Spain – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Spain?

Whether you require a visa to enter Spain hinges on your nationality and the length of your planned stay. Citizens of any EU member state, together with nationals of Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, are not required to obtain a visa to visit, work, or live in Spain. These individuals benefit from EU freedom of movement rights and need only register their residency after three months in the country.

Nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA and Schengen Area who intend to remain in Spain for more than three months within any six-month period will generally require a long-term residency visa. For citizens whose countries have a visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen Area — including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others — entry is permitted without a visa for tourism or short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This short-stay entitlement does not, however, allow you to live or work in Spain.

One critical point to understand is that you cannot switch to a long-stay visa from within Spain while on a tourist entry — the application must be lodged with the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of habitual residence before you travel. Arriving in Spain on a visa-free visit and then trying to convert that entry to residency is not permitted under the standard immigration process.

Visa rules differ by nationality and may change over time. Always confirm your personal circumstances with Spain’s official immigration authority, the Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones, or with the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy before making travel or relocation plans.

What visa options exist for people relocating to Spain?

Spain provides several categories of long-stay visa and residence permit for non-EU nationals wishing to make the country their home. These include the student visa, work visa, au pair visa, retiree visa, entrepreneur visa, working holiday visa, and the non-lucrative residence visa, among others. The right choice depends on your individual circumstances and the activities you intend to pursue in Spain.

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) — The Non-Lucrative Visa, sometimes loosely described as a Retirement Visa, is intended for those who want to live in Spain without engaging in any form of paid employment or professional activity. It is particularly popular among retirees and individuals with sufficient passive income who want to enjoy an extended period in the country without a job offer. This is the most common long-stay route for expats who are not employed by a Spanish company. Importantly, this visa does not function as a work permit and prohibits all forms of employment — including remote or online work.

Digital Nomad Visa — Introduced under Spain’s Startup Act, this visa is tailored for remote workers and digital entrepreneurs who wish to base themselves in Spain while continuing to work for employers or clients located abroad. Unlike the NLV, it expressly permits remote work for foreign entities. When issued inside Spain, the initial permit runs for three years and can be renewed for a further two years, making it well suited to those employed by or operating businesses registered outside the country.

Work Visa — This visa is for individuals who have secured employment with a Spanish company and wish to come to Spain to carry out paid work. The employer must typically obtain a work authorisation on the applicant’s behalf before the visa can be issued. Spain’s standard work visa is linked to a specific employer and role, unlike arrangements in some other countries where a work permit may be employer-independent.

Self-Employed Visa (Autónomo) — Those who wish to establish and run their own business in Spain should apply for this visa. As with the employment visa, there are eligibility conditions to satisfy, but applicants must also present a business plan that has been reviewed and approved by a relevant professional body. Specifically, certification from Spain’s Self-Employed Workers Association is required to validate the proposed business activities.

Student Visa — This visa is for anyone intending to attend an educational institution in Spain for more than three months. It is now issued to cover the full duration of the course, removing the annual renewal process that was previously necessary. Students are also now permitted to work up to 30 hours per week and benefit from a more straightforward path to work authorisation after completing their studies.

Family Reunification Visa — This long-stay visa enables non-EU nationals who are already lawfully resident in Spain to bring certain close relatives to live with them. Full details are set out in the dedicated section on family members below.

Golden Visa (Investor Visa) — Now Closed — The Spanish government brought the Investor Visa (Golden Visa) programme to an end in April 2025. Applications based on real estate purchases are no longer accepted from that date onwards. Holders of existing Golden Visas and those who submitted applications before the programme closed are generally protected under transitional provisions. Applicants who had been considering this route should now look at the Non-Lucrative Visa or the Digital Nomad Visa as practical alternatives.

Working Holiday Visa — This visa is open to young adult citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35, depending on the bilateral agreement). It is valid for one year and permits the holder to work for up to six of those twelve months.

How do I go about applying for a Spanish visa?

All long-stay visa applications for Spain must be submitted before you leave your home country. You are not able to apply for a long-stay visa once you have entered Spain on a tourist or short-stay basis. Depending on where you live, your application may be lodged at a Spanish consulate directly or at a visa application centre to which Spain has delegated the submission process.

