostilled and with an official translation into Spanish. Official source
  • Apostille: check the status table of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your country is a party and the Convention is already in force for it (column EIF), your public documents need the apostille from your own authorities and no further legalisation. Official source
  • If your country is not a party to the Apostille Convention, documents need diplomatic legalisation: first by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country that issues them, then by the Spanish embassy or consulate for that area. Official source
  • Translations: procedures in Spain are in Spanish. Translations by sworn translators recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs are valid in Spain without any further legalisation. 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
  • Certificate of health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, covering the risks covered by the Spanish public health system. Official source
  • Proof of financial means: bank statements or proof of a regular source of income, for you and for the family members who come with you. Official source
  • Proof that you live in the consular district where you apply. If you live in a country that is not your own, the consulate will ask for proof of legal residence there. Official source
  • Family documents: birth and marriage certificates or proof of a registered partnership, legalised or apostilled and with an official translation into Spanish. 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 € is taxed at 24% and the rest at 47%. Holders of the international telework visa who are employees are expressly included. 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
  • Check whether Spain has a double-taxation treaty with your country on the Tax Agency list. The list includes, among others, Australia, China, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, South Korea and Türkiye. How each type of income is taxed depends on the treaty; if your country is not on the list, the risk of paying twice is higher. A tax adviser should review your case. Official source
  • Check whether Spain has a bilateral Social Security agreement with your country. For the countries covered by this page the list is short: Andorra, Australia, Cabo Verde, China, Japan, the Philippines, Senegal and South Korea. What each agreement covers (for example pensions) differs from one to another. Official source

Notes for Australia

  • Short stays: no visa needed (Annex II).
  • Australia is a party to the Apostille Convention.
  • There is no driving-licence exchange agreement between Spain and Australia.
  • Spain has a double-taxation treaty and a Social Security agreement with Australia.
  • Where to apply: the Embassy in Canberra covers only the ACT and Queanbeyan; the Consulate General in Sydney covers New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory; the Consulate General in Melbourne covers Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

Notes for New Zealand

  • Short stays: no visa needed (Annex II).
  • New Zealand is a party to the Apostille Convention.
  • Spain and New Zealand have a driving-licence exchange agreement in force since 2 June 2023; car and motorcycle licences are exchanged without tests.
  • Spain has a double-taxation treaty with New Zealand. New Zealand is not on the Spanish Social Security list of bilateral agreements.

Notes for Japan

  • Short stays: no visa needed (Annex II).
  • Japan is a party to the Apostille Convention.
  • Spain and Japan have a driving-licence exchange agreement; car and motorcycle licences are exchanged without tests.
  • Spain has a double-taxation treaty and a Social Security agreement with Japan.
  • Where to apply: the Embassy of Spain in Tokyo covers the whole of Japan.

Notes for South Korea

  • Short stays: no visa needed (Annex II).
  • South Korea is a party to the Apostille Convention.
  • Spain and South Korea have a driving-licence exchange agreement; car and motorcycle licences are exchanged without tests. As an exception, a Korean licence obtained after you became resident in Spain can also be exchanged.
  • Spain has a double-taxation treaty and a Social Security agreement with South Korea.

Notes for China

  • Short stays: a Schengen visa is needed (Annex I). Holders of Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR passports are on the visa-exempt list.
  • The Apostille Convention has been in force for China since 7 November 2023.
  • There is no driving-licence exchange agreement between Spain and China.
  • Spain has a double-taxation treaty and a Social Security agreement with China.

Notes for India

  • Short stays: a Schengen visa is needed (Annex I).
  • India is a party to the Apostille Convention.
  • There is no driving-licence exchange agreement between Spain and India.
  • Spain has a double-taxation treaty with India. India is not on the Spanish Social Security list of bilateral agreements.
  • Where to apply: the Consulate General in Mumbai covers Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Puducherry. The rest of India depends on the Embassy in New Delhi.

Notes for Philippines

  • Short stays: a Schengen visa is needed (Annex I).
  • The Philippines is a party to the Apostille Convention.
  • Spain and the Philippines have a driving-licence exchange agreement; car and motorcycle licences are exchanged without tests.
  • Spain has a double-taxation treaty and a Social Security agreement with the Philippines.
  • Filipino nationals by origin can apply for Spanish nationality after two years of legal residence instead of ten.

