Why More Chinese Citizens Are Moving to Spain
Spain remains a popular destination for Chinese nationals seeking:
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🏖️ Better lifestyle and climate
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🏡 Property investment and education opportunities
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👨👩👧👦 Family reunification or retirement
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💼 Business expansion into the EU
Whether you’re relocating from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or abroad, this guide explains how Chinese citizens can legally move to Spain and what to expect at every step.
🛂 Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Spain?
✅ Yes. Chinese nationals must apply for a visa to enter Spain — for both short and long stays.
| Visit Type | Visa Required? | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term (up to 90 days) | ✅ Yes | Schengen Visa (Type C) |
| Long-term stay (>90 days) | ✅ Yes | National Visa (Type D) |
📌 For relocation, study, work, or retirement, you’ll need a Type D visa, issued by the Spanish consulate in China (typically in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou).
📦 Spain Residence Options for Chinese Citizens
| Visa Type | Best For | Work Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | Study in Spain | ✅ Yes (up to 30 hrs/week) |
| Work Visa | Job offer from a Spanish employer | ✅ Yes |
| Entrepreneur/Startup Visa | Launching a business | ✅ Yes |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers with non-Spanish clients | ✅ Yes |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees or financially independent | ❌ No |
| Family Reunification | Joining family legally in Spain | ✅ Yes |
📝 Borderless Lawyers helps determine the right visa for your profile, especially if your goal is long-term residence or citizenship.
📋 Step-by-Step: Moving from China to Spain
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Choose the visa that fits your purpose (study, retire, invest, work) |
| 2️⃣ | Prepare documents in Chinese and have them apostilled |
| 3️⃣ | Translate all documents into Spanish via a sworn translator |
| 4️⃣ | Apply at the Spanish consulate in China |
| 5️⃣ | Once approved, travel to Spain and apply for a TIE (residency card) |
✅ We guide Chinese clients through every document, timeline, and appointment — in English, Spanish, or Mandarin.
📄 Key Documents for Chinese Citizens
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chinese passport | Valid for at least 12 months |
| Visa application form | Must match your visa type |
| Passport photos | Biometric style, recent |
| Background check from China | Apostilled and translated |
| Medical certificate | Confirming no serious illness |
| Proof of income or bank funds | Based on visa type |
| Private health insurance | Coverage in Spain |
| Housing in Spain | Hotel booking, lease, or invitation letter |
🛡️ All Chinese-language documents must be officially translated into Spanish.
💰 Financial Requirements
| Visa Type | Monthly Income Required (Approx. EUR) |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | €600–€700 |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | ~€2,400 (plus €600 per dependent) |
| Digital Nomad Visa | €2,650+ |
| Work Visa | Employer must guarantee your salary |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Must show business viability and startup capital |
📌 Funds can come from Chinese bank accounts, foreign investments, or family support — as long as they’re legally documented and traceable.
🏠 Can Chinese Citizens Buy Property in Spain?
✅ Yes. Chinese nationals can legally buy real estate in Spain (residential or commercial), including:
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City apartments (Madrid, Barcelona)
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Coastal villas (Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca)
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Investment flats (student hubs, tourism zones)
❌ But note: Buying property no longer grants residency, as Spain has abolished the Golden Visa for real estate investors.
However, ownership can support visa applications as proof of accommodation or economic ties.
⚖️ Legal Issues to Be Aware Of
| Issue | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Apostille of Chinese documents | Use Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Sworn translation | Must be done by official translator in Spain |
| Bank transfers | Funds must be transferred legally into Spain |
| Source of funds | Must be documented to pass anti-money laundering checks |
| Real estate laws | You need a lawyer to avoid property scams or tax surprises |
🧑⚖️ Borderless Lawyers handles all of this — remotely, or on your behalf with Power of Attorney.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Risk |
|---|---|
| Applying for the wrong visa | Leads to rejection |
| Skipping apostilles or sworn translation | Documents not accepted |
| Entering Spain on a tourist visa to “switch status” | May not be allowed |
| Believing property purchase equals residence | No longer true |
| Using unverified agents for real estate | High risk of fraud or overpaying |
✅ We protect your rights at every step — from visa to property, taxes, and permanent residence.
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Chinese Clients
✔️ We assist in Chinese, English, and Spanish
✔️ Full review and preparation of Chinese documents
✔️ Visa guidance tailored to businesspeople, students, families, or retirees
✔️ Secure property purchase via Power of Attorney
✔️ Legal residency registration and NIE/TIE application
✔️ Tax and compliance support after you arrive
We simplify Spain’s complex legal system — so you can focus on your new life.
📞 Call to Action
Ready to move from China to Spain?
Let Borderless Lawyers help you legally relocate — with step-by-step support from our team of international legal experts.