Ways to obtain residency in Spain: Different pathways explained

Ways to obtain residency in Spain: visas and pathways explained

Spain has become one of the most attractive destinations for long-term relocation, especially for citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Australia. Whether the goal is retirement, remote work, entrepreneurship, or employment, obtaining residency in Spain is the first step toward building a successful relocation strategy.

Who gives residency permits in Spain?

Residency applications are typically processed through Spanish consulates abroad and later managed inside Spain by the Oficina de Extranjería under the supervision of the Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones. Below is a complete overview of the main options available for residency in Spain and the profiles best suited for each pathway.

Non-lucrative visa

The non-lucrative visa is one of the most popular residency routes for individuals who want to live in Spain without working locally. This visa is ideal for retirees, financially independent individuals, or people who generate income from investments, pensions, or foreign rental properties. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves without employment in Spain. The minimum income threshold is linked to Spain’s IPREM index and is updated annually, but in practice, applicants should show stable savings or income covering at least one year of living expenses. Private health insurance valid in Spain is also required. This visa initially grants one year of residency and can be renewed for two-year periods, eventually leading to long-term residency after five years. It is particularly suitable for retirees from the UK, Canada, the US, and Australia who wish to enjoy Spain’s lifestyle while maintaining income sources abroad.

Digital nomad visa

The digital nomad visa, introduced under Spain’s startup legislation, allows remote workers and freelancers employed by foreign companies to legally reside in Spain while continuing their international work activities. This visa has quickly become one of the most attractive options for professionals in technology, consulting, marketing, education, and other remote-friendly sectors. Applicants must prove that most of their income comes from non-Spanish clients or employers and demonstrate a minimum monthly income that meets the government’s financial requirements. The application process usually involves submitting documentation through the Spanish consulate or directly from Spain if the applicant is already legally present.

• Ideal for younger professionals seeking international mobility
• Suitable for remote employees working for foreign companies
• A strong option for freelancers serving international clients
• Attractive for entrepreneurs maintaining overseas business operations
• Allows residency in Spain while keeping international employment relationships
• May provide favourable tax treatment under certain conditions
• Considered a competitive residency option compared to other European destinations

Student visa leading to residency

Another practical pathway for residency in Spain is the student visa, which allows individuals to study in Spain while residing legally for the duration of their program. After completing studies, many applicants transition to work permits or residency authorisations through modification procedures handled by the Oficina de Extranjería. This route is especially suitable for younger applicants, postgraduate students, language learners, or professionals seeking specialised training in Spain. It provides an accessible entry point into the country and can eventually lead to employment-based residency if the applicant secures a job offer that meets legal requirements.

Work visa and employment residency

For individuals planning to work for a Spanish company, the traditional employment visa remains a standard route. In this case, the employer must sponsor the application and obtain authorisation before the worker applies at the Spanish consulate in their home country. This visa is best suited for professionals with specialised skills, executive roles, or positions in sectors experiencing labour shortages. While the process can be more complex than other residency options, it offers a direct pathway to long-term employment and eventual permanent residency.

Entrepreneur visa

Spain’s entrepreneur visa targets individuals planning to launch innovative or economically beneficial business projects within the country. Applicants must present a detailed business plan demonstrating innovation, job creation potential, or strategic economic impact. Applications are evaluated by government economic authorities before residency authorisation is granted. This pathway is particularly attractive for startup founders, investors building new ventures, or entrepreneurs expanding international operations into the European market.

Self-employed visa

For individuals planning to work independently in Spain as freelancers, consultants, or small business owners, the self-employed visa (autónomo visa) provides a suitable pathway.

Requirement/suitability	Details
Business plan	Applicants must present a viable and realistic business plan outlining the proposed activity in Spain.
Financial resources	Proof of sufficient financial means is required to start and sustain the professional activity.
Professional licenses	Applicants must obtain any licenses or permits required, depending on the type of professional activity.
Best suited for	Consultants, creative professionals, tradespeople, and small-scale entrepreneurs operating directly within the Spanish market.
Market focus	Designed for professionals intending to serve clients in Spain rather than working exclusively for foreign clients.

Golden visa for investors

Spain’s investor residency program, commonly known as the Golden Visa, allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency by making a qualifying investment in the country. The most common option involves purchasing real estate valued at a minimum threshold established by Spanish law, although other investment categories also exist. This visa grants residency rights for the investor and immediate family members, along with the flexibility to live in Spain full-time or maintain residency status without permanent physical presence requirements. It is particularly attractive for high-net-worth individuals seeking European mobility, property investment opportunities, or long-term relocation planning. While policy discussions occasionally raise the possibility of program changes, the Golden Visa continues to be a major residency pathway for international investors at the time of writing.

Family reunification residency

Individuals who already hold legal residency in Spain may sponsor close family members through the family reunification process. Eligible relatives typically include spouses, registered partners, minor children, and, in some cases, dependent parents.

Choosing the right residency pathway

Selecting the appropriate pathway for residency in Spain depends primarily on the applicant’s financial profile, professional goals, and long-term plans.

Applicant profile	Recommended residency option
Retirees and financially independent individuals	Non-lucrative visa
Remote professionals working for foreign employers	Digital nomad visa
Entrepreneurs and investors	Business-focused residency routes (entrepreneur or investor visas)
Students and younger applicants	Student visa with later transition to employment or professional residency
Skilled professionals hired by Spanish companies	Employment visa
Freelancers serving the Spanish market	Self-employed residency

Each visa has different renewal rules, financial requirements, and permitted activities, so reviewing official guidance from Spanish consulates and immigration authorities is essential to follow the correct procedures.

Application process overview

Most applicants start the process at the Spanish consulate in their country of residence. Typical requirements include a valid passport, proof of financial means, health insurance, background checks, and visa-specific application forms. After arriving in Spain, applicants must complete local registration and obtain a foreigner identity card (TIE) through the immigration office or national police. Residency renewals are then processed in Spain according to the visa’s validity period.

Professional support for your residency process

If you are planning to relocate and want expert guidance through every step of the process, the team at Delaguía y Luzón can help you select the right residency pathway and manage your application with confidence. Professional advice ensures a smoother transition and helps you avoid delays or documentation errors.