05.01.2026
How to obtain a residence permit in Spain: types of permits, requirements, necessary documents, and costs. Residence permits through real estate purchase, work, study, and for digital nomads.
Citizens of non-EU countries can obtain a Spanish residence permit via 11 main pathways.
For short stays, the Schengen rule applies: stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Citizens of the USA, UK, and Australia can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days under the 90/180 rule.
A non-lucrative residence permit (without work rights) requires a verified income of at least €28,800 per year.
Residence permits with work authorization are available through an employment contract, self-employment, business, or a startup.
The Golden Visa program for real estate investment has been closed as of April 3, 2025.
After 5 years of residency on a temporary permit, you can apply for permanent residency (PR).
The right to apply for citizenship typically comes after 10 years, and for citizens of Latin American countries the period is reduced to 2 years.
The average processing time for a residence permit is 2–4 months, depending on the grounds and region.
How to get a Spanish residence permit is one of the most frequent questions for those considering moving to Europe to live, work, study, or retire. Spain remains one of the few EU countries with multiple legal and straightforward pathways to obtain a residence permit without mandatory investments and with moderate income requirements. The country offers a high standard of living, a developed healthcare system, a mild climate, access to the Schengen Area, and transparent immigration procedures.
A Spanish residence permit allows you to reside in the country for more than 90 days, obtain a TIE resident card, open a bank account, rent or buy property, connect to public or private healthcare, and in some cases officially work or run a business. For citizens of the USA, the UK, and other non-EU countries, Spain offers solutions for different life scenarios: financially independent living, remote work, study, startups, family reunification, and regularization through residency.
This article details the types of residence permits in Spain, their requirements, processing times, necessary documents, reasons for denial, and the path from temporary residence to permanent residency and citizenship.
A Spanish residence permit grants the right to legally reside in the country for more than 90 days and to obtain resident documents through the immigration authorities. Residents gain access to the healthcare and education systems, can travel freely within the Schengen Area, and can open businesses and bank accounts. A residence permit also allows you to arrange family reunification and, over time, to transition to permanent resident status. After 5 years of legal residence, you become eligible for permanent residency, and after 10 years you can apply for Spanish citizenship.
There are 11 main types of residence permits in Spain, as established by immigration law and listed on the Spanish Immigration Service’s website. They differ in their grounds for issuance, validity period, work rights, and applicant requirements.
The non-lucrative residence permit in Spain is a popular option for those planning to live in the country without engaging in employment and supporting themselves through their own financial resources. This type of permit is well-suited for a calm, long-term stay and is considered one of the most stable pathways within Spain’s immigration system.
For whom it is suitable: Pensioners receiving a public or private pension; individuals with a stable passive income; applicants planning to reside in Spain without employment; families relocating based on the main applicant’s financial independence.
Financial requirements: A minimum verified income of €28,800 per year for the main applicant, plus an additional €7,200 per year for each family member. The income must be stable, legal, and supported by documentation (bank statements, income certificates, tax reports).
Allowed sources of income: Pension payments; dividends and interest from investments; rental income from real estate; bank savings and deposits; other regular income not related to work in Spain.
Validity and renewal: The initial residence permit is issued for 1 year; the first renewal is for 2 years; after that, another 2-year renewal can be granted, leading to eligibility for permanent residency after a total of 5 years of residence.
Restrictions and opportunities: Employment in Spain is not allowed; continuous residence in the country is permitted; free travel throughout the Schengen Area; right to apply for family reunification; access to healthcare services with a valid private health insurance policy, which must be obtained independently. The approximate cost of a suitable insurance policy for this permit is about €50 to €120 per month per person, depending on age, region, and coverage.
The student residence permit in Spain (Estancia por estudios) is intended for foreign nationals planning to reside in the country long-term for educational purposes. This permit is often used as a first step toward legalizing one’s status in Spain, with the possibility of transitioning to a work permit later.
For whom it is suitable: Students of Spanish or international universities; language school students; participants in professional courses or training programs; applicants considering studies as a pathway for long-term residency in Spain.
Basis for obtaining: Official enrollment in an accredited educational institution; confirmation of full-time study; an academic program with a defined duration.
