Introduction

At Blueprint Spain, we understand how complicated the process of moving to Spain can be. There are over a dozen types of Visas, each with different requirements and obligations. To help you get a sense of what’s right for you, our immigration team has created an overview document that highlights the critical information for each visa.

Whether you’re a retiree seeking a new home, a digital nomad passing through, an investor eyeing local real estate, or just someone who’s interested in Spain, this article will walk you through the most common visa options available to EU and non-EU citizens.

For ease of use, you can jump to specific sections using the table of contents on the left side and explore which visa best suits your needs. We’re always available to chat and happy to answer your visa and relocation questions.

✈️ Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa, known as the visado de estancia (visado Schengen) in Spanish, is a short-stay visa that lets you travel to Spain, and through any of the other 27 member countries, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s typically used for tourism, business trips, or visiting family and friends. You’ll need to apply for the Schengen visa at your local Spanish embassy before traveling to Spain.

However, Spain allows the citizens of certain countries, like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, to visit for up to 90 days without a Schengen Visa. Instead, the time limit is calculated based on your passport stamps.

TIP! The “90 days within 180 days” rule starts when you enter a Schengen country and pauses when you leave. For example, you could spend 30 days in Spain, go home for 30 days, then come back for another 60 days. Likewise, you could stay for 90 days straight, but you’d need to leave the Schengen area for the next 90 days.

Here’s what you need to know about the Schengen Visa:

Remember to show a return ticket back home within 90 days, or a ticket outside the Schengen Zone if you plan to keep traveling.

📚 Student Visa

The Student Visa, known as the visado de estudios in Spanish, serves two groups: non-EU citizens studying at Spanish institutions for more than 90 days, and current university students or graduates between the ages of 18 and 60 who work as language assistants, called an Auxiliar de Conversación, in Spanish schools.

The general Student Visa is valid for the duration of the study program and can be renewed if the studies continue. If you’re studying for a university degree, like a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, it also permits part-time work of up to 30 hours per week. The employer may need to sponsor a work authorization for the student, which can take months to process. You can bring immediate family members with you, but they won’t have the right to work.

Some Spanish language courses qualify for the Student Visa, which means that if your idea is to move to Spain for a year to immerse yourself in the language, you’re in luck. The key is that the institution providing the course is officially recognized by the Spanish government, and the course itself is structured to meet the full-time study criteria of at least 20 hours per week.

A popular choice for Spanish courses is the Instituto Cervantes, a highly respected institution with an internationally recognized certification in Spanish language learning. That said, other accredited language schools can also qualify if they meet the requirements.

For those interested in becoming a language assistant, the Student Visa for an Auxiliar de Conversación is valid for the academic year, usually from October to June, with the option for renewal. This visa combines educational and cultural exchange opportunities and allows for limited part-time work apart from the job as a language assistant, ranging from 12 to 16 hours per week.

As an Auxiliar de Conversación, commonly known as an “aux”, you work alongside a Spanish teacher to help students improve their language skills. Your role is to encourage conversation, assist with pronunciation, and share cultural insights from your home country. You’ll get paid a monthly stipend, which varies by region.

To apply for the Student Visa, you have to show proof of enrollment in an accredited Spanish institution or proof of acceptance into the Auxiliar de Conversación program, financial means, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. You can apply for the Student Visa in your home country, or from within Spain at least 30 days before your visa or short stay permit expires.

Here’s what you need to know about the General Student Visa:

Here’s what you need to know about the Student Visa specific to the Auxiliar de Conversación program:

The Student Visa is a great way to take a “gap year” and move to Spain without having to meet the stricter financial requirements of some other visas.

💻 Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa, or visado de residencia para teletrabajo, is specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to make Spain their home base while working for companies or clients situated outside of Spain. This relatively new visa seeks to attract remote professionals from around the globe.

If you are a non-EU citizen working remotely for a company based outside of Spain—or if you are a freelancer with international clients—this visa is an excellent opportunity for you.

