A residence permit in Spain is an official immigration status that allows legal stay in the country for more than 90 days. It is granted for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the grounds established by the Law on the Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners. This status provides access to healthcare, education, and banking services, and in some cases, the right to work or run a business. A residence permit is also the first step toward acquiring Spanish citizenship after 10 years of continuous residence.

A more convenient way to move to Spain is to obtain a passport from any of the European Union countries. A number of EU countries grant citizenship in a simplified procedure, without registration of residence permit, passing a language test and providing proof of income. You can get detailed information at a Relocation Compass free legal consultation.

Advantages of Spanish residence permit

A Spanish residence permit offers its holders numerous opportunities and privileges, making life in the country comfortable and promising. Let’s explore the main advantages:

• For certain types of residence permits – the possibility of official employment and commercial activities.
• The right to change tax residency to optimize the burden (payment of contributions in one country only).
• Access to quality European education, including free kindergartens and schools for children.
• Ability to open and maintain accounts in European banks with access to international transfers and credit.
• The right to apply for social support from the authorities, including benefits and assistance with adaptation.
• Prospects for further permanent residence and then citizenship.

What is the step-by-step procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Spain?

The process of obtaining a residence card in Spain involves several key steps that must be completed to legally reside in the country. Let’s explore them in detail.

1. Preparation of documents.
   Depending on the basis for legal move to Spain, the appropriate package of documents is collected.
2. Visa issuance.
   In order to cross the Spanish border to obtain a residence permit, a long-term national visa is requested, which is issued on the same basis as the resident status. It is necessary to pre-register at the nearest consulate or embassy, and visit the state body to submit the documents.
3. Obtaining a visa and immigration to the kingdom.
   The consulate or embassy staff makes a decision on granting a visa within a month from the date of submission of the request, checking with information from Spanish law enforcement agencies. If approved, a visa sticker is affixed to the applicant’s passport and the applicant must cross the border within three months.
4. Applying for a resident card.
   Within a month of moving, it`s necessary to arrive at the Ministry of Internal Affairs office to request a residence permit. The process involves submitting documents, submitting fingerprints and taking photos.
5. Obtaining a foreigner’s identity card.
   The residency application is approved within up to 90 days. The finished temporary resident card is forwarded to the appropriate territorial department, where it must be picked up in person by appointment.

What are the options for obtaining a Residence Permit in Spain?

In Spain, a foreigner is issued an identity card in the form of a plastic card with personal data (including biometrics), a photo, basic information such as the expiration date and place of registration. The residence card is valid for the same period of time as the status itself and is usually renewable.

The residence permit in Spain is categorized according to the basis for its issuance. Two main types can be distinguished:

• with the right to work (e.g., for businessmen or highly skilled professionals);
• without access to the labor market (for example, for financially independent persons).

The basis for obtaining the status of a resident of Spain also depends on the list of rights received, the period of validity of the residence permit and the amount of the state fee. Popular ways of obtaining a residence permit are described below.

