Why Turkish Citizens Are Moving to Spain
Spain has become a preferred destination for Turkish nationals seeking:
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A better quality of life in Europe
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Business opportunities or remote work
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EU education options for their children
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Retirement in a Mediterranean climate
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Political or economic stability
As a non-EU citizen, Turkish nationals must apply for a residence visa to move to Spain for longer than 90 days. In this guide, we’ll explain how to legally move from Turkey to Spain, your visa options, and how Borderless Lawyers can support your move every step of the way.
🛂 Do Turkish Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Spain?
| Purpose of Stay | Visa Required? | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism | ✅ Yes (Schengen short-stay visa) | Up to 90 days |
| Residence (study, work, family, retirement) | ✅ Yes (National Visa – Type D) | Over 90 days |
Turkish citizens must apply for a Schengen visa to visit Spain as tourists and a long-term visa (Type D) to reside in Spain.
⚠️ Visa applications must be made from Turkey, at the Spanish Embassy in Ankara or Consulate in Istanbul depending on your region.
📦 Legal Pathways to Move from Turkey to Spain
Here are the main visa and residency options available to Turkish nationals:
| Visa Type | Best For | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | University or language studies | Admission letter, €600+/month funds, health insurance |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers or freelancers | €2,650+/month income, experience or degree, remote contract |
| Work Visa (Employed) | Job offer in Spain | Valid contract, employer sponsorship, approval from Ministry |
| Entrepreneur Visa (Startup) | Turkish entrepreneurs launching a business | Innovative business plan, funds, market fit |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees or financially independent individuals | ~€2,400/month income, no work activity, full medical insurance |
| Family Reunification | Joining a relative legally residing in Spain | Relationship proof, accommodation, income of sponsor |
📌 Turkish nationals may not apply for a residence permit from within Spain as tourists. You must apply from Turkey.
📄 Basic Documents Required (from Turkey)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Turkish passport | With at least 12 months validity |
| Completed visa application form | Consular form Type D |
| Passport photos | According to biometric standards |
| Proof of income or financial means | Bank statements, investments, pensions, etc. |
| Full health insurance | Without copays, valid in Spain |
| Police clearance certificate | Apostilled + official Spanish translation |
| Medical certificate | Confirming no serious diseases (WHO list) |
| Accommodation in Spain | Rental contract or invitation letter |
✅ All Turkish-issued documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
🏦 Financial Requirements
Visa applicants must show proof of sufficient income or savings. Here are the approximate monthly income thresholds:
| Visa Type | Income Required |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | ~€600/month |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | ~€2,400/month (plus ~€600 per dependent) |
| Digital Nomad Visa | ~€2,650/month (varies by family size) |
| Family Reunification | Based on minimum wage (€1,134/month+) |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Flexible – must fund your business and personal living costs |
📌 Borderless Lawyers helps you calculate the exact financial threshold for your situation and visa type.
🏠 Can Turkish Citizens Buy Property in Spain?
Yes — Turkish nationals can freely purchase real estate in Spain, without any restrictions.
However, buying property no longer grants residency since the Golden Visa was officially removed. But owning a property may:
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Help show economic ties to Spain
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Support your visa application as proof of housing
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Serve as a future residence base
👉 Full legal guidance is available in Article 3 of this series.
❌ Common Mistakes When Moving from Turkey to Spain
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Applying for a work visa without a sponsor | Automatic rejection |
| Entering Spain on a tourist visa to search for work | Illegal; no legal path to change status |
| Submitting incomplete or untranslated documents | Delays or rejection |
| Ignoring tax obligations | Risk of double taxation, fines |
| Choosing the wrong visa type | You may not be able to switch later |
✅ With Borderless Lawyers, you’ll avoid these pitfalls and follow the correct legal process from day one.
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Turkish Clients
We offer full legal and practical assistance for Turkish nationals relocating to Spain:
✔️ Visa strategy: we help you choose the right option
✔️ Document preparation: apostilles, sworn translations, financial review
✔️ Consulate appointment support in Ankara/Istanbul
✔️ NIE, empadronamiento, and post-arrival registration in Spain
✔️ Real estate support (purchase, lease, POA)
✔️ Ongoing legal assistance for renewals, taxes, and eventual nationality
🌐 100% online service — managed from Turkey or Spain.
📞 Call to Action
Ready to start your new life in Spain?
Let Borderless Lawyers guide you through every legal step — safely, clearly, and in your language.