Residence Visa Spain (2026)
The Residence Visa Spain is the main long-term residence visa Spain offers for non-EU citizens planning to live in the country for more than 90 days.
It is the entry point to legal residency and the foundation for:
- Temporary residence
- Permanent residency (after 5 years)
- Spanish citizenship (after 10 years*)
This 2026 guide explains who needs this visa, which requirements apply, how to apply step by step, what happens after arrival, and why private health insurance is mandatory for approval.
(*Some nationalities qualify earlier.)
Table of Contents
- What Is the Residence Visa Spain?
- Who Needs This Visa?
- Residence Visa Spain Requirements (2026)
- Required Documents (Checklist)
- How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- After Arrival: TIE, Empadronamiento & Social Security
- Renewals & Permanent Residency
- Health Insurance Requirements (Mandatory)
- External Official Resources
- Related Spain Visa Categories
- FAQs — Residence Visa Spain
- Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance
What Is the Residence Visa Spain?
The Residence Visa (Visado de Residencia) is Spain’s general long-stay visa category for non-EU nationals who plan to remain in Spain for more than 90 days.
It applies to multiple legal situations, including:
- Retirement or non-working relocation
- Remote work and digital nomads
- Long-term study
- Family reunification
- Entrepreneurial or business activity
- Highly qualified employment
- Post-study residence
Once approved, you receive:
- A long-stay visa stamped in your passport
- The right to apply for your TIE residence card after arrival
This visa is regulated by Spain’s immigration framework and overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) and the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security & Migration.
Who Needs a Residence Visa in Spain?
You must apply for a Residence Visa if you:
- Hold a non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss passport
- Plan to stay in Spain longer than 90 days
- Do not already hold Spanish residency
This includes applicants under the following categories:
- Retirement / Non-Lucrative Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Student Visa
- Job Seeker Visa
- Entrepreneur / Startup Visa
- Highly Qualified Professional (HQP)
- Family Reunification
For a full comparison of all residence pathways, see: Spain Visas Guide
Residence Visa Spain Requirements (2026)
While specific details vary by visa type, all residence visas share the same core legal requirements.
- Issued within the last 10 years
- Minimum 12 months validity remaining
- From every country lived in during the last 5 years
- Must be apostilled or legalized, depending on origin
Financial thresholds depend on the visa category:
- Retirement / Non-Lucrative Visa: ~€30,000/year
- Digital Nomad Visa: ~€2,350/month
- Student Visa: ~€700–€750/month
- Family members: additional amounts required
Full breakdown: Spain Visa Requirements
Accepted documents include:
- Long-term rental contract
- Property deed
- Notarized host invitation
- Temporary accommodation (for initial entry)
This is a strict legal requirement imposed by Spanish consulates.
Your policy must include:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full hospitalization & specialist care
- Nationwide coverage
- Insurer authorized to operate in Spain
Failure to meet these conditions is one of the most common causes of visa denial.
Applicants aged 70 or over should be aware that access to visa-compliant private health insurance becomes more limited. Spanish consulates still require full coverage with no copayments and no waiting periods, which only a small number of insurers offer for this age group.
If you are 70–75+, see the dedicated guide here:
If you want a complete explanation of how health insurance and healthcare access work in Spain for non-EU residents — including public vs private healthcare, when private insurance is legally required, and how coverage changes after Social Security registration — see our full guide to Health Insurance in Spain for Expats.
Visa-approved options: Expat Health Insurance Spain
Required for certain long-stay visas, confirming no public-health risk.
Required Documents (2026 Checklist)
Most applicants must submit:
- Passport + copies
- National Visa Application Form
- Relevant EX form (varies by visa)
- Criminal background certificate
- Proof of income or savings
- Proof of accommodation
- Private health insurance certificate
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
- Passport photos
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Sworn translations where required
Each visa category may request additional documents.
How to Apply for the Residence Visa Spain (Step-by-Step)
Start early with background checks and apostilles.
Required before your consular appointment.
Same-day certificates are available through authorized insurers.
Applications are normally submitted in your country of legal residence.
Typical timeline: 15–60 days, depending on the visa and consulate.
The visa allows entry within 90 days.
Must be completed within 30 days of arrival.
After Arrival: TIE, Empadronamiento & Social Security
You’ll need:
- EX-17 form
- Passport + visa
- Empadronamiento certificate
- Photos
- Fee (Modelo 790-012)
Required for:
- Renewals
- Public services
- School enrollment
- Many administrative procedures
Only required if your visa authorizes work.
Full relocation steps: Moving to Spain Checklist
Renewals & Path to Permanent Residency
- Most residence visas start with 1 year
- Year 1 → renew for 2 years
- Year 3 → renew for 2 years
- Eligibility for Permanent Residency
- Eligibility for Spanish citizenship (some nationalities after 2 years)
Renewals require:
- Continued financial means
- Valid private health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of living in Spain (183+ days/year)
Health Insurance Requirements for the Residence Visa (2026)
Private health insurance is mandatory for all residence visas, regardless of category.
Understanding how health insurance works in Spain is essential for all residence visa applicants, as coverage requirements differ significantly from travel or international insurance.
Minimum requirements:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full medical & hospital care
- Emergency coverage
- Nationwide validity
- Spanish-authorized insurer
Product: Expat Health Insurance Spain
Guide: Health Insurance for Expats in Spain
Official Government Sources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) — exteriores.gob.es
- Spanish Immigration Law BOE — boe.es
Related Spain Visa Categories
Your specific pathway depends on your profile:
FAQs — Residence Visa Spain (2026)
How long is the Residence Visa valid?
Usually 1 year initially.
Can I work with this visa?
Only if your specific category allows it.
Is private health insurance mandatory?
Yes — no copays, no waiting periods, full coverage.
Can my family join me?
Yes, through family reunification or joint applications.
How long does approval take?
Typically 15–60 days.
If you still have practical questions about living in Spain after obtaining residency — healthcare access, taxes, documents, daily life or common administrative steps — see our Spain Expat FAQ with clear answers for non-EU residents.
Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance (Same-Day Certificate)
Start your application with health insurance trusted by all Spanish consulates:
- Full coverage
- No copays
- No waiting periods
- Same-day visa certificate
- Real human advisors
Clear guidance. No pressure. Real support.