Requirements for the applicant: Proof of financial means to cover the study period; proof of accommodation in Spain; valid health insurance; no history of visa violations. No age limits are set in Spanish immigration law for study purposes: the student residence permit is available to both minors and adults, including those enrolling in language courses, bachelor’s or master’s programs, or other professional training.
Validity and extension: The permit is issued for the duration of the studies; it can be extended if the educational program is extended. The period of stay under a student permit counts toward the residency period if you later switch to a different status.
Rights and opportunities: Allowed to work up to 30 hours per week provided it does not interfere with studies; legal residence in Spain for the entire study period; free travel within the Schengen Area; access to medical services with a private health insurance policy (mandatory for the full duration of the permit); possibility to change status to a work residence permit after completing studies.
This is the most straightforward and fundamental pathway to legalization for those planning to be officially employed and reside in Spain based on their job. The work-authorized residence permit in Spain is suitable for professionals who are ready to work for a Spanish employer and build a long-term career with the prospect of obtaining permanent residency.
For whom it is suitable: Foreign professionals with a job offer from a Spanish company; employees in demand in the local labor market; applicants planning to relocate and integrate into Spanish social and tax systems through employment.
Basis for obtaining: An official employment contract with a Spanish employer; confirmation that the job vacancy meets immigration law requirements; initiation of the application process by the employer.
Application procedure: The employer submits the main documents to immigration authorities. Once the work authorization is approved, the applicant obtains a category D visa at a Spanish consulate and enters Spain to receive the TIE resident card.
Validity and renewal: The initial residence permit is granted for 1 to 2 years; renewals are possible as long as the employment contract remains in effect. After 5 years of continuous residence, the holder can apply for permanent residency.
Rights and opportunities: Right to work legally in Spain; access to the public healthcare system; participation in the social security system; eligibility for family reunification; free movement within the Schengen Area.
This is the most suitable legalization route for those planning to start a business, or work as independent contractors. The residence permit allows individuals to legally provide services, pay taxes, and establish long-term residency in the country.
For whom it is suitable: Entrepreneurs launching a business in Spain; freelancers offering services independently; professionals working for multiple clients; individuals planning to register as an autónomo (self-employed person) in Spain.
Basis for obtaining: Intent to conduct entrepreneurial or independent professional activities in Spain; registration as an autónomo; the chosen business or activity must comply with Spanish regulations.
Applicant requirements: A detailed business plan or description of the professional activity; proof of sufficient funds to launch and operate the business; evidence of professional qualifications or experience; no legal restrictions on the chosen activity.
Validity and renewal: The initial permit is typically issued for 1 year; with successful business operations, it can be renewed (often up to a total of 4 years of temporary residency). After 5 years of residency, the holder becomes eligible for permanent residency.
Rights and opportunities: Right to legally work and run a business in Spain; ability to open a bank account; access to the healthcare and social security systems; opportunity for family reunification; free movement within the Schengen Area.
It is a modern legal residency option designed for professionals who work remotely for foreign companies or run businesses outside of Spain. The digital nomad visa in Spain allows individuals to live in an EU country while maintaining their income sources abroad, without the need to integrate into the Spanish labor market.
For whom it is suitable: Remote employees of foreign companies; freelancers working with overseas clients; business owners with a company registered outside Spain; professionals not tied to a fixed workplace.
Basis for obtaining: A valid employment contract with a foreign employer or owning a business outside Spain; proof of remote work arrangements; no work for Spanish companies (beyond the permitted limit).
Financial requirements: Minimum proven monthly income of €2,650; proof of stable income over the past few months; documented evidence of these earnings.
Validity and renewal: The initial residence permit is issued for up to 3 years; it can be extended for an additional 2 years. In total, one can reside up to 5 years in Spain under this visa, leading to eligibility for permanent residency.
Rights and opportunities: Right to legally reside in Spain; ability to work remotely for non-Spanish employers; access to healthcare services with a private health insurance policy that must be obtained independently (approximately €50 to €120 per month per person, depending on age, region, and coverage); free travel throughout the Schengen Area; eligibility for family reunification.
Suitable for entrepreneurs launching innovative projects with international potential. The startup visa residence permit in Spain focuses on the development of technology, digital solutions, and scalable business models, granting founders immediate access to long-term resident status.
For whom it is suitable: Founders of startups and innovative companies; entrepreneurs in technology, IT, science, fintech, biotech, or creative industries; applicants planning to develop their business in Spain.
Basis for obtaining: An innovative business project with growth potential; a well-developed business plan; official approval of the project by ENISA confirming the project’s innovative character and economic viability.
Project and applicant requirements: An innovative idea or technology; economic viability and scalability of the project; proof of professional experience or relevant qualifications; availability of funds to launch and develop the business.
Validity and renewal: The initial residence permit is issued for 3 years; it can be renewed if the project is maintained and developed. This period counts toward the total years of residence required for permanent residency.
Rights and opportunities: Right to legally reside and work in Spain under the startup framework; the ability to carry out business activities; immediate right to family reunification without the need to wait for permit renewal; access to the healthcare system; free movement within the Schengen Area.
The family reunification residence permit in Spain is a legal pathway for close relatives to join a resident of the country, granting them the right to live and work. This format helps maintain family unity and supports full integration of family members into Spain’s social system.
For whom it is suitable: Spouses or registered partners of a Spanish resident; minor children; financially dependent adult children; dependent parents of the resident (including parents-in-law) who are under the resident’s care.
Basis for obtaining: The sponsor (the family member in Spain) must have a valid temporary residence permit or permanent residency; proof of the family relationship; the application is filed by the Spanish resident through the immigration authorities.
Financial and housing requirements: Proof of sufficient income to support the family members; adequate housing in Spain; official registration of the place of residence (Padrón).
Validity and renewal: The family reunification residence permit is issued for a duration that aligns with the status of the sponsoring family member. It is renewed at the same time as the sponsor’s residency card and counts toward the overall residency period for permanent residency.
Rights and opportunities: Right to legally reside in Spain; ability to work officially without additional work permits; access to the public healthcare system and education; free movement within the Schengen Area; full integration of the family into life in Spain.
This is a special legalization mechanism for foreign nationals who have been residing in Spain for an extended period without a valid immigration status. The arraigo residence permit allows individuals to transition from irregular status to legal residence and employment, provided certain conditions are met.
For whom it is suitable: Foreigners who have been living in Spain without a legal residence permit; individuals who have lost their legal status; applicants who have established social, employment, or family ties in Spain.
Types of arraigo: Social arraigo – eligible after at least 3 years of continuous living in Spain. Labor arraigo – eligible with proof of at least 6 months of undocumented employment in Spain. Family arraigo – eligible if you have close relatives with Spanish citizenship or legal residency.
Basis for obtaining: Documentary proof of your actual prolonged residence in Spain; a valid employment contract or job offer; evidence of family ties or stable social connections in Spain; registration at a local address (Padrón).
Validity and renewal: The initial arraigo residence permit is issued for 1 year. Its renewal is not tied to continued unlawful stay — once the first card is obtained, you are a legal resident. Renewal is based on new conditions, namely:
- having a legal work contract or registered employment, or
- another lawful basis for residency (employment, self-employment, family reunification),
- no violations of immigration or labor laws.
Renewal is processed as a transition from an arraigo residence permit to a standard residence permit with work authorization. The period of residence under arraigo counts toward the total duration of legal residency and is recognized when applying for other types of residence permits or permanent residency.
Rights and opportunities: The right to legally reside and work in Spain; access to the healthcare system; eligibility to establish tax residency; the possibility of switching to other types of residence permits; and a pathway to full legalization of stay in the country.
A special type of residence permit for highly qualified professionals in demand on the European labor market. The EU Blue Card (Tarjeta Azul UE) in Spain is intended for individuals with higher education and provides legal work rights in Spain along with greater freedom of movement within the European Union.
For whom it is suitable: Highly qualified professionals with a higher education degree or proven expertise; specialists in fields such as IT, engineering, science, medicine, and other industries with skill shortages; applicants aiming for a long-term career in the EU.
Basis for obtaining: An employment contract with a Spanish employer; a salary level above a set threshold (typically above the average for the profession); qualifications that meet the requirements of the position.
Key requirements: A university degree or its official recognition; professional experience in the relevant field; an employment contract meeting the legally required minimum duration; and compliance with the minimum salary threshold.
