How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Spain

A residence permit is a temporary authorization that allows a foreign national to legally stay in the country for more than 3 months, with a maximum duration of up to 5 years. The permit can be extended upon request, provided that the requirements established by local authorities are met. Long-term legal residence in the country gives an immigrant the opportunity to apply for permanent residence and subsequently for citizenship.

A residence permit in Spain is a mandatory document for individuals of any age, regardless of the purpose of stay, who plan to move to the country or intend to obtain its passport in the future. The duration, issuance procedure, and renewal of the residence permit are regulated by the Law on the Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners. The following sections outline the possible conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Spain, as well as the rules and procedures that migrants will encounter during the legalization process in the country.

Types of Residence Permits in Spain

There are two types of residence permits in Spain:

• without the right to engage in gainful activity — intended for financially independent foreign nationals who are able to support themselves without seeking employment or starting a business;
• with the right to engage in income-generating activity — granted to foreign nationals over the age of 16 who plan to earn income from employment or other professional activities.

The required amount of funds must correspond to 400% (approximately 2,620 EUR) for the main applicant and 100% for each family member (in the case of family relocation).

Under the «Golden Visa» program, residence permits may be obtained by investors who make investments in the Spanish economy. This category of applicants benefits from more favorable conditions, including accelerated application processing and the possibility of extending the residence permit for up to 5 years at once.

The residence permit document is called the «Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero» (TIE) and is issued as a plastic ID card containing the holder’s main identification data and photograph.

What a Spanish Residence Permit Provides

A residence permit in Spain allows:

• travel within the Schengen Area without the need for additional permits;
• relocation to the Kingdom of Spain together with the whole family;
• access to high-quality healthcare in accordance with European standards;
• the opportunity to provide children with education in leading universities;
• use of all services offered by local banking institutions;
• the ability to purchase real estate in the country without restrictions.

One of the key advantages of a Spanish residence permit is the opportunity to live in a developed European country known for its rich cultural heritage. Migrants can choose the most comfortable place to live — a large city, a coastal area, or a mountainous region. A high level of income (on average, each family member has around 27,900 EUR after taxes) and employment opportunities provide applicants from non-EU countries with access to quality education, healthcare, and a comfortable standard of living.

How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Spain

The process of obtaining a Spanish residence permit for those outside the Kingdom consists of several stages:

• determining the purpose of the trip and selecting the appropriate type of permit;
• collecting the required documents;
• making a prior appointment at the consulate in the place of residence;
• submitting the application in person at the scheduled time. A receipt is issued confirming acceptance of the documents, allowing the applicant to track the status of the application online;
• obtaining entry authorization. A national visa is placed in the passport, allowing entry into Spain and stay for up to 3 months. During this period, the foreign national must complete the residence registration process and confirm their status within the country.

When applying at the consulate, it is also possible to request the assignment of an identification number (NIE) by providing:

• a completed application form;
• proof of territorial affiliation to the selected consular district;
• a receipt confirming payment of the fee (the form must be completed and the payment made in advance on the official website);
• a valid international passport and a copy of the page containing biometric data.

The documents are reviewed by the General Commissariat for Immigration and Borders within approximately 2 weeks. In turn, the Consulate makes a decision within 30 days.

The procedure is initiated by the receiving party if it is necessary to arrange entry for:

• researchers (a decision is made within 20 working days);
• employees (issued within 3 months);
• relatives, including minors (processed within 45 days).

Once the Immigration Service issues a positive decision, the foreign national may apply for a visa within:

• 1 month for employees;
• 2 months for relatives of a resident or a citizen of Spain.

Without prior visa issuance, the right to reside is granted in exceptional circumstances, as well as on humanitarian grounds or on the basis of the foreign national’s cooperation with judicial authorities.

Students may initiate the residence permit application process while staying in Spain by submitting documents through the Mercurio Initials platform or by visiting the immigration office of the province where the educational institution is located. A decision is made within 1 month.