• Work.
  Spanish residence permit for 1-2 years is issued to those who conclude an employment contract with a company registered in the country. Employment of foreigners is limited by annual quotas and the requirement of priority employment of local residents. To invite a specialist from abroad, a company must obtain permission from the National Employment Service. Exceptions are scarce and highly qualified professions, such as IT specialists and managerial staff. The employee should have relevant experience and qualifications confirmed by a diploma or other document.
• Education.
  Students of private or public universities, visitors of professional/language courses, school and college students, participants of international cultural exchange programs can reside in Spain. Students must study full-time, a document of enrollment in a course is required to obtain a visa. If the applicant is under 18 years of age, he/she will need parental consent to travel abroad. It is allowed to combine education with work, but with a limit of 30 hours per week. Student residence permit can be issued for a maximum of 2 years with extension.
• Purchase of real estate.
  Spain is one of the few countries in the European Union, which grants residency for a year when buying real estate for an amount equal to or more than half a million euros. This is an immigration card of the resident, which allows you to later become a citizen of the country. The type and location of real estate is not restricted by law, as well as its further exploitation, for example, for independent living or renting. The main requirement for obtaining a residence permit is to buy the property with legal funds, at least half a million euros of which are fully owned by the investor.
• Commercial activity.
  Spanish authorities grant residence permits to those who want to open a business or work as an individual entrepreneur (self-employed). The laws of the country do not limit immigrants in the form of ownership, branch of commercial activity, the amount of authorized capital. The main thing – to make a convincing business plan with confirmation of the prospects of the company and the creation of new jobs in the future, as well as to prove the legality of the invested funds. In order to obtain a residence permit, a businessman should have specialized education or experience in the chosen field.
• Self-sufficiency.
  This special type of residence permit without the right to work is called No lucrativa and is granted to financially independent persons. The document is suitable for those who want to live in Spain but have no other reason to move. The main condition – the presence of a legal permanent source of income, active (e.g., remote work) or passive (as a landlord or owner of securities). The applicant’s income on the account must be four times the IPREM (minimum subsistence level) every month – from 2400 EUR in 2024 and an additional 600 EUR for each family member.
• Contribution to the economy.
  Those who are willing to finance certain sectors of the Spanish economy are entitled to a three-year investor’s residence permit with the possibility of extension. The minimum investment must be one million euros. The residence permit is issued for investments in shares of licensed commercial organizations, individual investment and venture capital funds. There is also an option to open a deposit account in a local bank. It is possible to purchase debt securities, but then the minimum investment threshold is doubled. The invested funds must be obtained legally.
• Family circumstances.
  Close relatives of Spanish citizens or residents can move to Spain. These are usually children under the age of 18 who are unmarried, parents of minor applicants, and, exceptionally, other family members who require care or cannot support themselves. Family reunification (moving by marriage) is available to spouses, including common-law spouses. The husband/wife of a Spanish citizen may obtain a local passport one year after the move. The receiving party must provide the family member with accommodation and financial support at the rate of ½-¾ of the IPREM.
• Settlement.
  Illegal migrants, such as those who came to Spain on an expired visa, can legalize their stay in Spain. Those who have lived in the country for 3 years or more, who have learned the national language, culture and laws, and who have relatives living legally in the country are entitled to apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is issued for one year and can be renewed unlimitedly.
• Scientific activity.
  Accredited specialized institutions in Spain may invite foreign professionals with specialized education to collaborate with them. An immigrant may come to participate in a research project, including the development of innovative programs. The main document for registration of residency – an invitation from a research institute (NII) or similar institution. The residence permit is valid for up to one year, depending on the length of the contract with the research institute.
• Mobility within the company.
  Residency in Spain is available to those who transfer to the local office of an international corporation from abroad. The employee may work full-time, undergo an internship, or be on an extended business trip. The company should conclude an employment contract with the foreigner, having previously obtained the approval of the migration service. This type of residence permit is granted for a maximum of 12 months.
• Special activities.
  Spain grants residence permits to professors, sports, cultural and artistic figures, foreign volunteers, members of business coalitions, religious representatives, and digital nomads. In each case, it is necessary to confirm the employment with documentary evidence, such as a letter of invitation from a church recognized in Spain or an agreement to perform in the troupe of the national theater. The residence permit is valid for one year with the right to renew.
• Humanitarian circumstances.
  Those who cannot reside in their home country because of a threat to their life or health can ask for protection in Spain. Residency is usually granted if a person is persecuted in their country of citizenship because of their religious or political beliefs, race or minority. Protection is also available to those who have been victims of human trafficking, have been sentenced to death in their home country or are assisting in a police investigation. With refugee status, it is possible to obtain a passport five years after moving to Spain.

The right to reside in Spain for an unlimited period of time is available to passport holders from any of the European Union countries. Under accelerated procedures, it is possible to obtain a second EU citizenship within 4 to 14 months, depending on the country, with the support of Relocation Compass migration specialists. You can analyze the chances of quick and easy immigration to Europe at a free consultation.

Specifics of Obtaining a Residence Permit in Spain

To obtain residency in Spain, it is necessary to understand the conditions for granting the status according to different grounds, collect the required documents and properly execute the file, make an appointment at the diplomatic mission. In advance, it is necessary to take care of obtaining health insurance, as well as search and rent real estate.

