Whether you’re planning to retire, work remotely, reunite with family, or launch a business, staying in Spain legally for more than 90 days requires residency authorization. And if you’re based in Catalonia’s capital, understanding how to get Spanish residency in Barcelona is essential.
This step-by-step guide explains what type of residency you need, the documents to prepare, and how to complete the process with legal help from experts.
👤 Who Needs to Apply for Residency in Barcelona?
You need to apply if:
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You’re a non-EU citizen staying longer than 90 days
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You’re an EU/EEA citizen planning to live or work in Spain
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You’re a spouse, child, or dependent of someone living in Barcelona
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You’re already in Spain and want to transition to legal residency (e.g. from tourist to digital nomad visa)
🔍 Step 1: Choose the Right Residency Option
Spain offers several paths to legal residency, depending on your personal situation. The most common options in Barcelona include:
🟢 Non-Lucrative Residency
For retirees or individuals with passive income.
✅ No work allowed
✅ Prove income ~€2,400/month
✅ Renewable, leads to permanent residency
💼 Work or Business Residency
For salaried employees, freelancers, or entrepreneurs.
✅ Must have a job offer, business plan, or freelance contracts
✅ Often requires special permits
💻 Digital Nomad Visa (New)
For remote workers with foreign income.
✅ Minimum €2,600/month income
✅ Degree or 3 years’ experience required
✅ Can apply from inside Spain
👨👩👧 Family Reunification Residency
For family members of legal residents.
✅ Can bring spouse, minor children, or dependent relatives
✅ Requires income, housing, and proof of family relationship
🇪🇺 EU Citizen Registration
If you’re an EU/EEA citizen, register at the Barcelona Policía Nacional to get your EU resident certificate.
🗂️ Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation
Here’s what you typically need to apply for residency in Barcelona:
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✅ Valid passport
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✅ Proof of income or financial means (e.g. payslips, contracts, bank statements)
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✅ Health insurance (private or public, depending on visa)
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✅ Criminal record certificate, apostilled and translated
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✅ Proof of accommodation (rental contract, title deed, etc.)
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✅ Empadronamiento (Barcelona city registration certificate)
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✅ Marriage/birth certificates for family reunification
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✅ Completed application forms and EX-01, EX-18, or EX-19, depending on case
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✅ Proof of appointment with immigration authorities
We assist with translation, apostille, legalization, and application submission.
🗓️ Step 3: Book an Appointment in Barcelona
Residency procedures require a prior appointment (cita previa) at:
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Oficina de Extranjería in Barcelona (for submission)
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Policía Nacional (for TIE fingerprinting and pickup)
Appointments are booked online via the Sede Electrónica — but availability can be limited.
Tip: We can secure appointments on your behalf and manage urgent cases with Power of Attorney.
💳 Step 4: Apply and Get Your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)
Once your residency is approved:
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You’ll receive a favorable resolution
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Book an appointment for fingerprinting at the National Police
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In ~30–45 days, pick up your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) — your official Spanish residency card
⏱️ Processing Times
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Initial visa application (if abroad): 1–3 months
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In-country residency application: ~20–45 days
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TIE appointment and issue: ~1 month
We track the status, handle follow-ups, and prevent missed deadlines.
🛡️ Why Work With Borderless Lawyers?
✔️ Experienced immigration team based in Barcelona
✔️ We speak English, Spanish, French, German, and Dutch
✔️ Personalized residency strategy
✔️ We manage your documents, appointments, and applications
✔️ Flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs
✔️ In-person or Power of Attorney representation available
📞 Apply for Spanish Residency in Barcelona with Legal Support
Avoid rejections, long waits, or costly mistakes. Let Borderless Lawyers make your residency process smooth, fast, and legally secure.