Expat Support in Spain
Do I need a visa to enter Spain? It depends on your nationality. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: No visa required. Non-EU citizens: Visa requirements vary. Many countries have agreements allowing short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) without a visa.
Types of visas are available for Spain? Schengen Visa (Short Stay, up to 90 days) – For tourism, business, or visiting family. Student Visa – For studying in Spain for more than 90 days. Work Visa – Required if you plan to work in Spain. Employer sponsorship is usually needed. Non-Lucrative Visa – For those who want to live in Spain without working. Requirements: Proof of financial means: €2,400 per month (plus €600 per additional family member). Private health insurance (no co-payments). No criminal record. Proof of long-term accommodation in Spain. Ideal for retirees and those with passive income.
How can I apply for a residence permit in Spain? Residence permits depend on the visa type: Apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country before moving. Once in Spain, register at the Extranjería (Immigration Office) and obtain a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
Can I work in Spain as a non-EU citizen? Yes, but you need a work visa. Employers must prove no EU citizen can fill the job before hiring a non-EU worker. Exceptions exist for highly qualified professionals and self-employed entrepreneurs.
How do I get Spanish citizenship? By residency: After 10 years of legal residence (reduced to 2 years for citizens of Latin America, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, or Sephardic Jews). By marriage: After 1 year of marriage to a Spanish citizen, plus 1 year of residence in Spain. By descent: If you have Spanish parents or grandparents.
What is the NIE, and do I need it? The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is an ID number for foreigners. You need it for: Buying property Opening a bank account Signing contracts (work, rent, utilities) Paying taxes
Can I extend my tourist stay beyond 90 days? Generally, no. You must leave Spain and re-enter after spending time outside the Schengen Zone. Some exceptional cases (like family reunification) may allow extensions.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa? A visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies. It allows living in Spain while working remotely.
Can I bring my family to Spain? Yes, through family reunification if you have legal residence. Requirements include financial stability and adequate housing.
Where can I find official immigration information? Spanish Ministry of Interior (www.interior.gob.es) Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration (www.inclusion.gob.es) Spanish Consulate/Embassy websites
Arraigo in Spain Arraigo is a legal process that allows certain undocumented immigrants in Spain to obtain residency under specific circumstances. There are different types of arraigo, each with its own requirements. 1. What is Arraigo? Arraigo is a residence permit granted to non-EU citizens who have been living in Spain under irregular status but meet specific social, labor, family, or training conditions. 2. What are the types of Arraigo in Spain? There are four main types: A) Arraigo Social (Social Ties) For those who have lived in Spain for at least 3 years. Requirements: Proof of continuous residence in Spain for 3+ years. A job offer (minimum 30 hours/week for 1 year) or proof of self-employment. No criminal record in Spain or home country. Proof of social integration (e.g., Spanish language skills, community ties). B) Arraigo Laboral (Work Ties) For those who have worked in Spain for at least 6 months but were undocumented. Requirements: Lived in Spain for at least 2 years. Worked legally (registered in Social Security) for at least 6 months. No criminal record. C) Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties) For those with close family ties to Spanish citizens. Who can apply? Parents of a Spanish minor. Children of a Spanish national. Requirements: No minimum residence time required. Proof of relationship with the Spanish citizen. No criminal record. D) Arraigo para la Formación (Training Ties) – Applied in 2022 For those who commit to studying or training in Spain. Requirements: Lived in Spain for at least 2 years. Enroll in approved vocational training or studies. No criminal record. 3. How do I apply for Arraigo? Gather documents (proof of residence, work, family ties, etc.). Submit your application at the Extranjería (Immigration Office) in your province. Wait for a response (processing time varies, usually 3-6 months). If approved, apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). 4. Can I work with an Arraigo permit? Arraigo Social & Arraigo Laboral ? Yes, you get a work permit. Arraigo Familiar ? Yes, allows both work and residence. Arraigo para la Formación ? No work initially, but you can apply for a work permit later. 5. What happens after Arraigo? The initial permit lasts 1 year. After 1 year, you can renew it or switch to a regular work/residence permit. 6. Where can I get official information? Extranjería Office (Spanish Immigration Office). Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration (www.inclusion.gob.es).