Validity and renewal: The initial EU Blue Card is issued for 1 to 4 years, depending on the work contract length; renewals are possible if the employment conditions are maintained. The Blue Card offers a faster path to permanent residency compared to standard work permits.
Rights and opportunities: Right to legally work and reside in Spain; streamlined mobility and the possibility to work in other EU countries; access to Spain’s social security system; opportunity for family reunification under facilitated conditions; accelerated integration into the European Union’s labor market.
The residence permit for researchers and scientists in Spain is a specialized form of residency for foreign professionals involved in scientific, research, and innovation projects. This type of permit is intended for work in universities, research institutions, and entities operating in the R&D&I field, granting legal residence for the duration of the project.
For whom it is suitable: Scientific researchers; university professors and academic staff; professionals engaged in academic or research-based initiatives; individuals participating in research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) programs.
Basis for obtaining: An official invitation or contract with a university, research center, or scientific organization; participation in an approved research project; proof of the applicant’s professional qualifications and expertise.
Applicant requirements: Relevant educational background or a scientific degree; qualifications and experience that match the project’s requirements; a valid contract or agreement with the host institution.
Validity and renewal: The permit is issued for the duration of the research project or employment contract; it can be renewed if the scientific work continues. The time spent under this permit counts toward the residency period needed for permanent residency.
Rights and opportunities: The right to legally reside and work in Spain for the duration of the research project; ability to bring family members without long waiting periods; access to the healthcare and social security systems; free movement within the Schengen Area.
The Spanish residence permit by purchasing property, also known as the investment-based Golden Visa, is no longer available for new applicants. The program was officially closed on April 3, 2025, and new applications based on real estate investment are no longer accepted.
Previously, this route allowed obtaining a Spanish residence permit by purchasing property for at least €500,000 (with no mortgage financing). The Golden Visa did not require mandatory residence in Spain, it offered the right to work and to travel freely in the Schengen Area, and provided a pathway to permanent residency through status renewals.
At present, renewals under this program are only possible for those who secured a Spanish investment residence permit before the program’s closure and who continue to meet the established conditions. For new applicants, purchasing property is no longer a basis for a residence permit. Alternatives include the Non-Lucrative residence permit (Residencia No Lucrativa) and the Digital Nomad Visa.
Regardless of the basis for your application, all types of residence permits in Spain adhere to a set of fundamental requirements under Spanish immigration law. The specific documents and financial criteria vary by visa type and the purpose of stay, but the core conditions remain the same for all applicants. Understanding what is required for a Spanish residence permit helps you prepare in advance and avoid refusals due to formal errors.
It’s important to note that in most cases, the residence permit is issued after arrival in Spain, while the initial step involves applying for a national D-type visa, which grants entry to the country for the purpose of obtaining a residence card. To obtain a residence permit in Spain, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
Age: Over 18 years old (different procedures apply for accompanying minors or for students).
Clean criminal record: No criminal record in the country of citizenship or countries of previous residence.
Valid passport: A current passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining at the time of applying for the visa D.
Health insurance: Possession of health insurance valid in Spain. Typically, this means a private health insurance policy from an insurer recognized by Spanish authorities (such as Sanitas, DKV, or other major providers).
Financial means: Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself (and any dependents) without relying on public assistance in Spain.
Accommodation in Spain: Evidence of accommodation in Spain, such as a rental contract, a hotel/accommodation booking, or property ownership documents.
No entry ban: No active entry ban to the Schengen Area, and no record of violating visa conditions or immigration rules.
After entering Spain with a Type D visa, the applicant submits the required documents to the immigration office and applies for a resident card (TIE). These requirements apply to all primary types of residence permits — whether for temporary stay, employment, study, family reunification, or digital nomad residency.
The standard set of documents for applying for a residence permit in Spain includes:
A completed official application form (each residence permit type has its own form).
A valid passport and photocopies of all pages of the passport.
Passport-sized color photographs (typically 2–4 photos, 3×4 cm).
Police clearance certificate (certificate of no criminal record) from the applicant’s country of citizenship (or country of residence), with an apostille and a certified Spanish translation
Medical certificate confirming the absence of any serious or contagious diseases.
Health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000, no deductible, and full coverage in Spain.
