Spanish Visa & Residency Guides

Detailed guides with eligibility requirements, document checklists, step-by-step processes, costs, and practical tips for every Spanish visa type.

Digital Nomad Visa

Visado para Nómadas Digitales

Work remotely from Spain for a non-Spanish company or as a freelancer with international clients.

9 required docs9 stepsApproximately 20 business days from a Spanish consulate

Non-Lucrative Visa

Visado No Lucrativo

Live in Spain without working — ideal for retirees, early retirees, and people with passive income or savings.

7 required docs8 stepsUp to 90 days from application, though most consulates process within 30–60 days

Student Visa

Visado de Estudios

Study at a Spanish institution — university, language school, or vocational program for more than 90 days.

9 required docs8 stepsTypically 30–60 days from application

Work Visa / Highly Qualified Professional

Visado de Trabajo / Profesional Altamente Cualificado

Work for a Spanish company with a job offer — standard work authorization or the fast-track highly qualified route.

8 required docs8 stepsStandard route: 2–4 months total (up to 3 months for work authorization + 1 month for visa)

Golden Visa (Ended April 2025)

Golden Visa (Finalizada Abril 2025)

Spain's Golden Visa program ended for new applications on April 3, 2025. Existing holders can renew. Consider the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Entrepreneur Visa as alternatives.

8 required docs7 stepsFor renewals: approximately 20 business days through the UGE-CE

Family Reunification Visa

Reagrupación Familiar

Join a family member who is legally residing in Spain — for spouses, children, and dependent parents.

10 required docs8 stepsAuthorization phase: up to 45 days

Entrepreneur Visa

Visa de Emprendedor

Start an innovative business in Spain — for entrepreneurs with a viable, innovative business plan.

9 required docs8 stepsENISA report: approximately 20 business days

EU Citizen Registration

Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE

Register as an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen to live and work in Spain — a simple registration process, not a visa.

5 required docs6 stepsSame day — the certificate is typically issued on the spot at your appointment

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