Nine ways to get Spanish residency in 2025

Spain is one of the largest countries in the European Union. It sits on the Iberian Peninsula, occupying more than two thirds of its territory, and shares borders with Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the north, and Gibraltar and Morocco to the south. The country is renowned for its beaches and seas, its cuisine and nightlife, and the warmth and easy friendliness of its people.

Grounds for Spanish residency

Study

Technically this is not a residence permit but a long-stay category D visa. In practice, however, it offers the same opportunities as a residence permit.

Financial independence

To qualify, you must demonstrate passive income of at least 2,400 euros, savings of at least 28,800 euros, and property in Spain.

Investment

The minimum investment is 500,000 euros.

Digital nomad visa

Formally a long-stay visa, it delivers the same benefits as a residence permit. You will need to prove a steady income of at least 2,520 euros per month.

Startup

The startup must be built on scientific or technological innovation and operate in IT, environmental technology, the automotive sector, or renewable energy. A business plan is required.

Starting a business

You will need to submit a business plan and show that you have sufficient funds to carry it out.

Employment

An official employment contract with a Spanish employer is required.

Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit valid in an EU member state. It is available to highly qualified professionals in occupations that are in demand across the EU.

Family reunification

You may apply for residency through family reunification if a close relative has been a resident of Spain for at least one year.

Benefits of Spanish residency

• Free movement throughout Europe
• The right to live in Spain permanently
• Access to world-class education and healthcare
• The right to buy property
• Eligibility for a European driving licence
• A path to permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten

What changed in 2025-2026

• The golden visa was abolished. Since 3 April 2025 residence for buying property or other investments from €500,000 is no longer issued. Those who got it earlier renew on the old terms.
• New rules for foreigners apply from 20 May 2025: the first permit is usually issued for a year, and renewal straight for 4 years.
• Regularisation after living in Spain is now possible after 2 years instead of 3, in five forms: social ties, work, study, family and for those who lost their status.
• Students can work up to 30 hours a week.

Amounts for 2026

Amounts are based on the social benefits index, €600 a month, and the 2026 minimum wage, €1,221 a month in 14 payments a year. Dollars at the European Central Bank rate of 05.10.2026, rounded up.

What it costs

Steps and timeline

1. Choosing the basis and documents, 3-6 weeks.
2. Filing at the consulate where you live or, for nomads, in Spain via the office for large companies and talent.
3. Decision, usually 1-3 months at a consulate, about 20 working days for in-country applications.
4. Entry and registration at the town hall.
5. Foreigner's card, applied for within a month of entry, with fingerprints at the police.

Documents and where to get them

• a passport valid for at least a year;
• apostilled police clearances from countries of residence in the last 5 years;
• a medical certificate;
• health insurance from a Spanish insurer with no co-payments or limits;
• statements and proof of income: pension, rent, dividends, deposits or a contract with a foreign employer;
• for nomads, a degree or 3 years of experience and proof the employer has operated for at least a year.

Why applications are refused

• income below the threshold or its regularity not proven;
• insurance with co-payments or limits;
• for non-working residence, employment income instead of passive income;
• an incomplete file or documents without apostille and translation;
• a criminal record or past entry violations.

Holder's taxes

After 183 days a year you become a Spanish tax resident and pay tax on worldwide income at 19-47%. Inbound workers and nomads can choose a special regime: 24% on income up to €600,000 a year for 6 years, with foreign capital income not taxed. More on the Spain taxes page.

Permanent residence and citizenship

After 5 years of legal residence a long-term permit is issued. Citizenship comes after 10 years, or 2 years for nationals of Latin American countries, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines and Equatorial Guinea. An A2 Spanish exam and a Constitution and culture test are required. A child born in Spain can become a citizen after just a year; see citizenship by birth.

Comparison with neighbours

What we do

We choose the basis for your income and family, check insurance and statements, prepare and translate documents, file at the consulate or in Spain, support you through to the foreigner's card and calculate taxes before the move. We fix our fee in writing after a free consultation.

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