Documents proving income or financial solvency: bank statements, income certificates, employment contracts, or tax documents.
A rental agreement, proof of accommodation, or property ownership documents.
Notarized translations of all documents into Spanish.
Proof of payment of the applicable consular and/or administrative fee.
Depending on the basis for obtaining the residence permit, additional documents may be required — such as an employment contract, business plan, letter of acceptance from an educational institution, family-related documents, or other supporting evidence.
Renewal of a residence permit in Spain is possible if the original conditions under which the resident status was granted are still met. Meeting the renewal requirements ensures continuous residency and allows for a future transition to permanent residency.
After 5 years of uninterrupted residence under a temporary permit, the resident becomes eligible to apply for permanent residency in Spain (Larga duración), which grants an indefinite right to reside in the country, with formal renewal of the residency card every 5 years.
Conditions for renewal of a residence permit in Spain:
Maintaining the basis for residence: verified income for non-lucrative permits; a valid employment contract or ongoing business activity for work permits; continued enrollment for student status.
Actual residence in Spain for at least 183 days within the calendar year.
No outstanding tax debts, administrative fines, or legal offences.
Valid health insurance covering the entire renewal period.
Proof of accommodation in Spain (either a rental contract or property ownership).
Renewal application process and timeline:
Applications can be submitted up to 60 days before the current residence permit expires, as well as during a limited grace period after its expiration.
The application must be filed with the Spanish immigration office at the applicant’s place of residence.
The standard processing time ranges from 20 to 45 days.
If approved, a new TIE resident card is issued for the next authorized period of stay.
Timely renewal of the residence permit and compliance with all requirements are key conditions for obtaining permanent residency and, eventually, Spanish citizenship.
Permanent residency and Spanish citizenship are the logical next steps following legal residence through a temporary permit, and they mark key milestones in the integration process.
Permanent Residency (Larga Duración)
You can apply for permanent resident status after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Spain under a valid temporary residence permit.
Absences from Spain during this period must not exceed 10 months total over the 5-year period.
The status is indefinite; however, the resident card must be formally renewed every 5 years.
Permanent residents enjoy almost the same rights as Spanish citizens, except for voting in national elections and access to certain public-sector positions.
Permanent residents are allowed to live and work freely throughout Spain, with no restrictions on region or employer.
The standard required period of legal residence is 10 years.
A reduced period of 2 years applies to citizens of Latin American countries.
An accelerated pathway is available after 1 year of legal residence if married to a Spanish citizen.
Applicants must pass two exams:
- The DELE A2 Spanish language test (castellano).
- The CCSE test on Spanish history and constitutional structure.
Note: regional languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician) do not replace the DELE Spanish exam requirement.
In most cases, renunciation of previous citizenship is required upon naturalization, though exceptions apply to nationals of Latin American countries, who may retain dual citizenship.
By complying with residency timelines and immigration requirements, applicants can steadily advance from temporary residence to permanent status — and ultimately to a Spanish passport.
Denials of residence permits in Spain are most often due not to the eligibility basis itself, but to errors in documentation or non-compliance with formal requirements.
Common reasons for denial include:
Insufficient or improperly documented financial means.
Errors in application forms or an incomplete document package.
Expired documents (for example, criminal record certificate, usually valid for up to 3 months).
Missing apostilles or certified translations into Spanish.
Criminal record or violations of visa or immigration rules.
Providing false or contradictory information.
Lack of valid health insurance with the required coverage.
Unverified housing in Spain (missing rental agreement or property documents).
What to do in case of denial:
Request a written explanation of the reasons for denial from the immigration authority.
File an appeal (Recurso de reposición) within 1 month of receiving the decision.
Correct the identified issues and resubmit the application.
For complex cases, consult an immigration attorney to adjust the application strategy.
Spain’s residence permit system is considered one of the most balanced options for living in Europe, offering clear rules, a wide range of qualifying categories, and a high quality of life. It is well-suited for retirees, remote workers, entrepreneurs, and students considering Spain for long-term residence or relocation to the EU.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain: https://www.exteriores.gob.es
Spanish Immigration Service: https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones
Spanish National Police (for TIE appointments): https://sede.policia.gob.es
ENISA (for Startup Visas): https://www.enisa.es
