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Spain Expat FAQ (2026): Clear Answers on Visas, Health Insurance & Living in Spain

Visas · Residency · Health Insurance · Housing · Work · Taxes · Daily Life

Moving to Spain as a non-EU citizen raises many practical questions — visas, residency, health insurance, taxes, housing, timelines and how daily life really works once you arrive.

This Spain Expat FAQ (2026) provides clear, accurate and up-to-date answers based on official Spanish immigration and healthcare requirements, designed for expats, digital nomads, retirees, students, families and professionals relocating to Spain.

  • Clear and practical answers
  • Short, actionable explanations
  • Linked to deeper guides when needed
  • Updated for 2026
Table of Contents

1. Spain Visa & Residency FAQ

Do I need a visa to live in Spain?

Yes. All non-EU citizens need a visa to live in Spain for more than 90 days.

Which Spanish visa is right for me?

It depends on your situation:

Full overview:

/spain-visas/

Does Spain still offer the Golden Visa?

No. The Golden Visa was officially discontinued.
Common alternatives include the Digital Nomad, Entrepreneur, HQP, and Non-Lucrative visas.

How long does a Spanish visa take?

Typical processing times:

  • Digital Nomad Visa: 20–30 days
  • HQP Visa: ~20 working days
  • Student Visa: 10–20 days
  • Non-Lucrative Visa: 30–60 days
  • Residence Visa: 30–90 days

Do visa years count toward permanent residency?

Yes — except Student Visa years, which do not count.

Spain’s visa and residency rules are regulated under national immigration law and published in the Official State Gazette (BOE).

boe.es

When can I apply for permanent residency?

After 5 years of legal and continuous residence.

Can I apply for Spanish citizenship?

Normally after 10 years, with reduced timelines for some nationalities.

2. Health Insurance FAQ (Mandatory for All Visas)

Is health insurance required for Spain visas?

Yes. Private health insurance is mandatory for almost all non-EU visa applications.

Consulates require policies with:

  • No copayments
  • No waiting periods
  • Full hospital & specialist care
  • Nationwide coverage
  • Issued by an insurer authorised in Spain

This requirement is established by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) and applies to all non-EU long-stay visa applications.

exteriores.gob.es

For a full overview of how health insurance and healthcare access work in Spain for expats — beyond visa requirements — see our Health Insurance in Spain for Expats guide.

Health Insurance in Spain for Expats

Visa-compliant plans:

/expat-health-insurance-spain/

Why doesn’t travel insurance work for visas?

Because travel insurance only covers emergencies and does not meet Spain’s legal healthcare equivalence requirements.

Can seniors aged 70–75+ get visa-approved insurance?

Yes. Availability is limited, but specialised plans exist.

Do I still need private insurance if I’ll join Social Security later?

Yes. At the moment of visa application, private health insurance is always required.

3. Moving to Spain FAQ

What documents should I prepare before moving?

Commonly required documents include:

  • Valid passport
  • Birth and marriage certificates (apostilled/translated)
  • Criminal background check
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Visa-compliant health insurance

Full checklist:

/moving-to-spain-checklist/

Can I move to Spain without a job?

Yes. Options include:

  • Non-Lucrative Visa
  • Digital Nomad Visa (foreign income)

Do I need a NIE?

Yes. Your NIE is your personal identification number in Spain and appears on your residence card (TIE).

4. Financial & Banking FAQ

How much money do I need to move to Spain?

It depends on the visa:

  • Digital Nomad Visa: ~€2,350/month
  • Non-Lucrative Visa: ~€30,000/year
  • Student Visa: ~€700–750/month

Can I open a bank account before arriving?

Yes. Many banks offer non-resident accounts.

Will I become a Spanish tax resident?

Yes, if you spend 183+ days per year in Spain.

5. Tax & Legal FAQ

Are foreign pensions taxed in Spain?

Usually yes, depending on the tax treaty with your home country.

Can digital nomads benefit from the Beckham Law?

Often yes, depending on eligibility and structure.

Do I need a lawyer for my visa?

Not mandatory, but helpful for complex or family cases.

6. Family, Children & Pets FAQ

Can my family join me in Spain?

It depends on the visa:

  • Digital Nomad, HQP, Entrepreneur → immediate
  • Non-Lucrative, Student → allowed
  • Job Seeker → limited

Can my children attend public school?

Yes. All legally resident children can access public education.

Can I bring my pets?

Yes, with microchip, rabies vaccination and official health certificate.

7. Housing, Driving & Practical Life FAQ

Is housing difficult to find?

It can be competitive in major cities. Common platforms:

  • Idealista
  • Fotocasa
  • Pisos.com

Do I need a Spanish driving licence?

Depends on your nationality. Some licences can be exchanged; others require exams.

How do utilities work?

You may need to set up electricity, water, gas and internet after renting.

8. Study, Work & Business FAQ

Can I work with a Student Visa?

Yes, up to 30 hours/week with authorisation.

Can I switch from Student Visa to work permit?

Yes, after completing studies.

Which visa is best for executives or engineers?

The HQP Visa.

Can I start a business in Spain as an expat?

Yes, through the Entrepreneur Visa.

9. UEI Expat Insurance FAQ

Are UEI policies accepted by Spanish consulates?

Yes. UEI works only with authorised Spanish insurers.

How fast can I get a health insurance certificate?

Often same day.

Can I switch my existing insurance to UEI?

Yes. We review and manage the transition.

10. Official Government Resources

12. Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance

All Spanish visas require compliant private health insurance.

  • No copays
  • No waiting periods
  • Full hospital coverage
  • Same-day certificate
  • Bilingual support
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