The identity card (TIE) is a resident identification document that must be held by individuals residing in the country for more than 6 months. Exceptions include temporary work assignments, seasonal employment, or work for companies that exempt employees from this requirement. The application for the document must be submitted within 30 days after arrival in the country. To obtain a TIE, it is necessary to:

• register for an appointment with the police at the nearest station via the online electronic office. The fee form can also be completed and the official application form downloaded there. The appointment must be booked individually. Minor children may be accompanied by their parents;
• when visiting the police station, submit the completed TIE application form (EX17), the fee payment form (790/012), and the required set of documents;
• after 2–4 weeks, collect the card at the place of application submission (in some cases, a prior appointment for collection is required).

When applying at the police station, the applicant must provide:

• a passport or another travel document confirming identity;
• proof of payment;
• a color passport-size photograph on a white background;
• a registration certificate with the address, issued no earlier than 3 months prior, and its copy.

The TIE is issued for the entire permitted period of stay in the country. The following categories are not required to obtain it:

• investors;
• researchers;
• seasonal workers.

A self-employed foreign national must obtain a social security number (NUSS) by submitting an online request to the Social Security Treasury. For this procedure, the following are required:

• an identity document (DNI, NIE, or passport);
• an email address;
• a device with a camera (computer or mobile phone).

After obtaining the NUSS, it is necessary to register as a self-employed worker on the treasury portal.

Ways to Obtain a Residence Permit

Foreign nationals who can confirm valid grounds for staying in the Kingdom may become residents. The declared purpose of relocation determines both the permitted period of stay in Spain and the opportunities available to the immigrant. The costs associated with legalization include:

Employment

A residence permit in Spain for employment is requested by a representative of an organization intending to hire a foreign national. This is possible if:

• no suitable specialists were found within the country to perform the required duties;
• published vacancies for seasonal work were not filled by local residents within 25 days;
• the profession is included in the shortage occupation list published quarterly by the State Employment Service;
• workers previously held a seasonal visa for two calendar years and returned to their country of origin.

In accordance with Article 40 of the Law on Foreigners 4/2000, a residence permit for employment may also be obtained by children and grandchildren of Spanish citizens, as well as by individuals who:

• have a work permit that has expired and wish to renew it;
• are involved in the repair of production facilities or equipment due to reconstruction;
• are working-age relatives of a resident who has legally lived in Spain for at least 1 year;
• are under refugee protection and have lost the grounds for such status or cannot renounce the protection of their country of nationality;
• support relatives who are Spanish citizens;
• are under the supervision of a competent child protection authority and are of working age;
• lost their citizenship within 12 months after the expiration of the relevant law;
• obtained status due to exceptional circumstances;
• were born and reside in Spain;
• participated in a voluntary return program;
• are responsible for relatives who hold Spanish citizenship.

The profession and specialization of the foreign national, as well as the employment situation, will not be taken into account for the following categories:

• trust officers and company directors;
• highly qualified specialists;
• employees of foreign organizations;
• internationally recognized artists.

Granting resident status in Spain requires confirmation of qualifications and the existence of an employment contract. Seasonal workers must additionally sign an obligation to return to their country of origin after the completion of the contract.

For issuing a visa to a foreign specialist, the inviting party provides:

• documentation identifying the company;
• a signed employment contract and its copy;
• confirmation of compliance with employment requirements;
• proof of financial solvency (tax payments or VILE report for the last 36 months);
• a description of the immigrant’s future work.

An employer inviting a seasonal worker must confirm:

• provision of accommodation;
• an obligation to arrange transportation to the workplace and cover travel expenses between the point of entry and place of residence;
• efforts made to ensure workers returned to their country of origin in previous cases (if applicable);
• an obligation to provide a monthly income of at least 580 EUR for the worker and their first family member, and 290 EUR for the second and each subsequent family member.

