Immigration & Residency Services in Spain

No. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals have freedom of movement, so you can live and work in Spain without a visa. However, if you stay longer than three months, you must register as a resident, obtain an NIE number, and complete local registration such as the empadronamiento.

For most non-EU visas, applications must be made from your home country via a Spanish consulate. Some categories (e.g., family member of EU citizen, certain work permits) allow in-country applications, but these are exceptions. We review each case individually.

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income or savings, indexed to the Spanish IPREM (updated annually). As of 2025, this is around €28,800 per year for the main applicant, plus 7,200–8,000€ per dependent. Savings can sometimes be used in lieu of income.

No — the visa is intended for remote workers with foreign clients or employers. Limited Spanish-sourced income (up to 20%) is permitted, but primary income must come from outside Spain.

Yes. Both the Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa allow dependants (spouse/partner and children). Separate applications are required, and additional income thresholds apply.

Processing times vary by visa type and consulate workload. Generally:

• Non-Lucrative Visa: 2–3 months
• Digital Nomad Visa: 2–4 months
• Family Reunification: 3–6 months

(Cross-link to: Blog “Spanish Visa Timelines – What to Expect”)

You have the right to appeal the decision within a set timeframe (usually 1 month). We review refusal grounds, submit additional evidence, and file an administrative appeal. (Cross-link to: Immigration Appeals Service page)

Yes — after completing studies, you can modify status to work as an employee or self-employed. Timing and requirements vary; early planning is crucial. (Cross-link to: 4.8 Student Visa page + Blog “From Student to Work Permit”)

Yes — after completing studies, you can modify status to work as an employee or self-employed. Timing and requirements vary; early planning is crucial. (Cross-link to: 4.8 Student Visa page + Blog “From Student to Work Permit”)

• NIE: Identification number for foreigners (for tax and legal purposes).
• TIE: Biometric residence card issued to non-EU residents proving legal stay.

EU nationals only need the NIE; non-EU nationals require both. (Cross-link to: 4.11 NIE page and 4.12 TIE page)

Yes. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for long-term residency (permiso de residencia de larga duración). After ten years, you may qualify for Spanish citizenship (shorter for some nationalities).

Residency may trigger worldwide tax liability in Spain if you stay over 183 days per year. Planning is vital to avoid double taxation — especially for retirees and remote workers. (Cross-link to: Spanish Tax Guide for Expats + Double Taxation Agreements section)

Yes, for most non-EU visas (NLV, DNV, etc.) you must show private health insurance with no co-payments, valid for at least 12 months and fully covering Spain.

Yes. The program officially closed on 3 April 2025. Alternative routes include Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa. (Cross-link to: Blog “Golden Visa Alternatives in Spain”)

Absence limits apply:

• Temporary residency: max 6 months per year abroad.
• Long-term residency: must not leave EU for over 12 consecutive months.
• Exceeding limits can risk revocation.