Spain Visa Guide

11 visa options for moving to Spain. From tourist visas to permanent residency and citizenship.

Digital Nomad Visas

Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para teletrabajadores de carácter internacional)

Work remotely from Spain for foreign employers

15-45 business daysInitial 1 year (consulate) or up to 3 years (in-country), renewable up to 5 years total

Path to PRPath to CitizenshipRenewable

Temporary Residency

Family Reunification (Visado de Reagrupación Familiar)

Bring family members to join you in Spain

1-3 months totalSame as sponsor's permit

Path to PRPath to CitizenshipRenewable

Retirement Visas

Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa)

Live in Spain on passive income without working

4-8 weeks (officially 2-4 weeks)Initial 1 year, renewals 2 years each

Path to PRPath to CitizenshipRenewable

Work Visas

Work Visa - Employee (Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena)

Standard work permit for employees hired by Spanish companies

Work permit: 30-45 days; Visa: 10-30 daysInitial 1 year, renewal 2 years

Path to PRPath to CitizenshipRenewable

Self-Employment Visa (Autorización por Cuenta Propia)

For freelancers, consultants, and small business owners

Up to 3 monthsInitial 1 year, renewable

Path to PRPath to CitizenshipRenewable

EU Blue Card (Tarjeta Azul UE)

EU-wide mobility for highly qualified professionals

30-60 days3 years initial, 2-year renewals

Path to PRPath to CitizenshipRenewable

Investor Visas

Entrepreneur Visa (Visado para Emprendedor)

For entrepreneurs launching innovative, high-impact businesses

~20 business daysInitial 3 years

Path to PRPath to CitizenshipRenewable

Golden Visa (ENDED April 3, 2025)

PROGRAM TERMINATED - Investment-based residency no longer available

N/A - Program endedN/A - Program ended

Path to PRPath to CitizenshipRenewable

Student Visas

Student Visa (Visado de Estudios)

Full-time studies at accredited Spanish institutions

4-8 weeksDuration of studies, renewable annually

Path to PRPath to CitizenshipRenewable

Permanent Residency

Permanent Residency (Residencia de Larga Duración)

Indefinite residence after 5 years of legal stay

1-3 months5 years, renewable indefinitely

Path to PRPath to CitizenshipRenewable

Citizenship

Spanish Citizenship (Nacionalidad Española)

Full citizenship after 10 years - WARNING: Americans must renounce US citizenship

1-3 years (significant backlog)Permanent - full citizenship

Path to PRPath to Citizenship

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