The steps below outline the typical process for a Non-Lucrative Visa application, which broadly reflects the procedure for most other long-stay visa categories:

1. Identify the correct visa category — Establish which visa type is appropriate for your situation — whether that is the non-lucrative, work, digital nomad, student, or another category. Each has its own requirements and application forms, so selecting the right one before you begin is essential.
2. Assemble your documents — Gather all required paperwork as described in the Documents section below. Documents from foreign countries must be apostilled or legalised and, where necessary, accompanied by an official Spanish translation. If you are preparing documents without professional help, allow four to six weeks for this stage.
3. Fill in the application forms — Spain uses separate forms for short-stay and long-stay visa applications. Ensure you complete the correct form, print two copies, and sign both. For the NLV specifically, you will also need to complete the EX-01 residence authorisation form.
4. Make an appointment — A formal appointment at the Spanish consulate in your area of residence is mandatory. Availability can be tight depending on your location, so book a slot as far in advance as possible.
5. Attend in person — All applications must be presented in person at your appointment. Take both your original documents and copies with you. Biometric data such as fingerprints and a facial photograph may be collected at this stage.
6. Pay the applicable fee — Payment is required at the time you submit your application. Payment methods accepted vary between consulates and application centres, so check what is accepted before your appointment.
7. Wait for the outcome — Once your application has been submitted, the consulate will assess it. For long-stay applications, the consulate has up to three months to issue a decision. If no decision is communicated within that period, this may be treated as administrative silence, effectively constituting a refusal. Use any tracking tools provided by your consulate to monitor progress.
8. Travel to Spain and complete registration — After approval, you have 365 days to enter Spain under the rule updated in 2025. Once you arrive, you must register your address with the local council (Empadronamiento) and then apply for your TIE card (Foreigner Identity Card) at the nearest National Police station or immigration office. This must be done within one month of your arrival date.

Applying from the United States: US-based applicants apply through one of the Spanish consulates in the country or through outsourced BLS International visa application centres, depending on the state in which they reside. For example, the Consulate of Spain in Los Angeles handles residents of Southern California, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, while the Embassy in Washington DC covers Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and neighbouring states. Use the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs consulate locator to identify which office covers your state.

Applying from the United Kingdom: UK-based applicants submit their applications at the Consulate General of Spain in London or through an authorised application centre. Requirements can vary slightly between consulates, so always check the specific document list published by the office handling your application.

Those applying from other countries should contact their nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. A full directory is available on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

What documents are required for a Spanish visa application?

The precise list of documents required will vary according to the visa category you are applying for and the specific consulate processing your case. Each consulate may request additional items beyond the standard list, so it is essential to cross-reference your documents against the official checklist published by your local consulate before submitting.

The following documents are typically required for a Non-Lucrative Visa application, and many of these requirements also apply to other long-stay visa types:

• Valid passport — Your passport must remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned period of stay and must contain a minimum of two blank pages.
• Passport-sized photographs — Usually two photographs taken against a plain white background, meeting Spain’s official specifications. Note that Spanish requirements call for 30mm x 40mm photos, which may differ from the standards used in your home country.
• Completed application forms — These include the national visa application form and, for the NLV, the EX-01 form (Solicitud de Autorización de Residencia Temporal No Lucrativa) along with Form 790-052 for the residence permit fee.
• Evidence of financial means — Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their living costs in Spain throughout the initial year of residency. The minimum threshold is 400% of Spain’s IPREM for the main applicant, plus an additional 100% of IPREM for each accompanying family member. As of 2025, this amounts to roughly €2,400 per month for the principal applicant.
• Comprehensive health insurance — You must provide proof of public or private health insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain. The policy must be valid for one year, provide cover equivalent to Spain’s public health system for all holders, and contain no deductibles, no copayments, no waiting periods, and no coverage limits. Standard travel insurance with medical assistance will not be accepted.
• Criminal record certificate — A police clearance certificate from every country in which you have resided during the five years prior to the date of your application is required. These documents must carry the Apostille of the Hague Convention.
• Medical certificate — An original certificate from a licensed physician confirming that you do not suffer from any condition that could pose a serious risk to public health under the 2005 International Health Regulations.
• Affidavit (NLV applicants) — A notarised statement outlining your professional background, your reasons for choosing to live in Spain, the length of stay you intend, and a formal commitment to refrain from any form of paid work — whether in person or remotely — while resident in Spain.
• Proof of accommodation — Documentation confirming where you will be living in Spain, such as a signed rental agreement, property ownership documents, or an invitation letter from a host.

