“Hi, I’m thinking about moving to Spain long-term and would like to know the process for obtaining residency as a foreigner. What are the steps involved, and do I need a special visa or work permit to stay? Is it possible to apply for residency while living in Spain, or do I need to do it before moving? Any tips for someone who is not from the EU? Thanks!”
If you’re planning to live in Spain long-term as a foreigner, there are various ways to obtain residency, and the process depends largely on your nationality, reason for staying, and specific situation. Here’s a guide to the most common ways to gain residence in Spain.
1. Residency for EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
If you’re from an EU country, EEA, or Switzerland, the process is relatively simple. You don’t need a visa to enter Spain. However, you must apply for residence within the first 3 months of your stay if you plan to live long-term.
- How to Apply:
After 3 months, you must apply for a residence certificate (certificado de registro) at the local Foreigner’s Office or Police Station. You will need to show proof of employment, sufficient funds, or student status.- Required documents:
- Passport or ID card
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of sufficient income or employment
- Required documents:
Once approved, you’ll receive a residence certificate, which allows you to live and work in Spain without additional permits.
2. Residency for Non-EU Citizens
If you are not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, the process is more complex. Non-EU citizens must apply for a residence visa before entering Spain, and there are different types based on your situation:
A. Work Visa
To work in Spain, you’ll need a work visa. This requires having a job offer from a Spanish employer, who must apply on your behalf for the visa. The employer must prove that no suitable Spanish or EU candidates are available for the job.
- Types of Work Visas:
- Highly Skilled Worker Visa: For professionals with a university degree or specialized skills.
- Seasonal Work Visa: For those coming to work in seasonal industries like agriculture or tourism.
- Intra-company Transfer Visa: For employees who are transferred from a company branch in another country to a Spanish branch.
B. Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
If you want to retire or live in Spain without working, you can apply for a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa. This allows you to stay in Spain for up to one year and can be renewed.
- Requirements:
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself (usually €2,130 per month)
- Health insurance coverage in Spain
- No criminal record in Spain or your home country
C. Entrepreneur or Startup Visa
If you plan to start your own business in Spain, you can apply for an Entrepreneur Visa. You’ll need to prove that your business will create jobs, contribute to the Spanish economy, or offer something innovative.
D. Golden Visa (Investor Visa)
The Golden Visa is available for individuals who invest a significant amount of money in Spain, typically through:
- Real estate: Buying property worth €500,000 or more.
- Business investment: Investing in Spanish companies or creating jobs.
This visa allows you to live in Spain and also provides the opportunity to bring family members.
E. Family Reunification Visa
If you are married to a Spanish citizen or a resident in Spain, you can apply for a family reunification visa to bring your spouse, children, or other dependents to live with you in Spain. You must show that you can financially support your family and provide accommodation.
3. Applying for Residency After Arriving in Spain
If you are already living in Spain and wish to apply for residency, the process will vary based on your situation.
- If you arrived as a tourist (and are from outside the EU), you may need to apply for a residence permit or visa before your initial stay ends.
- Long-term Residence Permit: If you’ve lived in Spain for 5 years legally (with temporary residence), you can apply for permanent residency. This allows you to live, work, and study without restrictions.
4. Permanent Residency (After 5 Years)
Once you have lived in Spain legally for 5 consecutive years (with a temporary residence permit), you can apply for permanent residency.
- Requirements:
- You must show that you’ve been living in Spain without significant absences.
- You need to prove that you’ve been working, studying, or financially self-sufficient during this time.
Once granted, permanent residency gives you the same rights as a Spanish citizen, except for voting rights.
5. Citizenship by Naturalization (After 10 Years)
After 10 years of living in Spain continuously and legally, you may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship. There are exceptions for certain nationalities (e.g., citizens from Latin American countries only need 2 years of residence).
- Requirements:
- You must have lived in Spain without interruptions.
- You should be able to demonstrate integration into Spanish society (knowledge of the Spanish language, culture, and social systems).
After obtaining citizenship, you can apply for a Spanish passport, which grants you the ability to live and work anywhere in the EU.
6. Tips for the Application Process
- Start early: The application process can be lengthy, so it’s advisable to start the process well in advance of your intended move or long-term stay.
- Documentation: Ensure that you have all the necessary documents, translated into Spanish if required, and up-to-date (such as financial proof, health insurance, etc.).
- Consult a lawyer or expert: The process can be tricky, especially for non-EU citizens. A specialized immigration lawyer can help ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Becoming a resident in Spain is possible for both EU and non-EU citizens, but the process differs depending on your nationality, reason for moving, and length of stay. For EU citizens, it’s relatively simple, whereas non-EU citizens may need to apply for a specific visa. Whether you’re working, retiring, investing, or reuniting with family, Spain offers several pathways to residency. The key is to make sure you meet the requirements and start the application process early.