Thinking of moving to Spain full-time or staying for longer than a few months? While you don’t need a visa to buy a property or go on holiday, anyone wanting to live in Spain long-term will need to apply for the correct visa or residency permit. Whether you’re planning to retire, work remotely or relocate with family, understanding the requirements is key to a stress-free move.
In this guide, we’ll explore the visa and residency options available for both non-EU and EU citizens, including how to apply, what you’ll need and the benefits of becoming a resident.
Visa options for non-EU citizens
If you’re a UK, US or other non-EU national, you can visit Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This covers holidays, viewing trips and short stays – but if you’re hoping to spend longer in your home, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
Buying a property in Spain doesn’t automatically grant residency. However, having somewhere to live is a requirement if you plan to apply for one of the long-term visa options.
Non-lucrative visa (NLV)
This is the go-to option for many retirees. To qualify, you’ll need to show passive income – this can be from pensions, investments or rental income – totalling around €27,000 per year, plus €7,000 for each family member. You’ll also need private health insurance and a clean police record.
The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed every two years. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency. Keep in mind you must physically enter Spain within a month of your visa being issued to claim your residence card.
Digital nomad visa
The digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain while working remotely for companies outside the country.
You’ll need to meet similar income and health insurance requirements as the NLV, but you’ll also benefit from a favourable tax regime – paying a flat 24% on income for the first few years.
The permit is initially valid for three years and can be renewed.
Having a partner who is an EU resident
If your partner or spouse is an EU resident (this includes Irish passport holders), you may be eligible for a residency permit.
This route allows you to live and, in many cases, work in Spain by virtue of your relationship.
To qualify, you will need to provide proof of around €10,000 in a Spanish bank account, private health insurance and a marriage certificate translated into Spanish. You will also need to register at the town hall within 90 days of your arrival to make it legal.
Summary of the main visa types
| Visa type | Who it’s for | Key requirements | Length & renewal |
| Non-lucrative visa (NLV) | Retirees or those with passive income | €27,000 income/year + €7,000 per dependent, no working | 1 year initially, then renewable every 2 |
| Digital nomad visa | Remote workers for non-Spanish companies | Remote income, police checks, private health insurance | 3 years initially, renewable |
Residency options for EU citizens
If you’re an EU citizen – or you hold an Irish passport – it is relatively easy to become a Spanish resident. The process can be split into four simple steps:
- Register at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) for a certificate (empadronamiento or “padrón”) that confirms you live in the area.
- Apply for the EU Certificate of Registration (Certificado de Registro) at the foreigners’ office or local police station.
- Provide supporting documents like your passport, proof of address, proof of income or employment and evidence of health cover.
- Get your NIE (Foreigner’s Identity Number), which is essential for opening a bank account, buying property and more.
Benefits of obtaining residency in Spain
Holding residency status in Spain opens up a number of practical benefits:
- Access to public healthcare: after one year, non-working residents can join Spain’s public health insurance scheme, the Convenio Especial, for a monthly fee.
- Tax-free personal imports: you can move your belongings to Spain without paying import duty or VAT on it – your removal firm can help with customs paperwork.
- Freedom of movement: residency allows you to travel freely within the Schengen zone.
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship: after five years you can apply for permanent residency and after 10 years you can apply for Spanish citizenship.
You can apply for citizenship after 10 years of legal residency
Obtaining permanent residency in Spain
After five consecutive years of legal residency, you can apply for long-term residency (formerly known as permanent residency). This allows you to live and work in Spain indefinitely, with the same rights as Spanish nationals.
Processing time is typically around three months, and once granted, the status never expires – although you will need to periodically renew your physical long-term residence card itself.
To qualify, you must:
- Have no criminal record
- Have lived in Spain legally for five consecutive years
- Be from a non-EU country
- Be residing legally at the time of application
- Those holding an EU Blue Card for five consecutive years may also qualify
If you’re thinking even longer-term, you can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of continuous legal residency.
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