Applicant Requirements and Conditions for Obtaining a Spanish Residence Permit

Approval for a residence permit in Spain occurs when the following requirements are met:

• no criminal record;
• submission of a complete set of documents;
• availability of a stable source of income not lower than 600 euros;
• not being on the list of undesirable persons to enter the country;
• consent to be fingerprinted and photographed;
• health insurance;
• payment of an administrative fee;
• absence of diseases dangerous for residents according to the provisions of international health regulations.

Residency is granted if it does not go against national interests and does not pose a threat to the security of the state.

List of Documents Required for a Spanish Residence Permit

The list of documents depends on the basis on which the Spanish residence permit is requested. First, it is required to prepare documents for a visa. Certificates and statements issued abroad must be translated into the state language and notarized, if necessary – also apostille is required. The general list of documents is as follows:

• a completed application form according to the reason for relocation;
• international identity document (usually a passport);
• a criminal record certificate issued in the state/s where the applicant has resided for the last five years prior to the date of application;
• medical insurance with a coverage of thirty thousand euros;
• proof of successful completion of a medical examination and absence of dangerous diseases;
• receipt of the administrative fee;
• proof of the basis for immigration, such as an employment contract or business plan;
• civil status certificate (if applicable).

Terms and cost in 2025

The processing time of a request for Spanish residency is always standard. Migration services work quickly, so it usually takes up to a month to issue a visa, to approve a residence permit and produce a residence card – from 90 days. The cost of obtaining a residence permit may include not only the payment of state fees, but also associated costs, such as tuition fees at a university or the assistance of migration lawyers.

Tax residency

When a foreigner resides in Spain for 183 days or more per calendar year, he or she becomes a tax resident. This requires the payment of taxes on income earned in any country in the world. Tax residency is also provided if the foreigner does not reside in Spain, but his/her main activity or economic interests are in Spain.

Medical insurance

Before submitting a request for a residence permit in Spain, it is necessary to obtain a medical policy that is valid in the territory of the European Union and the Schengen zone. The document must cover the cost of 30 thousand euros, including standard and emergency medical care. The insurance shall be issued for the entire period of validity of the residence permit. The policy must have a printed form for submission to the diplomatic mission.

Language proficiency

For a comfortable move to Spain, it is worth enrolling in language courses in advance or learning the basics on your own. Knowledge of Spanish will be needed later for naturalization and citizenship. The recommended level for everyday communication is B1.

Appointment at a consulate

Spanish diplomatic missions usually receive visitors only on certain days and after pre-registration. You can find the contact details for the consulate or embassy on the official website of the desired office. Registration is usually done by phone. It is recommended to apply for a visa at the nearest consulate/embassy.

Refusal of issuance a Spanish Residence Permit

The status of a resident of Spain is not issued to those who submit an incomplete dossier, provide forged documents, incomplete or false information about themselves. The request is rejected by decision of the state security service and law enforcement agencies, if the applicant is recognized as a persona non grata.

Those who have a criminal record, have previously violated the visa rules of the Schengen zone countries or have been banned from entering the countries of the association are also rejected. The decision can be challenged in court, but appeals are rarely won by foreigners.

You can eliminate the risk of being rejected when immigrating to Spain with the support of Relocation Compass specialized professionals. Migration lawyers select the best option for registration of status in the European Union and accompany you at every stage.

Extension of a Spanish residence permit

The residence permit can be renewed if there is still a reason to stay in Spain. The request for renewal of the residence permit must be made two months before its revocation. The application is submitted in person to the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of registration together with the documents. After 5 years after the issuance of the primary residence card, you can request a permanent residence permit. The permanent residence permit is issued by analogy with the residence permit.

Spanish citizenship in the general order of naturalization is issued 10 years after moving. For this purpose, one must be law-abiding and have no criminal background, renounce the existing passport, demonstrate integration into society, including successful completion of the integration exam – DELE.

Equal rights with the citizens of Spain also have those who have a passport of any other country of the European Union. It`s possible to find out more about acquiring a second EU citizenship in a short period of time and at minimal cost, by contacting Relocation Compass immigration specialists.