Notes for South Africa

  • Short stays: a Schengen visa is needed (Annex I).
  • South Africa is a party to the Apostille Convention.
  • There is no driving-licence exchange agreement between Spain and South Africa.
  • Spain has a double-taxation treaty with South Africa. South Africa is not on the Spanish Social Security list of bilateral agreements.

Notes for Israel

  • Short stays: no visa needed (Annex II).
  • Israel is a party to the Apostille Convention.
  • There is no driving-licence exchange agreement between Spain and Israel.
  • Spain has a double-taxation treaty with Israel. Israel is not on the Spanish Social Security list of bilateral agreements.

Notes for Türkiye

  • Short stays: a Schengen visa is needed (Annex I).
  • Türkiye is a party to the Apostille Convention.
  • Spain and Türkiye have a driving-licence exchange agreement; car and motorcycle licences are exchanged without tests.
  • Spain has a double-taxation treaty with Türkiye. Türkiye is not on the Spanish Social Security list of bilateral agreements.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming you can enter without a visa because a neighbouring country can. Check your own passport in the EU list.
  • Coming on a Schengen visa or visa-free and expecting to change to a residence permit here. Most routes start at the Spanish consulate where you live.
  • Applying at a consulate that does not cover the place where you live, or in a country where you are not a legal resident.
  • Getting an apostille when your country is not in the Convention, or skipping one of the two legalisation steps.
  • Presenting documents without an official translation into Spanish.
  • Presenting travel insurance instead of a full health insurance policy valid in Spain.
  • Working, even remotely, while holding a non-lucrative permit.
  • Driving on your foreign licence more than six months after becoming resident.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa just to visit Spain?

It depends on your passport. Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 lists the countries whose nationals need a visa (Annex I) and those who can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without one (Annex II). If you need one, you apply for a Schengen visa at the Spanish consulate where you live.

Can I move to Spain first and sort out the papers later?

Usually not. A short stay, with or without a visa, does not let you work or stay longer than 90 days. Most routes start with a visa at the Spanish consulate in the country where you live. Two exceptions are the telework residence permit, which people who are legally in Spain can request directly here, and the residence card for family members of EU citizens.

How much money do I need for the non-lucrative visa?

The rule is 400% of the IPREM for the main applicant and 100% more for each family member. The Spanish consular section in Washington states that in 2026 this is 28,800 € per year for one person and 7,200 € per year for each dependent. The IPREM changes every year, so check the current figure with your consulate before you apply.

Does buying a property give me residence?

No. The investor visa was removed by Organic Law 1/2025 with effect from 3 April 2025. You can buy property as a non-resident, but you need another route to live in Spain.

Apostille or legalisation: which one do my documents need?

Look up your country in the status table of the Hague Apostille Convention. If it is a party and the Convention is in force for it, you need the apostille. If not, the document must be legalised first by your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Spanish embassy or consulate. In both cases you will normally need an official translation into Spanish.

Can I exchange my driving licence?

Only if your country has an exchange agreement with Spain. The DGT publishes the list; outside Europe and Latin America it includes Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines and Türkiye, among others. If your country is not on the list, your licence is valid for six months after you become resident and then you need to pass the Spanish tests.

Will I pay tax in Spain and in my home country?

If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain you are normally tax resident here. Whether your home country also taxes you depends on its own rules and on whether it has a double-taxation treaty with Spain. We are not tax advisers: we put you in touch with specialists.

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, comes from our 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.

Want a plan for your case?

We prepare your paperwork and come with you to your appointments; a partner immigration lawyer reviews your options.

Start my free plan →   See visa services →   See the 20 cities →

One enquiry connects you with a dedicated specialist for the whole move — visas, housing, and the local know-how that turns a relocation into a home.

1

We read your enquiry

A specialist matched to your situation reviews the details within one business day.

2

A short call

We talk through your timeline, family situation and priorities.

3

Your relocation plan

A written plan covering paperwork, housing search and a realistic timeline — no obligation.

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.