Residency in Spain
A rich culture, beautiful, breathtaking landscapes, and a flourishing economy are some of the reasons Spain is one of the top destinations for starting a new life. Whatever your attraction to Spain might be, you will need a residence permit to live legally in the country.
However, the bureaucracy and paperwork that goes into moving to a new country are enormous. At Total Law, we can help you navigate the process of getting the right Spanish residence permit for your stay. You can place a call across to us at +44 (0) 333 305 9375.
What is a Residence Permit in Spain?
A Spanish residence permit is an authorisation for non-EU citizens to enter and live in Spain legally for a period longer than 90 days. This residency in Spain is different from what is obtainable from a short-stay or Schengen visa.
With a residence permit, you can live and work in Spain legally. However, understand that the possession of a residence permit does not always enable you to work full-time in Spain. If your visa is a student visa, your residence permit will only allow you to work part-time.
Note that this permit is exclusively for non-EU citizens. If you are a citizen of a European Union country, you can move to Spain with less hassle and a faster procedure.
Spain Residence Permit — Key facts
| Item | Summary |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals need a residence permit to stay >90 days; EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use EU registration routes. |
| Short vs long stay | Short-stay / Schengen = up to 90 days. Residence permit = stays longer than 90 days (temporary or permanent). |
| Temporary residence (typical) | Authorises stays >90 days and <5 years (initial typically 1 year; renewable up to 5 years). Path to permanent after 5 years. |
| Permanent residence | Available after 5 continuous years of legal residence; grants indefinite stay (Tarjeta de residencia permanente). (Administracion) |
| TIE / NIE difference (short) | NIE = identification number; TIE = physical Foreigner Identity Card (includes the NIE) for non-EU nationals. Apply for TIE after arrival |
| Critical documents usually required | Valid passport, proof of funds, health insurance, visa-specific documents (work contract, enrolment, marriage certificate, etc.). |
| Key regulatory update | New Extranjería Regulation (Real Decreto 1155/2024) entered into force 20 May 2025; the Golden Visa real-estate route was removed (deadline for that route: 3 Apr 2025). (BOE) |
Types of Residence Permits in Spain
Overview
There are basically two types of residence permits in Spain: temporary residence permits and permanent residence permits.
Temporary residence permits allow non-EU citizens to stay for a period between 6 months to 5 years. After five years with a temporary permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit that will enable you to stay indefinitely in Spain.
Note that you cannot apply for a permanent residence permit directly. You must have gotten a temporary residence permit before switching to a permanent one.
Temporary Residence Permit in Spain
The Spain temporary residence permit is an option for people who want to stay in Spain for a short period. It is also the first permit needed before applying for a permanent residence permit.
The residence permit would be typically granted for one year. However, the permit can be renewed after the basic one-year elapses. You can renew your Spanish temporary residency for a maximum of 5 years.
With the Spanish temporary residency, non-EU nationals can live in Spain for more than six months and less than five years. This residency is available for immigration to Spain based on different reasons. It could be given to you for work, study, or family reunification.
You can apply for a temporary residence permit if you are in any of these categories (though it is not limited to these categories):
- You have been offered a job in Spain.
- You gained admission to a Spanish educational program or university.
- You are a spouse, child, or parent of a Spanish citizen (Family Reunification).
- You are self-employed, and your business is economically viable.
- You have a significant investment in Spain, such as in property.
The first step to getting a temporary residence permit is getting the appropriate residence visa for your stay. The permit is not the same as a visa. Non-EU nationals use four common visas to get a temporary residence permit in Spain. They are:
- Long-term Work Visa
- Self-employed and Freelance Work Visa
- Student Visa
- Non-lucrative Visa
After the approval of your residence visa, you will travel to Spain, where you will apply for your temporary residence permit. Applying for a temporary residence in Spain requires that you have certain documents ready. Ensure you have all the documents ready before you start the application process.
These documents include a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial support, health insurance, and other documents peculiar to your visa, like your work contract or acceptance letter to a Spanish university.
