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How to get a residence permit in Spain: 9 most popular ways for foreigners

Residence permit
Expats
Spain
How to get a residence permit in Spain: 9 most popular ways for foreigners

Moving to Spain for permanent residence attracts thousands of migrants from all over the world. And this is not surprising, because this country can boast of the absence of corruption at the household level, a developed medical and educational system, as well as high social protection of the population. Learn more about the possibilities and grounds for obtaining a residence permit for migrants in Spain

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Spain is one of the European countries with a high social and economic level, security, medicine, education. Here you can plan your life for several years ahead. There is no corruption at the household level (in state structures, schools, kindergartens you will not have to solve quality issues outside the law). In addition, the local population is tolerant of representatives of different nations. Therefore, this country is often chosen for emigration and permanent residence.

Read about the available ways to obtain a residence permit in Spain for citizens of Peru, El Salvador, the Philippines and any other country in the world in this article.


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Digital Nomad Visa (Visado de Teletrabajo de carácter internacional)


Ideal for remote workers and freelancers, this visa allows citizens of non-EU countries to live in Spain while working for foreign companies.


- Requirements for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa

1. Work remotely for at least one year.

2. Be employed by a company or companies outside Spain.

3. You are allowed to enter Spain and have not been previously refused entry.

4. You have a health insurance policy with full coverage in Spain.

5. You can prove your work experience and technical knowledge.

6. You have not resided in Spain for the last five years.

7. If you work for a company, you must prove that you have worked for it for at least three months.

8. If you are a freelancer, you must work for at least one company (outside Spain).

9. You must prove that your income is €2,140 per month or €25,680 per year.

10. Unlike other digital nomad visas, you can work with Spanish clients as long as they only represent 20% of your income.


- Benefits of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa

1. The initial validity of the visa is one year, with the possibility of extension up to five years.

2. Right to permanent residence after five years.

3. Reduced tax rate of 15% for the first four years under the Spanish Beckham Law.


Non-profit visa


This visa is suitable for individuals who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in any work or professional activity.


- Requirements for the Spanish Non-profit Visa

To qualify for a non-profit visa, you must meet certain requirements:

1. Be a citizen of a non-EU country.

2. Confirm that you have sufficient funds to live in Spain.

3. Have a clean criminal record.

4. Do not have any diseases that may pose a threat to the health of the Spanish population.

5. Have a valid health insurance policy, as Spanish national insurance does not apply to holders of this type of permit.


- Advantages of the Spanish non-profit visa

1. Allows long-term residence in Spain without the need for employment.

2. Access to Spanish healthcare under certain conditions.


Highly qualified specialist visa (Blue Card)


Designed for individuals with higher education or significant work experience in highly sought-after sectors.


- Requirements for a skilled professional visa in Spain

1. Employment contract with a Spanish company.

2. Proof of qualifications or experience.

3. Salary that meets or exceeds the national average.

4. Clean criminal record.


- Advantages of a skilled professional visa in Spain

1. Residence and work permit in Spain.

2. Family reunification options.

3. Path to permanent residence.


Family Reunification Visa


Allows family members of legal residents of Spain to join them.


- Requirements for a Spanish Family Reunification Visa

1. Proof of family ties (spouse, children, dependent parents).

2. Demonstration of sufficient financial resources by the sponsor.

3. Valid passport and recent photographs.

4. Clean criminal record.


- Benefits of a Spanish Family Reunification Visa

1. Residence and work permit for family members.

2. Single permit for all family members.

3. Temporary work permit from the time of application until approval.


Arraigo Social (Social Roots)


The most common path to legalization for individuals residing in Spain.


- Arraigo Social Visa Requirements

1. Proof of continuous residence in Spain for at least two years.

2. Demonstration of economic self-sufficiency.

3. Integration Effort Report, confirming efforts to integrate into Spanish society.

4. Clean criminal record.


- Arraigo Social Visa Benefits

1. Residence and work permit in Spain.

2. Path to permanent residence.

3. Right to family reunification.


Student Visa


For foreigners coming to Spain to study.


- Requirements for students to study in Spain

1. Enrollment in a recognized educational institution.

2. Proof of sufficient financial means to support oneself.

3. Private health insurance.

4. Clean criminal record.


- Benefits of a Spanish student visa

1. Residence permit for the duration of the academic program.

2. Ability to work part-time (up to 30 hours per week).

3. Path to obtaining other residence permits after graduation.

Recent reforms have simplified the process for students over 30 and their families, allowing them to apply for residence permits without leaving Spain.


Arraigo Laboral (Labor Roots)


Allows a foreigner to obtain a residence permit in Spain if he has been continuously in Spain for at least two years and can prove that he has worked in Spain for at least 6 months.


- Arraigo Laboral requirements

1. Proof of continuous work in Spain for at least 6 months.

2. Demonstration of economic self-sufficiency.

3. Clean criminal record.


- Arraigo Laboral advantages

1. Residence and work permit in Spain.

2. Path to obtaining permanent residence.

3. Right to family reunification.


Work visa for self-employed persons (Autónomo)


For persons wishing to start their own business or work as freelancers in Spain.


- Requirements for obtaining a work visa for self-employed work in Spain

1. Not be a citizen of the European Union (EU).

2. Age – over 18 years.

3. Not be in Spain with an illegal immigration status

4. Have no criminal record; certified by a certificate issued by the countries where you have resided for the previous five years.

5. Have the relevant professional qualifications or sufficient experience necessary for the business activity you wish to carry out.

6. Provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to run the business.


- Advantages of the Autónomo visa

1. Residence and work permit in Spain.

2. Ability to hire employees.

3. Path to permanent residence.


Humanitarian protection and refugee status


Spain grants residence permits to people fleeing persecution, violence or conflict. In 2025, the country continues to meet its obligations regarding international protection.


- Requirements

1. Proof of persecution or risk of harm in the country of origin.

2. Submit an asylum application within one month of arrival.

3. Cooperate with the Spanish authorities during the application process.


- Benefits

1. Temporary residence permit for one year, renewable.

2. Access to healthcare, education and employment.

3. Path to permanent residence after five years.

For more information, consult the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Social Security, Inclusion and Migration.


Spain offers a wide range of residence permits that take into account different personal and professional circumstances. Whether you work remotely, are an entrepreneur, are a student or want to reunite with your family, there is likely to be a path that suits your situation.


Get advice from a migration lawyer to effectively go through the process of applying for a residence permit in Spain.

Qualified specialists of Visit World - your reliable support during migration abroad!




Recall! Spain is one of the most popular tourist countries in Europe, attracting millions of travelers every year. We have already told you what entry rules apply to citizens of the EU and visa-free countries, what documents are required to obtain a Schengen visa, current entry rules and much more useful information.




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Spain;

Legal advice on immigration to Spain;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Spain;

Medical insurance all over the world.



We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.

Frequantly

asked questions

Is it difficult to obtain a residence permit in Spain?

The application process can be lengthy and take from 3 to 6 months. Each year of residence in Spain counts towards obtaining Spanish citizenship. You must renew your residence after the first year, which requires additional documents. After receiving the card, you can travel freely throughout the European Union.

How to obtain the right to reside in Spain?

How much money do I need to obtain the right to reside in Spain?

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