Translation and legalisation of documents: All foreign documents must be apostilled or fully legalised and, where necessary, accompanied by an official Spanish translation. Spain generally requires translations to be carried out by a sworn (jurado) translator. Documents issued in countries that are party to the Hague Convention can typically be apostilled rather than going through the full legalisation process, though you should confirm this with your consulate.

Always consult the official checklist published by the relevant Spanish consulate or embassy in your country for the most accurate and current requirements, as these are subject to change.

How long will my Spanish visa application take to process?

Processing times differ considerably depending on the visa category, the consulate involved, and the time of year. Planning well ahead of your intended move date is strongly advisable.

Non-Lucrative Visa: The end-to-end NLV process typically takes between three and five months as of 2025. Document preparation with a lawyer generally takes four to six weeks. After submission, the consulate has up to three months to reach a decision, although many applications are concluded within four to six weeks.

Schengen short-stay visa: Standard processing for a Schengen short-stay visa is up to 15 working days, though this can stretch to 45 days during busy seasons or when additional checks are needed, as of 2024. All applications must be lodged at least 15 days before the intended date of travel.

Family Reunification Visa: This visa ordinarily takes four to six months to process. Submitting a complete and accurate set of documents and applying as early as possible are the best ways to avoid unnecessary delays.

Student Visa: Processing time for a Spanish student visa is typically five to eight weeks. Submitting your documents as early as possible is recommended to allow sufficient time before your course begins.

The high volume of tourist and short-stay applications creates seasonal pressure — especially from April through September — which can in turn affect the processing of long-stay applications at heavily loaded consulates. All timescales cited above are as of 2024–2025 and are subject to change. Always check the current estimates published by your nearest Spanish consulate before you apply.

What are the costs involved in applying for a Spanish visa?

Visa fees are determined by the Spanish government and the European Union and are reviewed periodically. The figures below include the dates to which they apply; always confirm the current fees with the official consulate or embassy before submitting your application.

The official Schengen visa fee for Spain is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–11, not including any local service charges, as of 2024. Fees for long-stay visas range from approximately €80 to around €674 depending on the category.

In addition to the government visa fee itself, applicants should expect a number of other costs that commonly arise during the process:

• Application centre service charges — Where submissions are handled through an outsourced centre such as BLS International, a service fee is added on top of the visa fee. US applicants submitting through a Spanish visa application centre are charged a service fee of USD $20, inclusive of tax, as of 2026.
• Health insurance — Comprehensive private health insurance that satisfies Spain’s strict criteria is mandatory and must contain no deductibles or copayments. Premiums vary considerably according to the applicant’s age, health, and the level of cover provided.
• Document translation — Sworn translations into Spanish typically cost between €30 and €100 per document or more, depending on the length and complexity of each document.
• Apostille or legalisation — The cost of apostilling documents varies by country and by the authority issuing the apostille.
• Medical certificate — A fee is payable for the medical examination needed to obtain a certificate from a licensed physician.
• Legal or immigration adviser fees — Engaging a qualified Spanish immigration lawyer or specialist agent — which is strongly recommended for more complex applications — may add anywhere from a few hundred to well over a thousand euros, depending on the level of service required.

Fees are established by the Spanish government and the EU and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the current fee schedule on the official website of your nearest Spanish consulate or embassy.

Can my family accompany or join me in Spain?

Most long-stay visa categories allow you to include close family members in your initial application or to bring them to join you later through the family reunification process. The specific rules vary depending on which visa route you are following.

Including family in your initial visa application (e.g. NLV): The following relatives may obtain a visa at the same time as the main applicant: a spouse, registered partner, or duly documented stable partner, as well as dependent children. To include family members, you must demonstrate the additional financial resources required by law — equivalent to 100% of the IPREM for each additional person — and arrange comprehensive health insurance covering everyone. As of 2025, this represents approximately €600 per month for each additional family member.

Family Reunification Visa (for those already legally resident in Spain): The Family Reunion Visa is available to non-EU nationals who have been lawfully resident in Spain for at least one year and hold a residence permit that can be renewed for at least a further year. Eligible relatives include spouses or civil partners, children under 18 (or older children with disabilities), and, under certain conditions, dependent parents of the resident or their spouse. EU citizens follow a different process under EU freedom of movement provisions and are not eligible for this visa.