Applicants must demonstrate that their work can be conducted remotely and provide proof of employment or contracts with non-Spanish companies or clients. Additionally, you will need to show that you have been with your current employer or working as a freelancer in your field for at least three months before applying and that your company has been operational for at least one year.

You may also work for Spanish companies/clients; however, the percentage of your work for the Spanish company cannot exceed 20% of your total work commitment.

TIP!The Digital Nomad Visa not only allows you to live and work remotely from Spain but also provides a path to residency for you and your family. Your spouse or partner and children can join you, and they can even apply for a residence permit that allows them to work in Spain, making it a fantastic option for families looking to relocate together.

Here's what you need to know about the Digital Nomad Visa:

If you spend more than 183 days in Spain within a year, you could be considered a tax resident and liable to pay taxes on your worldwide income. However, you may qualify for reduced tax rates under the "Beckham Law," which could provide beneficial tax incentives for qualifying individuals

🧘 Non-Lucrative Visa

The Non-Lucrative Visa, known as visado de residencia no lucrativa in Spanish, is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Spain without working. It is an ideal option for retirees or individuals with sufficient financial means to support themselves without the need to earn an income in Spain or abroad.

To be eligible for the Non-Lucrative Visa, applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any dependents. The visa requires proof of an income that is at least 400% of the IPREM annually for yourself, plus 100% of the IPREM for each additional family member included in your application. As of 2024, this translates to 28,800 euros for the primary applicant, plus 7,200 euros for each dependent.

TIP! The Non-Lucrative Visa does not permit any form of employment or professional activity in Spain. However, it does allow you to study, take on unpaid internships, or volunteer.

Here’s what you need to know about the Non-Lucrative Visa

After holding a Non-Lucrative Visa for five years, you may apply for permanent residency in Spain, which allows you to live and work in the country without restrictions.

💸 Investor (Golden) Visa

The Investor Visa, known colloquially as the Golden Visa or the visado de inversor in Spanish, is a residence permit granted to non-EU nationals who make a significant investment in the country. The most common investment options include:

→ Real estate: Minimum investment of €500,000 in Spanish real estate

→ Business investment: Minimum investment of €1 million in shares of a Spanish company or bank deposits, or €2 million in government bonds

→ Entrepreneurship: Starting a business in Spain that creates jobs, contributes to scientific or technological innovation, or has significant socio-economic impact

The visa allows the investor and their immediate family members to live, study, and work in Spain. Eligible family members include spouses and registered partners, and children under 21, dependent children, and dependent parents of either partner.

You can apply for the Investor (Golden) Visa within Spain if you’re already in the country legally. This includes any other type of residency visa or legal stay, like the 90-day allowance for countries that are automatically approved for the Schengen Visa.

TIP! The Investor (Golden) Visa application is processed through a special government department known as the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE-CE). This department offers a more streamlined application process, so you can expect a decision within 20 working days of submission.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive the Investor (Golden) Visa, which allows you to stay in Spain for one year. Within this period, you can apply for a renewable residence permit that lasts for two years and can be renewed indefinitely.

This visa is surprisingly flexible. With no minimum stay requirement, you can spend as much or as little time in Spain as you like without risking the validity of your visa, as long as you maintain your investment.

When the time comes to renew your residence permit, you only need to show that you still hold the qualifying investment. Whether you spent the whole year in Spain or popped by for summer vacation is nobody’s business but yours!

Here’s what you need to know about the Investor (Golden) Visa:

If you’re planning on buying real estate to qualify for the Investor (Golden) Visa, you can split your investment between multiple properties to meet the €500,000 minimum, excluding taxes and fees. These properties can be residential, commercial, or a combination of both. Any amount exceeding €500,000 can be financed through a mortgage, but the first €500,000 must be paid in cash.

⚠️ Important Update

In April 2024, the Spanish government announced their intention to get rid of the real estate investment option for the Golden Visa. As of today, nothing has changed and no legislation has been passed, but it's important you know this may happen in the future. For more information on the Golden Visa changes, you can check out this article.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 EU Family Reunification Visa

The EU Family Reunification Visa, known as the visado de familiares de ciudadanos UE y de beneficiarios Acuerdo de Retirada UE-Reino Unido in Spanish, allows non-EU relatives of EU citizens to join them in Spain. It also extends to relatives of UK nationals covered by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

Eligible family members include spouses and registered partners, children under 21, dependent children, and dependent parents of either partner. Once granted, family members receive a residence card that permits them to live, work, and study in Spain under similar conditions to the EU national they’re joining.

