Residence Visa in Spain: Your Complete Guide to Relocating and Living Legally
Residence Visa Spain: How to Move and Live Legally
Spain, with its rich culture, vibrant lifestyle, and beautiful landscapes, attracts individuals from around the world seeking to make it their home. If you’re considering moving to Spain, understanding the residency visa process is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps and information you need to know to obtain a residence visa Spain.
how to get a residence visa in spain: Temporary vs. Permanent Options
Residency in Spain can be categorized into two types:
- Temporary residency in Spain or short-stay visas, allowing you to stay from 90 to 180 days in the country, but without the legal capacity to work. This type of visa, known as the Schengen or Tourist visa, is how to get temporary residency in Spain.
- Permanent residency or long-term residency. if you are considering residence in Spain for longer than 6 months and planning to work in the country, you must apply for a regular residence permit.
Permanent residency cannot be applied for directly. Instead, you must first apply for a temporary residence permit Spain before being eligible to switch to permanent residency.
Who Needs a Residence Permit in Spain?: criteria for residency in spain
- European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland citizens.
You simply need to obtain your Identification Number in Spain (NIE) and your EU registry certificate. Therefore, EU citizens do not need a visa to live in Spain.
EU citizens need to apply for a European Union registration certificate, that is, a permanent residence permit that does not expire.
To obtain a Spain residence visa, as an EU citizen, you must demonstrate possession of €6,000 in a bank account and have private medical insurance. Alternatively, getting a job in Spain and having a salary can serve as proof of sufficient economic means.
The process is relatively straightforward, and EU citizens can obtain their permit in as little as 24 hours. This permanent residence permit allows them to live and work in the Spanish territory.
- Non-European Union citizens.
To work and live legally in the country, obtaining a Spain residency visa is essential.
Explore the Different Types of Residence Visas Available in Spain
Spain offers various types of residence visas, including work visas, entrepreneur visas, student visas, and retirement visas. Each type has specific requirements and eligibility criteria. This section will delve into the different visa categories, helping you determine which one aligns with your purpose of stay.
Non-lucrative residency visa in spain
The retirement visa, also known as the non-lucrative visa, is designed for non-European Union (EU) citizens who wish to retire in Spain without the intention of working or conducting business activities.
Spain residence visa for retirees is initially granted for a period of one year and can then be renewed for an additional two years and subsequently for another two years.
After this initial five-year period, you will become eligible to apply for permanent residency in Spain.
Once you have resided in Spain for ten years, you will be entitled to apply for Spanish citizenship, although this is not a requirement.
What Are the Main Requirements for the Spain residence visa for retirees?
- Financial means. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents without the need to work in Spain. The required financial threshold is determined by the IPREM, which is established annually by the government and serves as a reference for granting welfare or subsidies.
- Health insurance. You are required to have a private health insurance policy that covers both yourself and any family members. This ensures you have access to medical care during your stay. The policy must be provided by a Spanish insurance provider and offer comprehensive coverage with no co-payments.
- Medical certificate.
- No criminal record.
Student visa in spain
The student visa is the residence authorization that allows non-EU citizens to stay in Spain while they pursue studies in public or private educational centers, conduct research in the country, or undertake some form of training.
More precisely, those planning to enroll in a professional training course, master’s, postgraduate course, Ph.D., or bachelor’s degree in Spain will find that this permit is the right path for them.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores) issues student visas in Spain. Before you can apply for a study visa, you must find a program with a recognized institution in Spain. Then, you need confirmation that you’ve been accepted in the form of a certificate or letter of acceptance. Once you have this, you can contact your Spanish embassy or consulate and apply for a student visa.
What Are the Main Requirements for the Student Visa in Spain?
- Financial means. A bank account statement showing access to funds surpassing Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). This amounts to €100 per day (PDF in Spanish) in 2023 and must be a minimum of €900.
- Health insurance. Proof of health insurance by an insurer authorized for Spain.
- Medical certificate.
- No criminal record.
Job Seeker Visa in spain
The Job Seeking visa, or Employment seeking residence permit, is an authorization based in Spain that would allow you to access a job suitable to your field and level of studies or, if you deem it possible, to create a start-up once you have finished your official high-level studies.