Residency types comparison
| Type | Purpose / main use | Eligible | Initial validity / renewal | Work allowed? | Path to permanent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Residence (general) | Work, study, family, investor, non-lucrative | Non-EU nationals with an approved visa | Typically 1 year (varies by route); renewable; up to 5 years continuous | Depends on visa (student = often restricted; work visas = allowed) | After 5 continuous years → permanent. |
| Permanent Residence (residencia permanente) | Indefinite legal residence | Non-EU and qualifying family members after 5 years legal residence | Indefinite (card) | Yes (full rights) | n/a (already permanent). |
| EU Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro) | EU/EEA/Swiss nationals & families | EU/EEA/Swiss citizens & certain family members | Apply within 3 months; certificate valid 5 years (renewable) | Yes (under EU freedom of movement) | After 5 years → permanent EU residence card (10-year cards exist in different contexts). |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Residency for people who will not work in Spain | Non-EU nationals with sufficient funds and insurance | Initially 1 year; renewable | No (not allowed to work in Spain) | Can lead to long-term/permanent after meeting legal residence requirements. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
| Work Visa (employed) | Employment contract with Spanish employer | Non-EU nationals with job offer & employer paperwork | Varies (often 1–2 years) | Yes | Contributes to the 5 years for permanent residency. |
| Self-Employed / Entrepreneur Visa | For freelancers/business owners | Non-EU nationals with viable business plan | Varies | Yes (self-employment) | Contributes to 5-year count. |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote work / longer stays for remote workers (new/regulated under recent reforms) | Non-EU nationals meeting income / contractual criteria | Varies (see Extranjería reform) | Generally permitted under conditions | Contributes to residence time (regulation updates apply). |
| Golden Visa (Residency by Investment) | Historical investor route | Investor categories (until recent reform) | Historically 1–2+ yrs; renewals | Yes | Real-estate route removed (effective 3 Apr 2025) — check current law for remaining investor routes. |
Permanent Residence Permit in Spain
Getting the right of permanent residence in Spain for citizens of member states of the EU or their family members who are non-EU nationals can be relatively easy. All they have to do is to have legally lived in Spain for five continuous years and apply.
The same five continuous years apply to non-EU citizens who want to reside in Spain permanently. Holders of the residence permit can live and work in Spain enjoying the same privileges as a Spanish citizen.
Regardless of your reason for wanting to stay in Spain, you can apply for a permanent residency in Spain as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. With this type of residency comes several advantages.
You can bring your spouse, children, or parents to join you in Spain. This is different from the reunification with spouse and children available with a temporary residency. You also get to live in Spain indefinitely.
You will get a Permanent Residency card (Tarjeta Comunitaria Permanente) to prove your authorisation to reside in Spain permanently. All non-EU immigrants can get a permanent residence permit as long as they meet the requirements.
Other Residency Routes for Spain
Unlike non-EU citizens who require a visa to migrate to Spain, EU member state citizens can migrate to Spain without a visa. However, EU citizens still have certain obligations to residency in Spain, whether they stay for a short or long period.
We have explained these residency routes below.
The EU Registry Certificate
The EU Registry Certificate is peculiar to EU member state citizens and citizens of Switzerland. It is known as the green card and enables you to stay in Spain legally for three months or more.
With this certificate, you will be known as an EU citizen living in Spain, which will distinguish you from other types of foreigners. In addition, registration for the EU Registry certificate is a simple and fast process. You do not need a NIE number or TIE to get it since you are an EU member state citizen.
This certificate is valid for five years with the option to renew after its expiration. Renewal of the certificate will enable you to apply for a permanent certificate that lasts up to 10 years. Note that you have to apply for this certificate not more than three months after you arrive in Spain.
The documents required for application depend on your purpose for residing in Spain. Some of the documents that might be required to apply for the certificate include:
- Social Security registration documents
- Job contract if you are moving to Spain as an employee
- Recruitment declaration from an employer featuring the company’s name, address, and tax identification number (CIF)
- Registration in the census of economic activities or a registration in the commercial registry documents for your business if you are moving in as an investor
- Registration with the Spanish social security system for business owners
- Proof of financial ability to cater for yourself throughout your stay in the country
- Public or private health insurance documents
- Enrollment certificate or admission letter into any educational centre in Spain for students
- Valid passport as specified by the immigration authority
- A copy of application form EX-18
- Proof of payment of all corresponding fees for this application
You can apply for an EU Registry Certificate at the nearest immigration office or police station to the Spanish city in which you stay.
Spanish Citizenship
With Spanish citizenship, you can enjoy the same benefits as a Spanish national. There are no restrictions to travelling using this residency route, and you get to have a permanent Spanish ID instead of a residency permit or passport.
Getting your Spanish citizenship is considered the best residency route, as you get to enjoy a host of benefits. You can vote during elections in Spain and work at any organisation.
However, it is important to note that Spain does not support dual citizenship. You would have to renounce citizenship of your original nationality unless you are from a Spanish-American country, Andorra, Portugal, the Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea.
This residency route is not for everyone, though. You get Spanish citizenship by marriage, descent, or naturalisation. You apply if your spouse is Spanish and you have lived in Spain for more than a year with your residence permit. You can also apply if one or both of your parents are Spanish, your grandparent is Spanish, or a Spanish national adopted you before your 18th birthday.
There is also citizenship by naturalisation, which allows you to become a Spanish citizen if you have lived in Spain for ten years without a criminal record. Refugees can also get Spanish citizenship by naturalisation after five years of living in the country. Foreigners from a Spanish territory or American country can apply after two years.
General Requirements for Spanish Citizenship
Whether you apply to become a citizen by occasion of your descent, marriage, or naturalisation, you would have to meet certain requirements. Some of the general requirements for becoming a Spanish citizen include:
- No criminal record during your stay in Spain prior to your citizenship application
- Valid marriage certificate and registry for citizenship by marriage
- Birth certificate proving parents are Spanish nationals for citizenship by descent
- Passing the two citizenship exams, DELE A2 and CCSE
- Other documents like a passport photograph and proof of application payment are also needed.
You can start your application online and pay the application fee before going to the immigration office to finish it.
Spain Foreign Identity Card and NIE Number
The foreign identity card, Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero in Spanish, is a document that proves your stay in Spain is legal and approved. It is also known as the TIE card from its Spanish name. If your stay is longer than six months and you are a foreigner, you will need to obtain this card. It would contain your name, NIE number, and stay validity.
The NIE number is your foreign identity number in Spain. This unique number is assigned to every foreigner staying for and beyond six months in Spain. It appears on all important documents and is required for other applications you might want to do in the country.
You are supposed to start the application for a Spain Foreign Identity Crad within your first month in the country. Remember, you might not get the card in the same month because of the long processing time. However, you would get a temporary TIE till the original card is ready.
Whether you are an EU member state national or non-EU national, you will need to get a foreign identity card and an NIE number. The documents needed are the same as those presented during your visa processing. Take a copy of these documents along with you when going for the application.
You will also need to submit a few other documents along with your application. They are:
- Form EX15
- Form EX-17
- A recent coloured photograph that complies with the standardised specification
- Social Security registration document
- Proof of payment for the card application fee
Application for the Spanish Foreign Identity card and NIE number can be made online. You will also pay the application fee online. The interview for the card can be done at the Spanish immigration office or police station nearest to you.
NIE vs TIE (practical)
| Item | NIE | TIE |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A tax/ID number for foreigners (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). | Physical Foreigner Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) issued to non-EU residents; includes the NIE. |
| Who needs it | Anyone (EU and non-EU) for administrative procedures; EU citizens may only need NIE number for some procedures. | |
| Who receives the card | Non-EU nationals who will reside >180 days usually get a TIE card (physical). | |
| When to apply | If visa/permits >180 days: apply for TIE within 1 month of arrival (or as specified in the visa decision). NIE number often obtained via consulate or at police when applying for TIE. | |
| Where | Immigration Office / Police station (provincial). |
How Total Law Can Help
The process of getting residency in Spain can be complex and overwhelming. You have to figure out the kind of residency in Spain that will help you achieve your goals. You also have to ensure that you submit your applications on time so you do not end up staying illegal. It can get stressful and complicated fast if you do not have the right information.
However, the assistance of an expert can help you navigate the process with relative ease. At Total Law, we aim to help you gain your residency permit in Spain without stress or complications. Our trained immigration lawyers understand the intricacies of residency in Spain.
You can have your documents and immigration history analysed to determine your eligibility for your preferred residency permit. You do not have to spend time and resources applying for a residency you cannot get. With the aid of our knowledgeable immigration lawyers, we will guide you in the right direction.
Do you want to get your residency permit without getting into any of the common pitfalls? At Total Law, we can help you get your residency permit on your first try. You can reach out to us at +44 (0) 333 305 9375.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can leave while you are waiting for your TIE card, but you have to apply for Autorización de Regreso, an authorisation to return. You can get this authorisation at your local police station when you provide a valid reason to leave, such as an emergency. This authorisation is usually granted within a few days, and it is valid for 90 days from the day of issuance. Ensure you also book a direct flight to Spain, as you are only legally permitted to enter Spain.
It depends on the type of residence that you are applying for and whether you are an EU citizen. Where EU citizens only need a minimum of €6,000 in a bank account or a salary from their job in Spain to get a residency certificate that will allow them to stay for more than three months, non-EU citizens need a minimum of €28,800 for a non-lucrative visa before applying for a residency permit. The application fee for a permanent residence permit may cost €75.
Your TIE, foreign identity card is valid until the end of your residence visa. You can also extend it after you have renewed your residence visa.
Yes, buying a house in Spain can help you get residency in Spain, but it is not automatic. A property valued at €500,000 or more allows you to apply for a Golden Visa. The visa program enables non-EU citizens to obtain a Spanish residency permit in exchange for a significant investment in the country. The investment has to be in your name, and you have to have no criminal record.
With this visa, you can live and work in Spain for two years, renew the visa for another two years, and then apply for permanent residency in Spain after five years. After ten years of living and working in Spain, you can apply for Spanish citizenship.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Total Law before making any decisions based on the content provided.