You can apply for the EU Family Reunification Visa within Spain if you’re already in the country legally. This includes any other type of residency visa or legal stay, like the 90-day allowance for countries that are automatically approved for the Schengen Visa.

TIP! Family members can submit their application for residency at the local immigration office, called the Oficina de Extranjería. While the application is in process, the family member can legally remain in Spain. Once approved, they must apply for a residence card (TIE) that confirms their legal status in Spain.

Here’s what you need to know about the EU Family Reunification Visa:

The EU Family Reunification Visa is popular among young, unmarried couples registered as "Pareja de Hecho" in Spain, where only one partner is an EU national.

👪 General Family Reunification Visa

The General Family Reunification Visa, known as the visado de reagrupación familiar en régimen general in Spanish, allows the relatives of non-EU nationals living in Spain for at least one year to join them in the country.

Eligible family members include spouses, registered partners, children under 18, dependent adult children. If the non-EU national has permanent residency in Spain, in some cases they can bring over their dependent parents, too. Once granted, the family members must obtain a residence card that permits them to live, work, and study in Spain under similar conditions to their relative in Spain.

You can apply for the General Family Reunification Visa within Spain if you’re already in the country legally. This includes any other type of residency visa or legal stay, like the 90-day allowance for citizens of countries that are exempt from the Schengen Visa requirement.

TIP! Your family member can bring you along to Spain with them if they hold a Student Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, Highly Qualified Professional Visa, or another long- or short-term residency visa. Check with the immigration team at Blueprint Spain if you think your relative’s visa qualifies you and your family for reunification.

Here’s what you need to know about the General Family Reunification Visa:

The General Family Reunification Visa tends to mirror the conditions of the sponsor’s visa. If your relative is allowed to live and work in Spain, you may be, too.

💼 Highly Qualified Professional Visa

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa, or Visado de Profesionales Altamente Cualificados, is designed for non-EU citizens who have been offered a job in Spain requiring specialized skills or high-level qualifications. This visa is particularly aimed at managers, executives, or technical experts in specialized positions or positions of high responsibility, typically within multinational companies or research organizations operating in Spain.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa, applicants must have a job offer from a Spanish company that meets specific criteria. These criteria generally include:

• A company size of over 250 employees
• An annual net turnover of more than €50 million
• Operating in sectors of strategic interest to Spain

Additionally, the job position must require advanced qualifications, such as a higher education degree or substantial professional experience. The salary offered should meet or exceed a threshold set by Spanish authorities to ensure it matches the position’s responsibility and market standards.

TIP! The Highly Qualified Professional Visa offers a faster and more streamlined route to residency compared to other visa types. The application process is typically expedited, often taking just 20 days for approval, due to the Spanish government’s priority to attract skilled professionals.

Here are the essential things to know about the Highly Qualified Professional Visa:

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa is an excellent option for skilled professionals looking to advance their careers in Spain. It provides a direct path to residency, and after five years, you may be eligible to apply for long-term residency. This opens further opportunities for citizenship and career development in Spain.

🏢 Employment Visa

The Employment Visa, or Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena, is designed for non-EU nationals who have secured a job offer from a Spanish employer and wish to live and work in Spain. This visa is one of the primary routes for non-EU citizens to legally work in Spain, allowing them to enjoy Spain’s culture while at the same time building a professional career.

To be eligible for the Employment Visa, applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a company or organization in Spain. The employer must demonstrate that the role cannot be filled by an EU or EFTA citizen, which often requires proving that the applicant has unique skills, qualifications, or experience suited to the job. The application process involves submitting an employment contract, proof of qualifications or professional experience, and any necessary licenses or certifications related to the job.