This is a non-lucrative residence permit which means that you will not be able to work with it. Once you have found a job, it would be the company itself who process the visa change from Job Seeking Visa to Work Permit Visa.
The maximum durationof the permit is up to 24 months, starting from the expiry of the previous student permit, with no possibility of extension, this means you have up to two years to find a job or start your company.
Digital Nomad & remote worker Visa in spain
Spain’s introduction of the digital nomad visa in January 2023 under the Startup Act is a significant move to attract startups, talent, and innovation while promoting entrepreneurship and foreign investment. This visa, officially known as the Non-Lucrative Visa for Remote Workers, enables foreigners who wish to work remotely from Spain to initiate their applications, offering eligible individuals the opportunity to work and reside in Spain without the need for traditional employment in the country. This visa is an excellent option for those who work remotely, run their businesses online, or freelance in various industries. It allows digital nomads to embrace the Spanish way of life while continuing their professional endeavors.
Facilitated Business Establishment. The process for starting a business, particularly startups, has been streamlined and can be completed online.
Fast Application Process. The visa application process is relatively quick, typically taking between 20-50 days.
Residency Duration. Holders of the digital nomad visa can reside in Spain for up to five years.
Working for Spanish Companies. While you are primarily engaged in remote work, you can dedicate up to 20% of your total income to working for a Spanish company, allowing you to take on additional employment opportunities if desired.
Entrepreneur Visa in spain
If your project in Spain is economically significant, innovative, and involves advanced technology, you can easily obtain a 3-year visa. However, if you plan to establish a regular company, opting for a work permit as a self-employed individual might be a better alternative. The entrepreneur visa specifically requires that your business idea is entirely new and does not already exist in the market.
Golden Visa in spain
Achieving residency in Spain is remarkably straightforward through the investor permit. A mere investment of 500,000€ in Spanish real estate paves the way for your residency. The process is expedited with a fast-track application processed within just 20 working days. You can apply directly from Spain as a tourist, and the permit extends to include your relatives.
Moreover, maintaining your golden visa is hassle-free, requiring only an annual visit to Spain for renewal. This approach ensures you can steer clear of becoming a tax resident in the country.
Internship Residency Visa in spain
Students who have completed or are currently enrolled in level 6 studies or higher for the past two years can seamlessly transition from a student visa to this permit. This authorization is secured through a traineeship contract or internship agreement, with the internship aligned within the same scope and qualification level as the advanced studies pursued. Upon the conclusion of the contract or agreement, individuals can transition to an employee’s residence permit, which is renewable and can lead to permanent residency.
Research Visa in spain
This permit is specifically tailored for researchers and professionals in the scientific field. It caters to individuals coming to Spain to engage in work at an R&D center or undertake authorized research activities. This category extends to include educators employed by universities or higher education institutions. The permit is valid for three years or for the duration of the research contract. While the application can be initiated either in Spain or your home country, it must be formally initiated by the research institution making the hire. The submission process is entirely online through the electronic system of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration.
Work Permit Visa in spain
Your eligibility for a work residence visa in Spain depends on various factors, including your professional profile, job offer, and specific circumstances. There are different types of work visas, each with its own set of requirements and application procedures:
- Regular Work Permit.
- Applied for from your country of origin.
- Limited to specific job positions listed under the shortage occupation list.
- Your employer in Spain initiates the residence permit request while you are in your home country, as it cannot be applied for directly from Spain.
- Highly Qualified Worker Visa.
- Procedure can start while you are in Spain.
- Granted to individuals with job offers for managerial or technical positions earning over 50,000€ annually.
- Intra-Corporate Transfer Visa.
- Designed for multinational company employees relocating to the Spanish headquarters for work or training.
- EU Blue Card.
- Allows you to work across the entire European Union.
Each visa type has its unique application process, and the suitability depends on your specific employment situation and qualifications.
Family member of an EU Citizen visa in spain
This immigration process facilitates European Union citizens residing in Spain to bring their Non-EU relatives into the country. The family member residence permit is typically obtained through the establishment of a civil partnership (pareja de hecho) with the non-EU national or via marriage. Parents and children of the European Union citizen also have the opportunity to secure residence and work authorization as relatives. The family member visa application can be initiated as a tourist, providing a 5-year residency card that includes the right to work in Spain.