To identify an individual entrepreneur or a company representative, copies of the following are required:

• NIF along with the incorporation documents;
• official confirmation of the authority of the person signing the application as a representative of the organization;
• NIF / NIE or consent to verify data through the Identity Verification System.

Education

A student residence permit in Spain is granted for:

• participation in student exchange programs at any officially recognized public or private educational or research institution;
• internships;
• volunteering activities;
• starting or continuing studies;
• scientific activities (except those that require a researcher residence permit).

Students are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week, provided that such employment is compatible with their studies.

Married students and those with children are allowed to immigrate together with their families. Visas for family members can be obtained simultaneously with the applicant and for the same duration. Invited family members are not permitted to work. The student is responsible for financially supporting both themselves and their family. The minimum required income is:

As proof of the grounds, the following documents and their copies are used:

• certificate of admission to an accredited educational institution for full-time study;
• certificate confirming participation in a student mobility program;
• agreement with a company responsible for the volunteer program;
• certificate of admission to a research or scientific center;
• contract for an unpaid internship.

Minor students must provide consent from their parents or legal guardians, indicating the center, organization, institution, or authority responsible for the program, as well as the planned duration of stay.

Self-Employment

A residence permit is intended for foreign non-residents who plan to earn income in Spain through self-employment. The initial permit is limited to the geographic area where the activity is carried out. The main requirements for migrant entrepreneurs are:

• having professional qualifications and experience in the chosen field;
• compliance of the planned activity with legal requirements;
• sufficient financial resources.

An individual entrepreneur must have:

• a list of permits, licenses, and certificates indicating the stage of their processing;
• proof of education and qualifications;
• an application or prior notification for the use of premises with a usable area of up to 750 m²;
• a copy of a certificate confirming sufficient investment (issued by a national federation, union, intersectoral association, business organization, or self-employed workers’ association).

Investment

Investors and entrepreneurs may obtain Spanish resident status. A key condition for its granting is the creation of a project related to the socio-economic or scientific and technical sphere. The investment must contribute to the creation of new jobs in Spain. Foreign nationals who wish to become residents may also direct funds to:

The purchase of a residence permit is allowed when investments are made through a legal entity that is not registered in an offshore zone. The applicant must hold a majority of voting rights in the organization (directly or indirectly) and have the authority to appoint members of its administrative body.

When purchasing real estate, the following documents must be provided:

• a preliminary contract with a paid deposit and confirmation from a Spanish financial institution of the availability of the required amount (in this case, the foreigner will be issued a visa valid for six months only);
• a certificate confirming the initiation of registration in the property register, along with receipts for tax payments;
• a certificate of ownership issued no earlier than 90 days prior, or a purchase agreement indicating the acquisition value.

An application for an investor visa can be submitted at any time, provided that the property was purchased after September 29, 2013. If the investment is made by a married couple and its amount does not exceed twice the specified threshold, only one person will receive the privileged status.

In other cases, investors must provide originals and copies of the following documents:

• a bank certificate confirming the existence of a deposit and full ownership by the applicant;
• a declaration registered in the Foreign Investment Registry (in case of acquisition of unpaid securities or equity shares);
• a certificate from a registered intermediary confirming the purchase of shares;
• a certificate from a financial institution confirming sole ownership of bonds for a period of 5 years or more;
• confirmation from the economic department of the consular district that the legal entity is not registered in an offshore zone and that the investor holds a majority of shares or has authority over the appointment of administrative staff.

The visa application must be submitted no later than 60 days after making the investment.

The investor must provide proof of sufficient financial means for living (a bank statement or indication of income sources) in the amount required for obtaining a residence permit without the right to work.

Interest in creating a business project must be confirmed by the economic and commercial department of the district. Holders of a golden visa may reside in Spain for 1 year. If they wish to stay longer, they must apply for a residence permit through investment, which is valid for 2 years. To obtain this status, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• hold a valid investor visa or remain in the country for no more than 90 calendar days after its expiration;
• visit Spain at least once during the permitted period of stay;
• confirm the retention of investments if they were made in government bonds, shares, mutual funds, or deposits.

