Spain Visas Guide 2026
Spain offers several long-stay visas depending on whether you work remotely, retire, study, launch a business, or relocate with family. This Spain visas guide for expats explains all Spain visas for non-EU citizens, covering long-term residence, work, study, retirement and family relocation options available in 2026. Is the central hub to help you choose the right visa, understand the core requirements, and access the full step-by-step pages for each permit.
If you’re looking for quick answers to common questions about visas, residency timelines, health insurance, taxes, and daily life in Spain, see our Spain Expat FAQ, which complements this guide with clear, practical explanations.
Health insurance is mandatory for most non-EU long-stay visas. If you need visa-ready private coverage (no copays, no waiting periods), start here: Expat Health Insurance Spain.
Table of Contents
- 1. Spain Visa Options at a Glance (2026)
- 2. Which Spain Visa Do You Need? (Quick Decision Guide)
- 3. General Spain Visa Requirements (Most Applicants)
- 4. Health Insurance Rules for Spain Visas (Non-EU Applicants)
- 5. Spain Visa Types (Deep Dive + Direct Links)
- 6. After Your Visa Is Approved (Arrival Checklist)
- 7. FAQs — Spain Visas Guide
- 8. Official Goverment Sources
- 9. Related Spain Visa Guides & Resources
- 10. Get Visa-Compliant Health Insurance
1. Spain Visa Options at a Glance (2026)
Visa Type | Best For | Work Allowed? | Snapshot | Full Guide |
Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers & freelancers | Yes (remote) | Foreign income + eligibility + compliant insurance | |
Non-Lucrative / Retirement Visa (NLV) | Retirees & passive income | No | Financial means + compliant insurance | |
Residence Visa | Long-term relocation | Depends | Broad category (case-dependent) + insurance | |
Student Visa | University & long courses | Up to limits | Enrollment + funds + insurance | |
Job Seeker Visa | Graduates in Spain | No | Spanish studies + funds + insurance | |
Entrepreneur / Startup Visa | Founders & innovators | Yes | Project evaluation + plan | |
HQP Visa (Highly Qualified Professional) | Executives & specialists | Yes | Skilled job + requirements | |
Golden Visa | Investors | — | Phased out (see note below) | |
Senior insurance (70–75+) | Older applicants | — | Limited insurers + visa compliance |
Golden Visa note (official): Spain’s investor residence route was modified through changes to the entrepreneur law framework; see the BOE reference here:
2. Which Spain Visa Do You Need? (Quick Decision Guide)
If you’re studying (90+ days)
If you graduated in Spain and want to stay to find work
If you have a skilled job offer (executive/specialist)
If you’re launching an innovative project/startup
If you want a broad long-stay pathway (case-based)
3. General Spain Visa Requirements (Most Applicants)
Most Spanish consulates require the following (exact details vary by visa + consulate):
- Valid passport (typically issued within the last 10 years; sufficient validity remaining)
- Criminal background check (legalised/apostilled + translations where required)
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract, deed, host invitation, etc.)
- Proof of financial means (threshold depends on visa)
- Private health insurance that meets visa rules (see next section)
For the full consolidated checklist (by visa), use: Spain Visa Requirements.
4. Health Insurance Rules for Spain Visas (Non-EU Applicants)
For most non-EU long-stay visas, consulates apply strict health insurance standards. A compliant policy typically must be:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full medical + hospital coverage
- Nationwide coverage in Spain
- Issued by an insurer authorised to operate in Spain
You can read the health insurance rules in one place here: Spain Visa Health Insurance Requirements.
And for the practical “what to buy / what gets rejected” explanation: Health Insurance in Spain for Expats (Guide).
If you want UEI to match a plan to your visa type and issue the correct certificate: Expat Health Insurance Spain.
For older applicants, especially those aged 70–75+, standard policies may not be accepted. In these cases, consulates often require specialised Senior Health Insurance that still meets full visa compliance.
5. Spain Visa Types (Deep Dive + Direct (Quick Decision Links)
Digital Nomad Visa Spain
For remote employees and freelancers with foreign income.
Non-Lucrative / Retirement Visa Spain
For retirees and financially independent applicants (no work in Spain).
Residence Visa Spain
A broader long-stay route (eligibility depends on your situation).
Student Visa Spain
For university, postgraduate and long courses; work conditions can apply.
Job Seeker Visa Spain
For applicants who completed studies in Spain and want time to secure a job pathway.
Entrepreneur / Startup Visa Spain
For founders launching an innovative or strategic project.
HQP Visa Spain
For executives/specialists under the highly qualified route.
Golden Visa Spain
Investor route update (status and alternatives).
Official legal reference (BOE): BOE
6. After Your Visa Is Approved (Arrival Checklist)
After you arrive, most expats need to complete key steps such as:
- Empadronamiento (town hall registration)
- TIE appointment (fingerprints + residence card)
- Register your address for renewals
- Set up banking + utilities (practical setup)
Use the step-by-step checklist here: Moving to Spain Checklist
Official consular reference (Spain / MAEC): Visa pages published under Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs include the insurance conditions used by consulates.
7. FAQs — Spain Visas Guide
How long does a Spain visa take?
Processing varies by visa and consulate. Many applications fall within a broad 10–60 day range, but always check your consulate’s current timelines.
Do years on a Spain visa count toward long-term residency?
Often yes (visa-dependent). Student stays may have different counting rules depending on pathway.
Can I bring family members?
Many visas allow family members, either immediately or through reunification steps (visa-dependent).
What are the most common reasons for denial?
Incomplete documentation and non-compliant health insurance are frequent causes. For the legal checklist, use: /spain-visa-requirements/
Can I apply from inside Spain?
Some pathways allow modifications in Spain; others require applying from your home country/consular district.
8. Official Government Sources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) — exteriores.gob.es
- Ministry of Inclusion, Migration & Social Security — inclusion.gob.es
- BOE — boe.es
9. Related Spain Visa Guides & Resources
10. Get Visa-Compliant Health Insurance
Most non-EU long-stay visas require private health insurance with no copays and no waiting periods. If you want UEI to match the right plan to your visa type and deliver a certificate accepted by consulates: