Residence permit in Spain (Residencia), as well as Spain itself, consistently rank among the most attractive choices for foreigners. It is important to consider the main advantages and disadvantages of obtaining residency in Spain before reviewing all the available options.
Advantages:
- You can apply for residency together with your family, and they will also receive residence permits.
- Each year of residence in Spain counts toward eligibility for Spanish citizenship.
- After obtaining residency, you can freely travel across the EU without needing Schengen visas.
- After the first permit, renewals are easier, allowing long-term stays.
- Some residence types, such as student or digital nomad visas, can be issued within just 20 days after application.
Disadvantages:
- The standard application process may be quite long, taking from 3 to 6 months.
- The first spanish residence permit must be renewed after one year, requiring additional paperwork.
- Depending on the type of permit, you may not be allowed to work in Spain.
Types of Residence Permit in Spain
1. Student Residence Permit
Designed for those who wish to study or conduct research in Spain.
- Applications can be made at a Spanish consulate abroad (visa + arrival in Spain) or within the first 60 days after entering Spain as a tourist.
- Requirements: criminal record certificate, bank statement with at least €10,000, proof of enrollment in a program of at least 20 hours per week for one year.
- The validity depends on the length of the course (from 3–9 months to 2–4 years).
- Can be renewed if studies continue or if moving to a higher degree (e.g., bachelor to master).
- A TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) is issued only if studies last over 9 months.
2. Business Residence (Entrepreneur & Startup Visas)
- Entrepreneur Visa: For those launching or relocating a business in Spain.
- Requirements: detailed business plan, proof of funds, approval by the Ministry of Economy and UGE, business registration.
- Benefits: fast approval, right to work, ability to bring family.
- Startup Visa: For founders of innovative projects.
- Requirements: innovative business plan, proof of funds, project approval by a commission.
- Benefits: state support, access to incubators, right to work, family reunification.
3. Non-Lucrative Residence Permit (without right to work)
For those who wish to live in Spain without engaging in professional or business activities.
- Valid for 1 year initially, renewable for 2 years if residing in Spain at least 183 days/year.
- Must apply from a Spanish consulate abroad.
- Requirements: proof of €28,800+ in bank accounts, Spanish health insurance, criminal record certificate.
- After entry, one month is given to obtain the physical residence card.
4. Work Residence Permits
- Highly Qualified Professional Visa
- For specialists offered senior or technical positions in Spanish companies.
- Requirements: qualifications, job offer, minimum salary €40,000.
- Benefits: fast processing, right to work, family reunification.
- Research Visa
- For researchers and academics with invitations from Spanish institutions.
- Requirements: invitation letter, proof of funding, academic track record.
- Benefits: access to grants, right to work, family reunification.
5. Investor Residence Permit (Golden Visa)
For large-scale investors.
- Requirements:
- €500,000 investment in real estate, or
- €1,000,000 in Spanish companies, or
- €2,000,000 in government bonds.
- Additional requirements: €30,000+ in personal funds plus €10,000 per dependent, full-coverage health insurance, clean criminal record.
- Benefits: fast-track residence, no obligation to reside permanently, free travel in Schengen, right to work.
6. Residence for Family Members of EU Citizens
- Granted to spouses, partners (“pareja de hecho”), children, and parents of EU citizens.
- Valid for 5 years without intermediate renewals.
- One of the easiest residence routes due to EU family rights.
7. Family Reunification Residence
- Available after 1 year of legal residence in Spain.
- Applies to spouses, children, and parents (extended relatives possible under special conditions).
8. Arraigo (Rootedness) Residence
For foreigners without other options:
- Social arraigo: 3 years of continuous stay (with municipal registration “empadronamiento”), less than 120 days outside Spain, proof of integration (language course, job offer).
- Labor arraigo: if having worked at least 6 months illegally.
- Family arraigo: for parents/children of Spanish citizens.
- Study arraigo: the newest type.
9. Refugee Residence (Red Card)
- For asylum seekers due to war, conflict, or disasters.
- The Red Card allows 6 months stay, renewable until asylum decision.
10. EU Blue Card
Similar to highly qualified professional visa but allows work across the EU.
- Issued for 1 year in Spain, renewable.
11. Digital Nomad Residence
For remote workers and freelancers relocating to Spain.
- Valid for 3 years, renewable for 2 more.
- Can be applied for from Spain (as a tourist) or from a consulate.
- Includes favorable tax regime under the Beckham Law (flat 24% on income).
General Requirements for Residence permit in Spain
- Valid passport and copies.
- Criminal record certificate (last 5 years).
- ID-format photos.
- Private health insurance.
- Specific application form per residence type.
Renewal Procedure
- Most permits are initially valid for 1 year (non-lucrative, student) and then renewed for 2 years.
- Renewal requires proof that initial conditions are still met (e.g., sufficient funds for non-lucrative residence).
From Temporary to Permanent Residence
- After 5 years of continuous residence, foreigners can apply for permanent residency.
- Permanent cards are valid for 5 years and renewable indefinitely.
- Two types: EU permanent card and general permanent card.
- Permanent residence paves the way for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of residence (2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Philippines, Portugal, and Sephardic Jews).
Assistance with Spanish Residency
Our company provides a turnkey service for Spanish residence permit — from choosing the right route (digital nomad visa, investment, studies, family reunification, etc.) to receiving the plastic resident card. We support clients at every stage: consultation, document collection and translation, online or consulate submission, assistance in Spain (registration, health insurance). We work remotely and take care of the bureaucracy, ensuring transparency, legal security, and results.