Visa Options for British Citizens Moving to Spain Since Brexit, British citizens are no longer EU citizens, meaning they now require visas for long stays or work in Spain. Here’s a breakdown of all the available visa options. Do British citizens need a visa for Spain? Short stays (up to 90 days in 180 days): No visa is needed for tourism, family visits, or business. Long stays (more than 90 days): A visa is required. What visa options are available for British citizens in Spain? A) Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement or Passive Income Visa) For those who want to live in Spain without working. Requirements: Proof of financial means: €2,400 per month (plus €600 per additional family member). Private health insurance (no co-payments). No criminal record. Proof of long-term accommodation in Spain. Ideal for retirees and those with passive income. B) Work Visa (Employed or Self-Employed) Employed Work Visa (Visado de Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena) For those with a job offer from a Spanish employer. Requirements: The employer must prove no EU citizen can fill the job. A valid work contract. Employer sponsors the visa application. ? Ideal for those offered a job by a Spanish company. Self-Employed Visa (Visado de Trabajo por Cuenta Propia) For freelancers and business owners. Requirements: A detailed business plan. Proof of financial means to sustain the business. Necessary licenses or qualifications. Ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers for Non-Spanish Companies) For remote workers employed by companies outside Spain. Requirements: Must work for non-Spanish companies. Income: At least €2,520/month. Proof of remote work contract. Private health insurance. Ideal for UK remote workers wanting to live in Spain. Student Visa For British citizens enrolling in Spanish universities or courses. Requirements: Enrollment in an accredited institution. Proof of financial means. Health insurance. Ideal for students wanting to study in Spain. Family Reunification Visa For those joining family members legally living in Spain. Who can apply? Spouses, children, or dependent parents of a legal Spanish resident. British citizens married to Spanish nationals. Ideal for British citizens with close family in Spain. Can I get Spanish residency as a British citizen? Yes, through: Living legally in Spain for 5 years (permanent residency). Applying for Spanish citizenship after 10 years. Where to apply for a Spanish visa? Spanish Consulate in the UK. Official website: www.exteriores.gob.es. Can I travel to Spain visa-free after Brexit? Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Longer stays require a visa.
Moving to Spain as an EU Citizen As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, moving to Spain is much easier than for non-EU citizens. Here’s everything you need to know. Do EU citizens need a visa to move to Spain? No. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can enter, live, work, and study in Spain without a visa. However, if staying longer than 3 months, you must register as a resident. What do I need to do after arriving in Spain? If staying more than 3 months, you must: Register as an EU resident at the Extranjería (Foreigners’ Office) or National Police Station. Get a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) – a tax ID number. Register with the town hall (Padrón municipal) for proof of address. If working, register with Social Security for healthcare and pensions. What are the residency options for EU citizens? EU citizens can live, work, and study freely in Spain. However, after 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residency. What is the NIE, and do I need it? Yes, you need a NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number) for: Working or opening a business. Buying or renting property. Opening a bank account. Paying taxes. You can apply at the Extranjería or a police station. Can EU citizens work in Spain? Yes, no work permit is needed. However, you must: Register with Social Security before working. If self-employed, register as an autónomo (freelancer). Do I need health insurance? If employed: You get access to Spain’s public healthcare system. If self-employed: You contribute to Social Security and get public healthcare. If not working: You need private health insurance unless you qualify for free healthcare. Can I bring my non-EU family members? Yes, but they need a Residence Card for Family Members of an EU Citizen. You must prove your relationship and financial stability. Can I get permanent residency in Spain? Yes, after 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for a long-term residence card. Can I apply for Spanish citizenship? Yes, after 10 years of legal residence. Some nationalities (e.g., Latin Americans, Andorrans, Filipinos) can apply after 2 years. Where can I get official information? Extranjería Office (Foreigners’ Office). Spanish government website: www.inclusion.gob.es.