Income requirements for family reunification: To sponsor one family member, you must demonstrate income of at least 150% of the IPREM — approximately €900 per month or €10,800 per year in 2025 — plus a further 50% of the IPREM (around €300) for each additional family member. As an example, sponsoring a spouse and two children would require approximately €1,500 per month. These are indicative figures as of 2025; verify current thresholds with the official immigration authority.

Can family members work or study in Spain? Relatives who arrive on a family reunification visa can generally apply for work authorisation in Spain once they have received their residence card (TIE). Spouses and partners typically receive work authorisation automatically alongside their residence permit, while other family members may need to make a separate application.

Documentation for family members: In a number of cases, legalised or apostilled documents and official Spanish translations will be required. The sponsoring resident must also demonstrate that the accommodation available in Spain is suitable for the incoming family members. This typically involves a housing report (informe de vivienda adecuada) issued by the local authority, together with proof of address and evidence that the property meets the applicable minimum living standards.

Can I renew my visa or pursue permanent residence in Spain?

Spain’s immigration framework offers a structured progression from an initial visa through to long-term residence and, in time, citizenship — provided that you continue to satisfy the requirements at every stage.

Renewing an initial visa or residence permit: The Non-Lucrative Visa is initially granted for one year and may be renewed for successive two-year periods. To renew, you must continue to meet the financial and residency conditions. An important requirement introduced by recent legislation is that you must maintain valid private health insurance covering the full residency period and demonstrate physical presence in Spain for a minimum of 183 days per year, as stipulated under the new Immigration Regulation RD 1155/2024 which came into force on 20 May 2025.

Long-term (permanent) residence: Non-EU nationals who have resided legally in Spain for five continuous years may apply for long-term residence, which entitles them to live and work in Spain without a time limit. There are two main forms: National Long-Term Residence, which is valid only in Spain; and EU Long-Term Residence, which provides the ability to move across EU member states but carries additional requirements, including passing a Spanish language test at A2 level and demonstrating cultural integration — for example through a CCSE examination or an established residency history.

Citizenship: Those who have maintained legal residency in Spain for ten uninterrupted years may become eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship. Certain nationalities enjoy a shorter qualifying period — nationals of Latin American countries, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, Andorra, and Sephardic Jews may qualify after just two years of residence. Citizens of other nations should consult the Spanish Ministry of Justice for the rules applicable to their specific nationality.

Changing visa status: Applicants who arrive on an NLV and subsequently decide they wish to work in Spain can, after one full year of legal residency, apply to modify their status to a work permit or self-employed visa, provided they fulfil the relevant eligibility criteria at that point. Always consult the Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones for the current rules before attempting any change of status.

Why are Spanish visa applications commonly refused?

In 2024, Spain recorded a Schengen visa refusal rate of 14.95%, based on 1,634,887 applications and 244,432 refusals. While this figure is close to the overall Schengen average, a notable proportion of rejections stem from factors applicants have the ability to address, such as the quality of their documentation, the adequacy of their financial evidence, and compliance with health insurance requirements.

The most frequently cited grounds for refusal across both short-stay and long-stay applications include:

• Insufficient proof of financial means — Submitting assets that are illiquid, difficult to trace, or that do not clearly satisfy the required financial threshold is a common stumbling block. Presenting illiquid assets such as property or cryptocurrency without sufficient liquid funds in a standard bank account, or failing to demonstrate the exact source of passive income, is a frequent cause of denial.
• Non-compliant health insurance — Policies that include a copayment, deductible, waiting period, or gap in coverage will be refused outright. In 2025, a number of NLV applicants were rejected specifically because their health insurance policy contained a copayment clause that was buried in the policy’s fine print and not apparent from the summary document submitted.
• Failure to prove cessation of employment (NLV applicants) — Not providing a formal termination letter or a sworn affidavit confirming that all employment has ceased is a significant ground for NLV refusal, and one that is receiving increasing scrutiny from consulates.
• Inconsistent documentation — Where the information provided in the application form conflicts with the details contained in supporting documents, the application is very likely to be turned down.
• Criminal record issues — Recent or serious entries on a criminal record check can result in refusal.
• Incomplete or improperly legalised documents — Documents that have not been correctly apostilled or that have not been translated by a sworn translator will typically lead to rejection.
• Applying to the wrong consular jurisdiction — Submitting an application to a consulate that does not cover your region or state of residence may result in refusal on procedural grounds.

