Citizenship
Spanish citizenship requires 10 years legal residence for most applicants (1 year for spouses of Spanish citizens, 2 years for Latin American, Andorran, Filipino, Equatorial Guinean, Portuguese, or Sephardic Jewish applicants). Must demonstrate integration (language test - DELE A2 or higher, civics test CCSE). Cannot have serious criminal record. Must renounce previous citizenship unless from Latin America, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal. Citizenship grants full EU rights. Dual citizenship permitted for select countries.
Key Requirements:
- •10 years legal residence (1 year for spouses, 2 years for select nationalities)
- •DELE A2 Spanish language certificate
- •CCSE civics and culture test
- +3 more requirements
Digital Nomad Visa
Remote work visa launched in 2023 for non-EU citizens working for foreign companies or clients. Requires €3,024/month minimum income (200% of Spanish minimum wage), bachelor's degree or 3+ years professional experience. Initial permit valid 12 months, renewable up to 5 years total. Can be combined with Beckham Law for 24% flat tax rate. Allows up to 20% income from Spanish sources. Provides pathway to permanent residence and citizenship. Family members can be included (add 75% for first dependent, 25% for each additional).
Key Requirements:
- •Non-EU/EEA citizenship
- •€3,024/month minimum income (€36,288/year)
- •Bachelor's degree or 3+ years professional experience in current field
- +5 more requirements
Entrepreneur Visa
Visa for entrepreneurs starting innovative businesses in Spain. Requires business plan demonstrating economic value or innovation, validated by Spanish authorities. Must show sufficient funds to support yourself and cover startup costs. Can be combined with Beckham Law if performing innovative entrepreneurial activities. ENISA (National Innovation Company) provides support for approved projects. Initial 2-year residence permit. Does not require minimum investment amount but must demonstrate economic interest and innovation potential.
Key Requirements:
- •Innovative business plan with economic value
- •Favorable report from Spanish authorities (ENISA or similar)
- •Sufficient funds for personal support and business
- +4 more requirements
EU Blue Card
Work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals. Requires university degree (3+ years) and job offer with salary at least 1.5x average Spanish salary (approximately €36,000-45,000/year depending on sector). Valid throughout EU after 18 months in Spain. Fast-track processing. Family members can work immediately. More flexible than standard work visa for mobility within EU. 2-year initial permit, renewable. Eligible for Beckham Law tax benefits. Faster path to EU long-term residence.
Key Requirements:
- •Higher education degree (minimum 3 years)
- •Job offer with salary 1.5x Spanish average
- •Valid employment contract (minimum 1 year)
- +3 more requirements
Family Reunification
Allows Spanish residents to bring family members to Spain. Sponsor must have lived in Spain for at least 12 months and obtained first renewal of residence card. Income requirement: 150% of IPREM (€10,800/year) for one family member, plus 50% of IPREM (€300) for each additional member. Eligible family includes spouse/partner, children under 18, adult children under 25 if studying, and dependent parents. Family members receive residence and work permits. Can apply from origin country or within Spain (new 2026 rule).
Key Requirements:
- •Sponsor has resided in Spain 12+ months
- •First residence renewal obtained
- •Minimum income: 150% IPREM + 50% per additional member
- +3 more requirements
Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Special visa for highly qualified professionals in training, research, development, or innovation. Requires university degree and specialized professional qualification. Faster processing and more flexible terms than standard work visa. Eligible for Beckham Law tax benefits (24% flat rate). At least 40% of income must come from qualifying high-skill activities. Particularly relevant for tech workers, researchers, and innovation sector professionals. Initial 2-year permit, renewable. Family members included in initial application possible.
Key Requirements:
- •University degree or equivalent qualification
- •Specialized professional qualification
- •Job offer in training, research, development, or innovation
- +3 more requirements
Non-Lucrative Visa
Residence visa for those with passive income who do not intend to work in Spain. Ideal for retirees, people with investment income, or those living off savings. Requires €27,115/year for individual (€6,778 additional per family member). Cannot work on this visa - must show passive income from pensions, investments, savings, or rental income. Initial permit 1 year, renewable for 2-year periods. After 5 years, eligible for permanent residence. No age requirement. Popular retirement destination with excellent healthcare.
Key Requirements:
- •Minimum €27,115/year passive income (individual)
- •Additional €6,778/year per family member
- •Cannot work in Spain (no local employment)
- +5 more requirements
Student Visa
2026 major improvement: Student visas now valid for entire duration of studies (no annual renewals required). For full-time study at recognized Spanish educational institution. Allows part-time work up to 30 hours/week during studies. Family members can apply jointly from origin country or within Spain. Children of student visa holders automatically receive residence authorization. After studies, can switch to job-search visa (6 months) or work permit. Student years count as 50% toward permanent residence (2 years studying = 1 qualifying year).
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance letter from recognized Spanish institution
- •Proof of sufficient funds (€600-900/month depending on city)
- •Health insurance
- +3 more requirements
Work Visa (General)
Standard employment visa requiring job offer from Spanish company. Employer must demonstrate that no suitable EU candidate available for position unless job is on shortage occupation list. Valid for duration of employment contract (typically 1 year initially). Renewable based on continued employment. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years. Can be combined with Beckham Law for favorable 24% flat tax rate if eligible. Processing times vary by province. Family reunification possible after 1 year of residence.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid job offer from Spanish employer
- •Employment contract meeting Spanish labor standards
- •Labor market test (unless shortage occupation)
- +5 more requirements