Documentary proof of compliance with the requirements for obtaining a residence permit includes:

• a certificate confirming ownership of a deposit, unlisted shares, or equity participation, issued no more than 1 month prior;
• a certificate of property ownership obtained from the property register within 90 days before the application;
• data on the average value of investments in publicly traded securities or the number of acquired debt obligations, issued no earlier than 30 days before submission;
• a certificate confirming continued involvement in a registered company, issued by the General Directorate of Trade and Investment of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness;
• proof of tax payments.

The investor residence permit is issued within 20 days after submitting the application.

Financial Independence

This ground for obtaining a residence permit in Spain is suitable for foreign nationals who do not plan to receive employment income. The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family (in the case of joint relocation). Financial stability is confirmed by:

• property ownership rights;
• certified checks;
• credit cards (accompanied by bank certificates);
• documented income from shares or participation in a company (the applicant cannot work as an employee).

A residence permit based on financial independence (no lucrativa) is an excellent option for applicants from non-EU countries who wish to live in a warm European country.

Family Reunification

This ground involves immigration through marriage and is also applicable when there are relatives who have legally lived in Spain for at least 12 months and act as sponsors belonging to the following categories:

• spouses (not divorced), as well as individuals who have proven the authenticity of an unregistered relationship established before the relocation of the inviting party;
• minor children of a family (or cohabiting) couple, including adopted children;
• adults who are unable to care for themselves due to health conditions;
• parents of the resident and their spouse who are financially dependent on the applicant, aged 65 or older (or without age restrictions if there are humanitarian grounds). Proof of dependency includes financial support amounting to at least 51% of the annual GDP per capita in the country of origin.

The sponsor must:

• have sufficient resources to support family members (income received as social assistance is not taken into account);
• provide accommodation for foreign relatives;
• hold a residence card valid for at least 12 months.

The required financial support for relatives is established at:

• 869 EUR for a family of two (637 EUR when supporting a minor);
• 290 EUR for each additional family member.

To obtain a residence permit through family reunification, the applicant submits originals and copies of:

• marriage, birth, or adoption certificates;
• residence permit, passport, and registration documents of the sponsor;
• employment contract or declaration of income and tax payments;
• a report from the autonomous community or local municipal authority confirming the right to occupy the premises;
• a sworn statement from the sponsor confirming that they do not have another spouse;
• a court decision determining the status of a previous spouse and their children (in the case of a second marriage);
• proof of guaranteed healthcare coverage.

To relocate dependent elderly relatives, it is necessary to confirm:

• provision of financial support during the last year of the sponsor’s stay in Spain;
• family, social, economic, or health-related circumstances of the dependent person (documents are obtained in the country of origin);
• humanitarian grounds.

If children are relocated under family reunification, the following documents are required:

• an adoption decision (if the child is adopted);
• a certificate of guardianship, proof of absence of the second parent, or their consent for relocation to Spain;
• proof of inability to support themselves (for children over 18 years of age).

Research Activities

Foreign researchers are considered to be adults who are:

• research personnel (specialists must hold an academic degree and conduct research related to humans, culture, and society, and their scientific results may be used for the creation, transfer, and dissemination of new applications);
• scientific and technical personnel engaged in the study, development, and implementation of technological innovations in Spanish commercial companies or specialized centers;
• researchers invited under agreements by research organizations;
• professors employed by universities, institutions, or centers of higher education or business schools established in Spain.

The worker must have sufficient financial means, which is confirmed by a contract establishing professional relations.

For obtaining a residence permit for a researcher, the employer provides:

• the NIF of the inviting party;
• an identity document of the applicant;
• proof of the relationship between the person signing the invitation and the organization where the work will be carried out;
• a certificate of registration of the organization;
• a cooperation agreement or an invitation letter.