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain The Non-Lucrative Visa is for third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) who want to live in Spain without working. It is commonly used by retirees and financially independent individuals. Step 1: Check Eligibility To qualify for a Non-Lucrative Visa, you must: Have sufficient financial means (€2,400/month + €600 per family member). Have private health insurance with full coverage in Spain. Not engage in any work or professional activity in Spain. Have no criminal record in Spain or previous countries of residence (last 5 years). Not be on Spain’s list of prohibited persons. Step 2: Gather Required Documents You must submit originals and copies of all documents. A) General Documents: National Visa Application Form – Filled and signed. Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least 1 year with 2 blank pages. 2 Recent Passport-Sized Photos – White background. Proof of Financial Means – Bank statements for the last 6-12 months. Pension or passive income proof (investments, rental income, etc.). Bank certificate proving funds meet the €2,400/month minimum (+€600 per dependent). B) Health & Background Documents: Private Health Insurance – Full medical coverage with a Spanish or international provider (no co-payments). Medical Certificate – A doctor’s letter stating you have no contagious diseases or conditions preventing you from living in Spain. Criminal Record Certificate – From your country of residence (last 5 years), apostilled or legalized. C) Proof of Accommodation: Rental contract or property deed in Spain. Letter of Intent – Explaining why you want to live in Spain and how you will support yourself. Step 3: Submit the Application Where? The Spanish Consulate/Embassy in your country. When? At least 3 months before your planned move. How? Book an appointment via the consulate website. Submit documents in person. Pay the visa fee (varies by country, approx. €80-€140). Step 4: Attend an Interview (If Required) Some consulates require an in-person interview. Be prepared to answer: Why do you want to live in Spain? How will you support yourself? Do you plan to work remotely? (Remote work is not allowed on this visa.) Step 5: Wait for Approval Processing time: 1-3 months. You will receive a visa sticker in your passport, valid for 90 days. Step 6: Travel to Spain & Get Your TIE (Foreigner’s ID Card) Once in Spain, within 30 days: Register your address at the local town hall (Padrón Municipal). Apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the Extranjería (Foreigners’ Office). Book an appointment online (www.seap.minhap.gob.es). Bring passport, visa, padrón, and Form EX-17. Pay the TIE fee (~€16). Pick up your TIE card after 4-6 weeks. Step 7: Renewing Your Non-Lucrative Visa The first visa is valid for 1 year. It can be renewed for 2 more years (twice), then apply for permanent residency (after 5 years). Renewal requirements: Proof of continued financial means. Continued private health insurance. Proof of living in Spain for at least 183 days per year. Can I work remotely on a Non-Lucrative Visa? No. Remote work is not officially allowed. If you plan to work remotely, consider the Digital Nomad Visa. How much money do I need? At least €2,400/month (+€600 per dependent) or €28,800/year in savings. Can I convert this visa into a work permit? After 1 year, you can apply for a work permit under certain conditions. Official Resources: Spanish Consulate website in your country. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.exteriores.gob.es.
Official websites for immigration-related information and forms in Spain Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration (Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones) Website:https://www.inclusion.gob.es Section for immigration procedures: Extranjería Procedures Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación) Website:https://www.exteriores.gob.es Visa information and application forms: Consular Services - Visas National Police (Cuerpo Nacional de Policía) Website:https://www.policia.es Section for Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) and other procedures: Foreigners and Immigration Public Administration Portal (Administración General del Estado) Website:https://sede.administracion.gob.es This portal provides online access to various government services, including immigration-related procedures. These official sources will provide accurate and up-to-date information on immigration forms, requirements, and procedures in Spain.