What to do if your visa is refused: If your Spanish visa application is rejected, you have the right to challenge the decision. The appeals process begins with collecting the standard refusal form issued by the consulate, which sets out both the reasons for rejection and the steps to appeal. Appeals may be submitted to the same consulate that issued the refusal, or to the Administrative Division of the High Court of Justice of Madrid within two months of receiving the decision. A fee is payable for the appeal to be processed. If an appeal is unsuccessful, reapplying with a stronger application that directly addresses the stated reasons for refusal is a viable option. Seeking guidance from a qualified Spanish immigration lawyer before making a fresh application is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a Spanish long-stay visa while already in Spain?

No — long-stay visa applications cannot be submitted while you are in Spain on a tourist or short-stay entry. You must apply at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of habitual residence before departing. If you are already in Spain, there are some circumstances in which you may be able to apply for a residence permit from inside the country, but this is an entirely separate process. If you find yourself in this situation, seek specific legal advice.

Do I need health insurance to move to Spain?

Yes, for most long-stay visa categories. You are required to provide proof of public or private health insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain. The policy must be valid for a full year, must cover all beneficiaries for the risks insured under Spain’s public health system, and must contain no deductibles, copayments, waiting periods, or coverage limits. Unlike residents in many countries with national health services, non-EU nationals living in Spain are not automatically entitled to public healthcare until they are enrolled in the social security system through employment or a qualifying status.

Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa a good option for remote workers?

For those who work remotely for employers or clients outside Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa is the appropriate route. It is specifically designed for remote workers and digital entrepreneurs and, unlike the Non-Lucrative Visa — which prohibits all forms of active work, including remote work — it expressly allows work for foreign-based companies and clients. If you operate a business registered outside Spain or are employed by an overseas employer, this visa is likely your best option. Financial and documentation requirements were updated in 2025, so check the current criteria with the official immigration authority before applying.

What is the IPREM and why does it matter for my visa?

The IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples, or Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator) is Spain’s official public income reference index, used as the benchmark against which financial eligibility is assessed for most long-stay visas. The minimum income thresholds for the Non-Lucrative Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa, and the Family Reunification Visa are all expressed as multiples of the IPREM. As of 2025, the IPREM stands at approximately €600 per month. Because the IPREM may be revised by the government, always check for the most up-to-date figure when calculating your eligibility.

What is the TIE card and do I need one?

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), or Foreign Resident Identity Card, is the official document that evidences your legal residency status in Spain. It must be obtained within 30 days of your arrival in the country and is needed for many day-to-day transactions, including opening a bank account, signing a lease, and registering with local services. Applications for the TIE are submitted in person at your local National Police station (Comisaría de Policía) or immigration office after you arrive in Spain.

Can I work in Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa?

No. The Non-Lucrative Visa expressly forbids any form of paid employment or professional activity, including remote work carried out for companies or clients based outside Spain. If you need or wish to work remotely while living in Spain, you should instead apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. After one full year of legal residency under an NLV, it is possible to apply inside Spain — before the NLV comes up for renewal — to modify your status to a work or self-employment permit, provided you meet the relevant eligibility conditions at that time.

How long do I need to live in Spain before I can apply for permanent residency?

A minimum of five continuous years of legal residence in Spain is required before you can apply for long-term (permanent) residence. You must also have maintained valid private health insurance and been physically present in Spain for at least 183 days per year throughout that period, as required under Immigration Regulation RD 1155/2024, which came into force on 20 May 2025. Once permanent residency has been granted, applicants who go on to complete ten years of continuous legal residence in Spain may become eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship. Always check the current rules with the official immigration authority before making an application.

Is Spain’s Golden Visa still available?

No. The Spanish government brought the Investor Visa (Golden Visa) programme to a close in April 2025, and it is now shut to new applications in its entirety. Holders of existing Golden Visas retain their current immigration status in Spain. Those who had been planning to use the investor route are encouraged to consider alternative pathways such as the Non-Lucrative Visa or the Digital Nomad Visa, and to consult a qualified Spanish immigration lawyer to explore the options best suited to their circumstances.