Spain is a sought-after destination for many non-EU citizens looking to relocate. Its warm weather, rich culture and vast number of desirable properties mean that it offers a good quality of life for those who choose to call Spain home.
Whether you plan to work in Spain or retire to one of the many scenic spots across the country, you’ll have to think about the legalities of your residency.
There are several visa options available, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. This guide will explore the different types of residency permits and the process for obtaining one as a non-EU citizen.
Let’s take a closer look at how non-EU residents can achieve residency in Spain.
What Is A Spanish Residency Visa?
A Spanish residency visa is a permit that allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain for an extended period.
Any stay longer than 90 days will usually require a visa, though the type of visa needed may depend on the applicant’s intentions in the country.
Each type of residency visa has different requirements, including financial stability, health insurance, and, in some cases, employment or investment in Spain.
Residency visas can lead to getting a TIE card, long-term residency, and even Spanish citizenship after fulfilling certain conditions.
Types Of Visa In Spain For Non EU Citizens
Let’s take a closer look at some of the more popular non-EU visas available in Spain.
Retirement Visa
For retirees looking to settle in Spain, the retirement visa (often linked to the non-lucrative visa) allows you to stay in Spain without engaging in any economic activity.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Prove they have sufficient financial resources to live in Spain (typically 400% of the Spanish IPREM per year).
- Provide proof of private health insurance.
- Show a clean criminal record.
Non-Lucrative Resident Visa
The non-lucrative visa is similar to a retirement visa and is for individuals who wish to live in Spain without working. This visa is commonly used by retirees but can also be suitable for remote workers with independent financial means.
Applicants will need to:
- Demonstrate financial stability.
- Hold comprehensive private health insurance.
- Renew the visa annually for the first five years before applying for permanent residency.
Work Visa
For non-EU citizens looking to work in Spain, securing a work visa is essential.
The process usually requires:
- A job offer from a Spanish company.
- Employer sponsorship.
- Meeting sector-specific qualifications.
Once granted, a work visa allows residency and employment in Spain, with the possibility of renewal leading to permanent residency.
Highly Qualified Professional Visa
This visa is designed for skilled professionals in high-demand sectors. These typically include senior positions in technology and medicine.
Often non-EU citizens who qualify for this visa hold advanced degrees or significant work experience and are likely earning a salary that far exceeds the national average.
The families of those who obtain highly qualified professional visas are also eligible for visas.
Family Reunification Visa
Non-EU citizens who have a family member legally residing in Spain may apply for a family reunification visa.
This visa allows spouses, children, and dependent parents to join their relatives in Spain, provided the resident can financially support them.
Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is an incredibly popular option that will come to an end on the 3rd of April 2025.
It allows those with financial investments in Spain to live and work in the country by meeting criteria.
Those seeking a golden visa will need to:
- Invest at least €500,000 in Spanish real estate.
- Make a significant financial investment in Spanish businesses or government bonds.
- Own shares in a Spanish company.
The Golden Visa provides flexibility, allowing holders to live in Spain with minimal stay requirements and offering a path to permanent residency and citizenship.
Student visa
Spain’s student visa offers non-EU citizens the opportunity to live in the country while pursuing full-time studies at an approved educational institution. Also known as Spain's Study Visa (visado de estudios), this visa is available for university degrees, language courses, postgraduate programmes, and other recognised studies lasting more than 90 days. In addition to studying, visa holders are also permitted to work part-time (up to 30 hours per week), which can help support living costs during their stay.
To apply, students must provide proof of admission, sufficient financial means, valid health insurance, and accommodation arrangements. The student visa can be renewed annually and may also serve as a pathway to other types of residency after graduation.
The Benefits Of Permanent Residency In Spain
After five years of continuous legal residence in Spain, non-EU citizens can apply for permanent residency, provided they meet specific financial and legal requirements.
Gaining permanent residency in Spain offers several advantages for non-EU citizens. Though it may be a long process, there are several benefits if you intend for your stay in the country to be a permanent one.
Perhaps the most beneficial is a right to live and work in Spain without visa renewals. Depending on the type of visa you hold, this may be a much easier route and allow you to make long-term plans in the country.
You’ll also have better access to public healthcare and the education system as a permanent resident with a view to achieving citizenship after 10 years of residency.
Spanish residents have the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Zone, something that might be useful for those who wish to explore Europe as a non-EU citizen.
How To Apply For Residency In Spain As A Non-EU Citizen
The application for obtaining Spanish residency will vary for each visa, but most will follow a similar process.
Here is a simplified guide covering what a typical application process may look like for non-EU citizens.
- Determine Eligibility – Explore your options to better understand the most suitable visa category based on your personal and financial situation. Remember to consider the length of a visa and the implications for your immediate family.
- Gather Documentation – Prepare required documents such as proof of funds, health insurance, and background checks. Having this paperwork ready can make the process easier.
- Apply at the Spanish Consulate – Submit your application at the Spanish consulate in your home country.
- Attend an Interview – Some visa types require an interview to assess your intent and financial stability. These are common for longer stays in the country.
- Receive Your Visa – Once approved, travel to Spain and apply for a residence permit (TIE) within 30 days of arrival. This is your proof of legal residency.
- Renew Your Visa – Keep track of your visa expiry. Many visas require renewal before obtaining permanent residency.
Residency In Spain For Non-EU Citizens
Spain offers a variety of residency options for non-EU citizens, catering to retirees, investors, professionals, and families.
Choosing the right visa depends on your long-term goals, financial situation, and employment status. By understanding the available pathways and following the correct application procedures, you can successfully obtain Spanish residency and enjoy all the benefits of living in this beautiful country.
My home in Spain was broken into – what does my home insurance cover?
Summer is prime time for thieves, with burglaries rising 4.5% in June, July and August. If your home is burgled, you may ask: what does home insurance cover? It’s crucial to understand the difference between burglary and theft, two terms often confused but treated differently by insurers. While both involve loss of belongings, the coverage can vary. We’ll clarify these concepts and answer your key questions about home insurance protection.
How to get a TIE card in Spain: step-by-step guide for 2025
If you’re planning to live in Spain for more than 90 days, you will need a TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which is your foreigner identity card. This small plastic card is essential for residents, proving your legal status in Spain and including your NIE number, photo, and fingerprint.
The 7 essential official changes you must make when moving house in Spain
Moving house in Spain can be a stressful and time-consuming process. From packing and transporting your belongings to cleaning and settling in, the practicalities of relocating are often just the start. On top of this, there are important official steps to complete to ensure your documentation and registrations are updated correctly.
Empadronamiento in Spain: what is it and how do I get it?
When you move to Spain, there’s an important checklist of steps to become a fully legal resident. One essential task is obtaining your empadronamiento, often simply called the padrón.
Spain's tourist tax: Barcelona hike & new city levies for 2025
Tourist taxes, often referred to as sustainable tourism levies or city taxes in Spain, are an increasingly common measure for destinations managing high visitor numbers. This small, per-night fee is typically added to accommodation costs and is designed to help mitigate the impacts of tourism on local areas. Revenue generated from these charges is reinvested into the community, funding the maintenance of public services and infrastructure, as well as projects that protect cultural heritage and t
Spain approves new parental leave scheme: 17 weeks paid and more support for families
As of 31 July 2025, Spain has officially expanded its parental leave policies, offering more generous support to working families. The changes, approved in the Council of Ministers and announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, include an increase in paid birth leave and new provisions for flexible, partially paid parental care leave.