Family members may relocate together with the researcher:

• spouses or persons equivalent to them;
• minor and adult children if they are unable to support themselves independently;
• dependent relatives in the ascending line.

To relocate family members, it is necessary to provide proof of family ties and confirm their financial dependency (if applicable).

Refugee Status

State protection may be granted to individuals who:

• are subject to persecution in their country on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, membership in a particular social group, gender, or sexual orientation;
• are stateless persons located outside the country where they previously had their habitual residence and are unable to return there for the reasons listed above;
• have been approved by the Minister of the Interior;
• are considered displaced foreign nationals.

Migrants must provide documentary evidence that one of the above circumstances applies to them. An application for a residence permit is reviewed within 3 months, after which legalized refugees may officially work as employees or become self-employed.

Exceptional Circumstances

Special cases include the unlawful presence of foreign nationals in Spain (without valid permits). Approval for further residence may be granted to immigrants who have:

• employment ties;
• social integration;
• family connections;
• an intention to study.

Any documents containing the foreign national’s identifying data (medical certificates, administrative records, etc.) may serve as proof of residence in the country.

Applicants may legalize their status on the basis of employment ties if they:

• have lived in the country for at least 2 years, with absences not exceeding 120 days;
• have worked for more than 6 months with a schedule of at least 15 hours per week over a year or 30 hours per week over 6 months.

The migrant must provide an employment contract.

A residence permit in Spain based on social integration is available to an applicant who:

• has not left the country for more than 120 days during a three-year period of residence;
• has family ties with other foreign residents or can provide a report on social integration;
• works under a contract guaranteeing at least the minimum interprofessional salary or the wage established by a collective agreement.

Social integration is confirmed by documents proving family ties and financial means. If the immigrant has funds amounting to at least 100% of the minimum income threshold (5,900 EUR per year), submission of an employment contract is not required. The applicant is exempt from the obligation to be employed if they provide:

• information about the intention to carry out self-employed income-generating activity;
• copies of documents confirming education or qualifications required for a regulated profession in Spain;
• information about financial resources for investment or implementation of a business project and its impact (if any) on employment.

Residence based on family ties is available to immigrants who:

• provide support to Spanish nationals with disabilities;
• act as an official or non-registered partner, child, parent, or guardian of a Spanish citizen;
• are dependents aged 21–65, relatives in the ascending line over 65, or children under 21 of persons of Spanish nationality or their spouses (including non-formal partners).

The migrant must provide:

• documents establishing family relationships;
• certificates of disability;
• DNI of Spanish citizens.

For legalization based on the intention to study, the applicant must:

• have stayed in Spain for at least 2 years, with total absences not exceeding 90 days;
• demonstrate the intention to study for employment purposes, to confirm technical suitability or qualifications in a profession promoted by the employment service, or to receive university education / complete courses.

Enrollment in an educational institution must take place no later than 3 months from the date of granting the right to reside. The intention is confirmed by an official certificate or a written statement.

Features of Obtaining a Residence Permit

The procedure for issuing a Spanish residence permit varies depending on the grounds for legalization; however, there are general provisions that apply to all foreign nationals.

Applicant Requirements and Conditions for Processing

All immigrants wishing to obtain a residence permit in Spain must meet the following criteria:

• absence of an unresolved immigration status;
• no criminal record in the country of residence over the previous 5 years for offenses recognized under Spanish law;
• prior compliance with migration regulations;
• permitted entry into the territory of the Kingdom and the states with which relevant bilateral agreements have been signed.

For foreign nationals, except those obtaining a residence permit on humanitarian grounds or based on integration, the following requirements also apply:

• absence of diseases that may pose serious public health risks in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations;
• possession of health insurance issued by an organization operating in Spain.

List of Documents

Citizens of non-EU countries wishing to reside in the country for more than six months must provide:

• an application form completed in accordance with the chosen procedure;
• a copy of a passport issued no more than 10 years ago, containing at least 2 blank pages;
• a certificate of no criminal record;
• a color passport-size photograph;
• medical insurance;
• proof of payment of the visa fee;
• evidence of residence within the consular district.