Family Reunification Visa in spain
Through the family unification process, relatives, civil partners, and in-laws of Non-EU citizens residing in Spain can seek family reunification, provided that the foreigner living in Spain has been in the country for at least one year with a valid permit. This residency card enables the applicant to both live and work in Spain.
During the application process, the individual is required to demonstrate suitable housing conditions in Spain, along with sufficient economic means. In the case of family reunification, the Spanish or European citizen must show their ability to support the arriving relatives (i.e., the applicant). This support can be demonstrated through employment with a company, registration as a self-employed worker, enrollment as a student with declared financial support, or possessing at least 150% of IPREM.
Arraigo Visa in spain
For individuals who cannot find a suitable path with the aforementioned options, there are alternatives, especially for those who have overstayed their allowed 90 days on a Tourist Visa and wish to legalize their situation after residing in Spain for a minimum period. Currently, there are four distinct types of arraigos, each with specific requirements.
Social Arraigo
If you have been residing in Spain illegally for a consecutive period of 3 years and can either present a valid employment contract or demonstrate sufficient economic means, you are eligible to apply for Social Arraigo. The employment offer should meet Spain’s minimum wage requirements and entail a minimum of 30 hours per week, with no specified minimum contract duration.
Additionally, obtaining a favorable integration report is necessary. This involves an interview with the local town council, showcasing your connection with Spain through an understanding of its culture and language, and providing information about your background. If you have relatives in Spain, obtaining this report may not be necessary. Furthermore, you must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish and, possibly, the language of the autonomous community where you are applying (such as Catalan in Catalonia).
Family Arraigo
If you can establish a direct family link, such as parents to a child, a spouse, children, legal guardians, or even caretakers of a Spanish citizen with a disability, you can apply for residency through family arraigo. This category does not consider the duration of your stay in Spain or your financial means. Residency via family arraigo is granted for a period of 5 years and does not necessitate any specific minimum time spent in the country before applying.
Labor Arraigo
If you find yourself in an irregular situation but have been residing in Spain for two consecutive years, and have been engaged in legal employment working for a company or as a freelancer, you may qualify for labor arraigo.
Working for a company, you must have worked for a minimum of 30 hours a week for six consecutive months or 15 hours a week for one year. For freelancers, the individual should have been economically active for at least six months within the two-year period in Spain.
Educational Arraigo
If you’ve been residing in Spain illegally for a minimum of two years and aspire to undertake specific studies or qualification training for employment, educational arraigo is designed for you. The chosen course must be listed in the National Catalog of Professional Qualifications in the field of labor administration.
It’s important to note that the course must be conducted entirely in-person and not on a part-time basis. You can pursue studies for 12 months (extendable up to a total of 18 months) but are not permitted to work during this educational period. However, upon completion of your studies, you’ll be eligible to transition to a Work Permit Visa.
Asylum Visa in spain
If you’ve relocated to Spain due to a natural disaster or from a conflict-ridden region, you have the option to seek asylum, leading to the potential grant of residency.
During the period awaiting your asylum resolution, you will be provided with a red card. This card permits you to stay in Spain for an initial 6 months, with renewals contingent on the status of your application and until you receive a response from the immigration office.
Key Documents Required for a Successful Residency Application in Spain
Embarking on your residency journey in Spain requires meticulous attention to specific documents, ensuring a seamless process. Whether you’re an EU citizen or from a non-EU country, these fundamental requirements remain consistent:
EU blue card in spain
The EU Blue Card, akin to the Highly Qualified Professional visa in terms of requirements, stands out for one key distinction – it grants you the privilege to work in any European Union country.
While its validity is contingent on the specific country of employment, in Spain, for instance, it extends for a period of 1 year.
During the period awaiting your asylum resolution, you will be provided with a red card. This card permits you to stay in Spain for an initial 6 months, with renewals contingent on the status of your application and until you receive a response from the immigration office.