TIP! The Employment Visa not only grants the right to work in Spain but also offers a pathway to greater job mobility within the European Union. Once you have this visa and a Spanish residence permit, you may be eligible to work in other EU countries on short-term assignments or through intra-company transfers without needing to apply for additional work visas. Moreover, after five years of continuous employment and residency in Spain, you can apply for long-term residency, which provides even greater flexibility in terms of employment options and the possibility to apply for Spanish citizenship.

Here are the essential things to know about the Employment Visa:

The application process for an Employment Visa requires close coordination with your prospective employer, as they must provide documentation to the Spanish immigration authorities on your behalf. It’s crucial to begin the application process early to ensure all required documents are prepared and submitted in a timely manner.

🚀 Entreprenuer Visa

The Entrepreneur Visa, or Visado de Emprendedor, is for non-EU nationals who wish to start a business or innovative venture in Spain. This visa is specifically tailored for entrepreneurs with a viable business plan that has the potential to generate economic growth, create jobs, or contribute to innovation in Spain.

To qualify for the Entrepreneur Visa, applicants must present a detailed business plan that outlines their proposed venture, including its objectives, target market, funding strategy, and expected economic impact in Spain. The business plan is typically reviewed by Spain’s economic and trade office or by a specialized government committee, which assesses the feasibility and innovation of the proposed business. In addition to a viable business plan, applicants must show evidence of sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their business, along with health insurance that covers all medical expenses in Spain.

TIP!The Entrepreneur Visa not only allows you to establish your business in Spain, but it also offers unique access to various government incentives and grants. Spain provides a range of support programs for startups, including financial grants, tax incentives, and access to incubators and accelerators that can help you scale your business more quickly.

Here are the essential things to know about the Entrepreneur Visa:

Securing an Entrepreneur Visa requires a well-prepared business plan and a clear demonstration of your business’s potential to contribute positively to the Spanish economy. It’s advisable to seek professional advice when preparing your application, as the review process is thorough and competitive.

🔬 Research Visa

The Research Visa, or Visado de Investigador, is for non-EU nationals who plan to conduct research or participate in scientific and academic projects in Spain. This visa was created for researchers, scientists, university professors, and scholars who have been invited by a recognized Spanish institution, such as a university, research center, or private company engaged in some form of reserach

To qualify for the Research Visa, applicants must have a signed hosting agreement or invitation from a Spanish research institution. This agreement must outline the research project's objectives, duration, and funding. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate their qualifications and experience in the relevant field, such as holding a Ph.D. or having a proven track record of research work. Proof of sufficient financial means to support oneself during the stay in Spain is also required, along with health insurance that provides comprehensive coverage.

TIP!The Research Visa not only allows you to conduct research in Spain, but it also enables you to collaborate with other European research institutions under the EU’s scientific cooperation agreements. This means you can easily travel and work on research projects in other EU countries without needing additional visas, expanding your opportunities for international collaboration.

Here are the essential things to know about the Research Visa:

The Research Visa offers significant benefits for families. If you're approved for this visa, your spouse or partner and dependent children can apply for a residence permit simultaneously, allowing them to live and study in Spain without needing a separate visa.

👩‍💻 Internship Visa

The Internship Visa, or Visado de Prácticas, is for non-EU nationals who wish to undertake an internship in Spain. This visa is specifically designed for students and recent graduates seeking to gain professional experience, enhance their skills, or fulfill academic requirements through a structured internship with a Spanish company, educational institution, or research organization.

To qualify for the Internship Visa, applicants must have a formal internship agreement or contract with a host organization in Spain. This agreement should clearly outline the internship’s objectives, tasks, duration, and any compensation or support provided by the host entity. The internship must be relevant to the applicant’s field of study or career path to ensure that the experience directly contributes to their professional development.

TIP!This Visa allows you to extend your stay beyond the initial internship period by switching to a different type of residency permit, such as a student visa or a work visa, without needing to leave Spain. This flexibility is particularly useful if you decide to continue your studies, pursue further training, or receive a job offer after completing your internship.

Here are the essential things to know about the Internship Visa: