How to Obtain Residency in Spain: A 2026 Guide

Last updated: March 2026

📋 At a Glance: Spain is an appealing choice for individuals seeking a new place to work, live, study, invest, and enjoy a high quality of life within the European Union. There are multiple routes to get a residence permit in Spain, with specific rules and regulations.

Spain is an appealing choice for individuals seeking a new place to work, live, study, invest, and enjoy a high quality of life within the European Union. There are multiple routes to get a residence permit in Spain, with specific rules and regulations. This article provides an in-depth examination of the multitude of residency options specifically for non-EU citizens. We'll go through three main residency types, examine the procedures for obtaining the right to live, and outline the main advantages of residency in Spain. ‍

Understanding Residency in Spain: An Overview for Non-EU Citizens

Spain consistently ranks among the most desirable destinations in Europe for investors, retirees, remote workers, and families alike. From the cosmopolitan energy of Madrid and Barcelona to the sun-drenched coastlines of Andalusia and the Balearic Islands, the country offers an unparalleled quality of life. For non-EU nationals wondering how to get residency in Spain, the good news is that the Spanish government has designed several clear, accessible pathways to legal residency.

A Spanish residence permit grants you the legal right to live, and in many cases work, within Spain. Depending on the route you take, it may also provide access to Spain's world-class healthcare system, its internationally respected education network, and — critically — the ability to travel freely across the 27 Schengen Area member states without additional visas.

The three most relevant residency routes for high-net-worth individuals and their families are:

• The Spain Golden Visa (Investor Visa) — designed for those making a qualifying investment in Spain.
• The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) — suited for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient passive income or savings without needing to work in Spain.
• The Digital Nomad Visa — a newer route introduced for remote workers and freelancers earning income from outside Spain.

Each pathway has its own requirements, benefits, and application process. We explore each in detail below. You may also wish to explore our broader guide to the best golden visa investment programmes worldwide to compare Spain with other leading jurisdictions.

The Spain Golden Visa: How to Get Residency in Spain Through Investment

The Spain Golden Visa programme, formally known as the Investor Residence Visa, was introduced in 2013 under the Entrepreneurs Act. It is the flagship investment migration route in Spain and remains one of the most sought-after golden visa programmes in Europe. It grants residency to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in the Spanish economy.

What is the Spain Golden Visa? The Spain Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment programme that allows non-EU/EEA citizens and their families to obtain a Spanish residence permit in exchange for a significant qualifying investment. The initial visa is valid for one year (or two years if applied for from within Spain), and can be renewed in two-year increments provided the investment is maintained.

Qualifying Investment Options

There are several qualifying investment routes, each with its own minimum threshold:

• Real estate investment: A minimum of €500,000 in Spanish property, free of mortgages or encumbrances on the qualifying portion. This has historically been the most popular route.
• Capital investment in Spanish companies: A minimum of €1,000,000 in shares or equity stakes in Spanish companies.
• Bank deposits: A minimum of €1,000,000 in deposits with Spanish financial institutions.
• Government bonds: A minimum of €2,000,000 in Spanish public debt (Treasury bonds).
• Investment funds: A minimum of €1,000,000 in Spanish investment funds or venture capital funds.
• Business projects of general interest: Investment in a business project that creates employment, has a notable socioeconomic impact, or makes a significant contribution to scientific or technological innovation.

It is important to note that the Spanish government has indicated intentions to reform certain aspects of the Golden Visa programme — most notably signalling a potential review of the real estate route. Prospective investors should seek up-to-date professional advice. Contact Mirabello Consultancy for a free consultation to understand the current status of each investment route before committing.

For further reading on comparable programmes, explore our dedicated page on the Spain Golden Visa programme.

Other Residency Routes: Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa

The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

The Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal for individuals who have sufficient financial means to support themselves in Spain without engaging in any professional activity within the country. It is particularly popular among retirees and those with substantial passive income streams, such as dividends, rental income, or pension payments.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate monthly income of at least €2,400 per month (approximately the equivalent of 400% of Spain's IPREM indicator), plus an additional €600 per month for each dependent family member. Crucially, NLV holders are not permitted to work in Spain. Unlike the Golden Visa, the NLV does require the holder to spend a significant portion of the year in Spain (more than 183 days annually), which will trigger Spanish tax residency.

The NLV is issued initially for one year and can be renewed for two-year periods. After five years of continuous legal residency, NLV holders may apply for long-term residency.

The Digital Nomad Visa

Introduced as part of Spain's Start-Up Act in 2023, the Digital Nomad Visa (officially the International Teleworking Visa) enables non-EU remote workers and self-employed freelancers to reside in Spain while working for clients or employers based outside the country. To qualify, applicants must earn a minimum of €2,646 per month (equivalent to 200% of Spain's minimum wage) and demonstrate an employment or contractual relationship with a foreign company or clients.

Applicants must show that their employer or clients are based outside Spain and that they have been employed or freelancing for at least three months prior to the application. The Digital Nomad Visa is granted for one year and can be renewed for two-year periods, with a maximum stay of five years before transitioning to a standard long-term residency permit.

Eligibility Requirements for Spanish Residency

Whilst requirements vary by route, there are several core eligibility criteria that apply across all main Spanish residency programmes for non-EU nationals:

• Valid passport: A passport with at least one year's validity remaining (two years is recommended).
• Clean criminal record: A certificate confirming no criminal convictions in Spain or any country of residence during the past five years.
• Health insurance: Full private health insurance coverage in Spain that is valid for the duration of the initial residency period.
• Financial means: Demonstrated ability to support yourself and your dependants financially in Spain.
• Medical certificate: A certificate confirming that the applicant does not suffer from any disease that could represent a public health risk according to international health regulations.
• Age requirement: Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
• No prior inadmissibility: The applicant must not appear on any Schengen Area inadmissibility list.

For the Golden Visa specifically, proof of the qualifying investment and evidence of its legality and legitimacy are also required. Mirabello Consultancy's expert team will guide you through every document to ensure nothing is overlooked.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Understanding how to get residency in Spain requires a clear grasp of the application process. Whilst the exact steps differ slightly by route, the following outlines the general procedure for the Spain Golden Visa — the most commonly pursued route among our clients.

1. Initial assessment and planning: Engage a specialist immigration consultancy such as Mirabello Consultancy to assess your eligibility, identify the most suitable investment route, and begin document preparation.
2. Make the qualifying investment: Complete the purchase of real estate, transfer of funds, or other qualifying investment. Obtain official proof of investment (e.g., notarised title deed for property).
3. Gather supporting documents: This includes your passport, criminal record certificate (apostilled), medical certificate, private health insurance policy, and proof of financial means.
4. Apply for the initial visa: Non-EU applicants residing outside Spain submit the initial application at the Spanish consulate or embassy in their country of residence. Applicants already legally present in Spain may apply directly to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) — the Large Business and Strategic Groups Unit.
5. Receive your national visa: Upon approval, a one-year national visa (type D) is issued, which serves as your initial residence authorisation.
6. Travel to Spain and obtain your TIE: Within the first year, you must travel to Spain and apply for your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) — the physical foreign identity card — at your local immigration office.
7. Renewal: Golden Visa holders may renew their residency permit every two years, provided the investment is maintained. No minimum stay is required for renewal.

The entire process is considerably smoother with professional support. Speak with our team at Mirabello Consultancy to begin your application with confidence.

Processing Times and Costs

One of the most frequently asked questions from prospective applicants is how long the process takes and what the total investment looks like.

Processing Times

• Initial Golden Visa application: Typically 2 to 4 months from the date of a complete application submission.
• Non-Lucrative Visa: Approximately 1 to 3 months at the relevant Spanish consulate.
• Digital Nomad Visa: Typically 20 to 45 business days for consular applications; applications from within Spain may take 20 business days.
• TIE card issuance (once in Spain): Usually 30 to 60 days after appointment.

Costs and Investment Thresholds

• Golden Visa (real estate): Minimum investment of €500,000, plus property acquisition taxes (typically 6–10% for resale property or 10% VAT for new builds), notary fees, and legal fees.
• Golden Visa (capital/bonds): From €1,000,000 to €2,000,000 depending on the asset class.
• Government application fees: Approximately €80 to €160 per applicant for visa processing fees.
• Professional fees: Legal and consultancy fees vary; Mirabello Consultancy provides a transparent fee structure tailored to your specific circumstances.
• Annual health insurance: Typically €1,000 to €3,000 per person per year depending on age and coverage.

Benefits of Spanish Residency

Obtaining legal residency in Spain brings a wide array of meaningful advantages that extend far beyond simply having the right to live in the country.

• Schengen Area access: Travel freely across all 27 Schengen member states without additional visas.
• World-class healthcare: Access to Spain's highly regarded public and private healthcare system, consistently ranked among the best in Europe.
• Education: Access to Spanish public schools (free of charge for residents) and internationally recognised universities.
• Stable EU jurisdiction: Residence within a stable, rule-of-law governed EU member state.
• Pathway to citizenship: After 10 years of legal residency (reduced to 2 years for nationals of Latin American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal), applicants may apply for Spanish citizenship and, with it, an EU passport.
• No minimum stay for Golden Visa holders: Unlike the NLV, Golden Visa holders are not required to spend a minimum number of days in Spain each year to maintain their permit, offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Business opportunities: Access to Spain's €1.4 trillion economy and the broader EU single market.
• Quality of life: Spain's Mediterranean climate, rich culture, excellent gastronomy, and vibrant social life consistently make it one of the most liveable countries in the world.

To compare Spain with other leading investment migration destinations, visit our comprehensive guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes.

Including Your Family in Your Spanish Residency Application

One of the most valued aspects of the Spanish residency programmes — particularly the Golden Visa — is the ability to extend the benefits to your immediate family members through a single application. Spain's family reunification provisions are generous and inclusive.

The following family members may typically be included as dependants on a principal applicant's Golden Visa:

• Spouse or registered partner
• Dependent children under 18
• Adult children aged 18 or over, provided they are unmarried and financially dependent on the principal applicant
• Dependent parents of either the principal applicant or their spouse

All included family members receive the same residence permit as the principal applicant, with the same validity period and renewal cycle. Each family member must meet the same fundamental eligibility criteria (clean criminal record, health insurance, medical certificate) and pay the applicable government processing fee of approximately €80 to €160 per person.

It is worth noting that including family members in your application does not increase the minimum investment threshold — the qualifying investment remains the same regardless of the number of family members included. This makes the Spain Golden Visa an exceptionally cost-effective solution for families seeking a shared EU base.

For detailed guidance on including your family in your application, we recommend reading our dedicated page on the Spain Golden Visa programme or speaking directly with our advisers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Residency in Spain