Spain is increasingly popular among Indian nationals for its high quality of life, international universities, tech opportunities, and access to the EU. Whether you’re moving for work, study, retirement, or remote living, you’ll need to follow the Spanish immigration rules carefully.
This guide explains how to legally move to Spain from India, which visas are available, and how Borderless Lawyers ensures your application is correct, compliant, and successful.
🇮🇳 Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for Spain?
Yes. Indian passport holders require a visa for any visit to Spain, including tourism.
| Stay Duration | Visa Type | Apply From |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 days | Schengen visa | BLS Spain Visa Centers (India) |
| More than 90 days | Long-Stay Visa (Type D) | Spanish Consulates in India |
For relocation, study, or work, you must apply for a Type D visa before arriving in Spain.
🗂️ Legal Residency Pathways for Indian Citizens
| Visa Type | Ideal For | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | University, master’s, or research study | Admission letter + proof of income |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers with Indian/foreign clients | Degree/experience + online income |
| Work Visa | Indian nationals with a Spanish job offer | Employer sponsorship + contract |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees, remote workers with savings | Proof of passive income + insurance |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Starting a business in Spain | Business plan + investment |
| Family Reunification | Joining spouse/parent in Spain | Sponsor must be legally resident in Spain |
⛔ Golden Visa Removed: Spain abolished the property-based residency visa in 2024.
📄 Documents Needed to Apply from India
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Valid Indian passport | Identity |
| D visa application form | Consulate application |
| Proof of financial means | Income or savings depending on visa |
| Health insurance | Must be valid in Spain with no co-pays |
| Police clearance certificate | Apostilled from India |
| Medical certificate | Confirming good health |
| Sworn translations | All non-Spanish documents must be translated |
💡 Documents from India must be apostilled and translated into Spanish before submission.
📍 Where to Apply in India
| Region | Consulate |
|---|---|
| North, East, Central India | Spanish Embassy in New Delhi |
| Western India (Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat) | Spanish Consulate in Mumbai |
| Southern India (Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad) | Spanish Consulate in Bengaluru |
Visa appointments are booked via BLS Spain Visa Services.
🧑🎓 Popular Routes for Indian Nationals
🎓 Student Visa
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Easy pathway to residency and work authorization
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Can transition to work permit or self-employment
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Must show income of ~€600/month
💻 Digital Nomad Visa
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Ideal for Indian tech professionals, freelancers, and consultants
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Must prove income from outside Spain (min. ~€2,650/month)
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Allows spouse and children to join
💼 Work Visa
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Spanish employer must get authorization first
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Valid job offer is mandatory
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Limited unless for high-demand occupations
🏡 Can Indians Move to Spain by Buying Property?
No.
Buying real estate in Spain does not grant residency to Indian citizens.
The Golden Visa program was abolished, so owning a home in Spain only helps your case for other visa types by:
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Proving you have accommodation
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Demonstrating economic solvency
✅ We help Indian buyers safely acquire Spanish property with or without relocation plans.
💰 Will You Become a Spanish Tax Resident?
Yes — if you spend over 183 days per year in Spain.
As a tax resident, you must:
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Declare your worldwide income in Spain
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File Modelo 720 to report foreign (Indian) assets
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Understand how the India–Spain Double Tax Treaty works
✅ See Article 4 for full details on Spanish tax residency for Indian citizens.
⚠️ Common Mistakes by Indian Applicants
| ❌ Mistake | ⚠️ Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Applying with unverified documents | Indian police clearances must be apostilled |
| Choosing wrong visa | Can’t switch easily after arrival |
| Expecting to buy a visa via property | No longer possible |
| Not understanding Spanish tax rules | Global income & assets must be declared |
| Trying to enter on tourist visa then convert | Illegal — must apply from India |
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Indian Clients
✔️ Strategic legal consultation to choose the best visa
✔️ Document preparation, translation, and apostille guidance
✔️ Visa appointment support and file checking
✔️ NIE, TIE, and registration after arrival
✔️ Property purchase, tax, and family reunification support
✔️ Cross-border legal service — from India to Spain
✅ All services available remotely, in English.
📞 Call to Action
Ready to move from India to Spain for work, study, or retirement?
Let our immigration lawyers simplify the process with expert, personalized support.