Documents issued in a foreign language must be officially translated into Spanish and legalized by the consulate.

Processing Time and Cost

The duration of the residence permit application process depends on:

• the foreign national’s location (if already in the country, there is no need to obtain a visa);
• the grounds for issuing the permit.

It is not possible to speed up the status change process; however, delays can be avoided by preparing documents in a timely manner and ensuring they remain valid and compliant with the requirements.

Tax Residency

Tax resident status is granted to individuals and companies that stay in Spain for more than 183 days within a calendar year or have their center of economic interests in the country. If residency cannot be determined based on these criteria, it is established according to:

• place of registration (residence);
• citizenship;
• agreement between the competent authorities.

Obtaining this status entails the obligation to pay taxes on the same basis as Spanish citizens. To avoid similar tax obligations in the country of origin, it is necessary to obtain a tax residency certificate, which is issued for 1 year (through the tax agency’s website using a personal DNI or NIE).

Health Insurance

Having health insurance is a mandatory requirement for entering Spain with a type D visa for applicants from non-EU countries. The policy must be valid for the entire duration of the trip. The minimum insurance coverage is 30,000 EUR.

The policy can be purchased online:

• fill out the application form and pay for the selected services;
• receive an electronic insurance certificate via email;
• print the document before traveling.

It is also possible to visit the office of the selected company, where an employee will enter the client’s passport data, print the document, and affix signatures and stamps.

The applicant specifies the start date of the trip and the duration of the policy according to the travel period. The cost of insurance depends on the list of covered risks (minimum, standard, or full coverage can be selected).

Language Courses

One of the easiest ways to move to Spain is to enroll in long-term language courses. The main advantages of this option are an easy start to integration and the opportunity to continue education. A suitable school in terms of tuition cost can be found in the capital or any region.

Refusal of Issuance

The most common reasons for refusal of a residence permit in Spain are:

• violation of the permitted duration of stay;
• incorrect selection of the visa type;
• unconfirmed purpose of the trip.

Renewal of the Residence Permit

When the residence permit expires, a foreign national may initiate its renewal. The decision is made by immigration authorities based on information regarding:

• criminal record;
• compliance with tax and social security obligations.

The chances of a positive decision are higher for migrants who have made efforts to integrate into economic, social, cultural, and political life, as well as to obtain education.

An application for renewal can be submitted:

• through the Mercurio online electronic system;
• in person at the immigration office.

The application must be submitted no earlier than 60 days before the expiration of the permitted period of stay and no later than 90 days after its expiration, with confirmation that the original grounds for entry remain valid. In all cases, the following must be provided:

• a copy of a valid passport;
• reports on school attendance (if minor children of the appropriate age relocated with the applicant) and proof of integration (issued by the autonomous community at the place of residence).

Foreign nationals who do not have the right to work must additionally provide health insurance and proof of sufficient financial means.

The renewed permit will be valid for the following period:

The service fee is approximately 17 EUR, and for students — 18 EUR.

To renew a residence permit with the right to work, it is necessary to:

• receive compensation payments or state assistance;
• be employed for at least 3 months per year, provided there is a new contract, or actively seek employment;
• extend employment relations;
• prove loss of employment due to gender inequality;
• work or be registered in the social security system for at least 9 months out of 12 or 18 out of 24;
• require reunification with a spouse or partner.

Residents who arrived in the country through family reunification, as well as researchers and students, can renew their status by providing the same documents as for the initial application. Self-employed individuals continuing their business activities do not need to provide additional proof — they only need to pay the work permit fee of 82 EUR. The decision on the application is made within up to 3 months (for researchers — within 20 days).

Foreign nationals who have lived continuously in Spain for 5 years may apply for permanent residence, which grants access to most benefits and social rights available to local citizens. After 10 years of residency, they may apply for citizenship.