- NIE number. Your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is indispensable, serving as the foundational identification number for various legal procedures in Spain. From property transactions to visa applications, both EU and non-EU citizens require the NIE.
- Empadronamiento. Upon securing accommodation in Spain, obtaining empadronamiento (registration at a specific address) is crucial. This document verifies your residence status at a designated location.
- Financial Sufficiency. Demonstrate adequate financial resources to sustain yourself, with the required amount varying based on the residency card you're applying for. Proof can be in the form of a job contract, bank funds, or self-employment details.
- Clear Criminal Record. Provide a record of clear criminal history for the past five years, spanning all countries of residence during this period.
- Comprehensive Health Insurance. Maintain health insurance with full coverage across the entire country, whether through public or private providers.
For your specific residence permit, additional requisites include:
- Visa application form
- Payment of the corresponding administrative fee (varying by permit)
- Copy of all passport pages
Navigating these essentials ensures a successful residency application process tailored to your individual circumstances.
How to Renew Your Spanish Residency Permit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Securing your initial residence permit is just the beginning, especially if your aim is a long-term stay in Spain, given that many permits are initially valid for a year. The renewal process is a crucial step for prolonged residency, typically involving a similar set of requirements to those of your initial application.
Key Renewal Steps:
Understanding Renewal Periods.
- Initially, most residency cards are issued for a one-year duration.
- Upon expiration, the renewal process becomes imperative for extended residency.
Meeting Original Requirements.
- Successful renewal often entails demonstrating the continued fulfillment of original application requirements.
- For instance, renewing a non-lucrative visa may necessitate proving sustained financial capacity for the subsequent two years.
Documenting Sustained Eligibility.
- Essential documentation proving continued eligibility and compliance with initial criteria is fundamental.
- Ensure you have maintained the conditions that warranted your initial residency approval.
Specific Requirements for Each Permit.
- Be aware that specific residency permits may have unique renewal prerequisites.
- Understanding and addressing these specific requirements is integral to a smooth renewal process.
Proactive Renewal Initiatives.
- Initiate the renewal process well in advance of the expiration date to avoid lapses in residency status.
- Proactivity ensures ample time to address any potential issues that may arise during renewal.
How to Transition from Temporary to Permanent Residency in Spain
Embarking on your Spanish residency journey often begins with the excitement of obtaining your first residency card. However, the cyclical process of renewals, typically every one or two years, can become cumbersome. The prospect of long-term stability in Spain, free from frequent renewals, becomes an attractive goal.
Here’s a guide to the transition from temporary to permanent residency:
- Enduring the Renewal Process.
Temporary residency entails periodic renewals, involving paperwork and adherence to specific criteria.
Although manageable, the process can be repetitive, prompting many to aim for a more stable status.
- Attaining Permanent Residency.
After five consecutive years of legal residence in Spain, individuals become eligible for permanent residency.
The permanent residency card boasts a five-year validity, with the option for indefinite renewals.
- EU Permanent Card vs. General Permanent Residency.
Two types of permanent residency cards exist: the EU permanent card and the general permanent card.
Both offer long-term stability, and the choice may depend on individual circumstances.
- A Gateway to Citizenship.
Permanent residency is a crucial stepping stone toward Spanish citizenship.
Citizenship eligibility through residency is attainable after 10 years of continuous residence in the country.
Final Thoughts on Obtaining a Residence Visa in Spain
Embarking on the journey to secure a residence visa in Spain opens up a world of possibilities and opportunities. Whether you’re pursuing studies, seeking employment, or planning to make Spain your long-term home, understanding the intricacies of the visa process is crucial. From temporary stays to permanent residency, each visa type comes with its own set of requirements and benefits.
As you navigate the bureaucratic landscape, remember to prioritize essential documents such as the NIE number, maintain a clear criminal record, and ensure comprehensive health insurance coverage. The renewal process is a vital aspect of long-term residency, requiring careful attention to detail and a commitment to meeting ongoing criteria.
Ultimately, Spain’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant lifestyle await those who successfully navigate the path to residency. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of Barcelona, the historical charm of Madrid, or the serene beaches of the Costa del Sol, securing your residence visa in Spain is the key to unlocking the doors to this captivating country.
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