As EU citizens, Germans don’t need a visa to live, work, or study in Spain. However, if you’re moving long-term — or relocating with non-EU family members — there are specific residency registration and visa procedures to follow.
In this guide, we explain when Germans need a visa in Spain, the different residency types, and how Borderless Lawyers helps individuals and families move legally and confidently.
🇪🇺 Do German Citizens Need a Visa for Spain?
No — German citizens do not need a visa to:
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Visit Spain
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Live and work in Spain
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Study or retire in Spain
However, if staying longer than 90 days, German nationals must:
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Obtain a NIE (tax ID number)
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Register at their local town hall (empadronamiento)
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Apply for a EU Certificate of Residency (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)
📌 You must demonstrate economic means and health insurance to qualify.
👨👩👧 Visas for German Citizens’ Family Members
German citizens can bring non-EU spouses, partners, or children to Spain under the EU Family Member Residency process.
✅ Non-EU Family Reunification: What’s Needed?
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Proof of family relationship | Marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc. |
| Copy of German passport | For the EU citizen sponsoring the family |
| Health insurance | For the entire family unit |
| Proof of sufficient income | Salary, savings, or pension |
| Application form and fee | Submitted in Spain (or at Spanish consulate if abroad) |
💡 Upon approval, the family member receives a 5-year residence card with the right to work.
✅ Borderless Lawyers handles the full family reunification process — in Germany or Spain.
🎓 Can Germans Study in Spain Without a Visa?
Yes — German citizens can freely enroll in Spanish universities or language programs. No student visa is required.
However, students still need to:
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Obtain a NIE
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Register their address (empadronamiento)
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Apply for the EU residency certificate
✅ We assist German students with all registration formalities and healthcare setup.
💼 Do Germans Need a Work Visa in Spain?
No. Germans can work in Spain without needing a work visa, as part of the EU’s freedom of movement.
But to be legally employed and pay tax, you’ll need to:
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Get a Spanish social security number (NSS)
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Register with the tax office (Hacienda)
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Obtain the EU residency certificate
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Get a Spanish employment contract or be self-employed
✅ We support employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs with legal setup, tax registration, and contracts.
🧑⚕️ Health Insurance for Residency
When applying for your EU residency certificate, Spain requires proof of comprehensive health coverage.
| Option | Who It’s Best For |
|---|---|
| EHIC (European Health Card) | Short stays or students |
| Public Spanish healthcare | If employed or self-employed |
| Private insurance | Retirees, remote workers, family members |
💡 Private policies must have no co-pays or exclusions. We work with approved providers and handle the paperwork.
🧾 What Documents Do Germans Need to Register?
| Document | Needed For |
|---|---|
| Valid German passport or ID | All registration steps |
| Proof of address (rental or property) | Empadronamiento |
| Health insurance policy | Residency certificate |
| Proof of income (if unemployed/retired) | Residency certificate |
| Application forms | NIE, EU certificate |
✅ We provide certified translations if any of your documents are in German only.
🕒 Timeline to Complete Residency Registration
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| NIE | Same day or within 1 week |
| Empadronamiento | Same day or within 1–3 days |
| EU residency certificate | Appointment usually within 2–4 weeks |
| Family member visa | 1–3 months depending on where it’s submitted |
📌 Appointments can book up quickly — we reserve early slots and submit pre-application forms in advance.
⚠️ Common Mistakes by Germans Moving to Spain
| ❌ Mistake | 💥 Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Delaying residency registration | May lead to fines or access issues |
| Not updating address when moving | Affects healthcare and tax notifications |
| Relying solely on German health insurance | May not meet Spain’s full coverage requirement |
| Bringing a non-EU partner without planning | Can cause immigration delays |
| Assuming no taxes apply | You may become a Spanish tax resident unintentionally |
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps German Citizens
✔️ We handle NIE, empadronamiento, and residency steps
✔️ Support reunification of German and non-EU family
✔️ Provide approved private health insurance setup
✔️ Translate and legalize German documents
✔️ Manage tax and work registrations where needed
✔️ Provide bilingual support (English–German–Spanish)
✅ Whether you’re a student, retiree, or family relocating — we handle it all.
📞 Call to Action
Need help registering legally in Spain as a German citizen — or bringing your family?
We simplify every step, remotely or in-person.