Spain is one of the most attractive destinations for South Africans seeking a better lifestyle, retirement, business opportunities, or EU residency. From its healthcare and safety to education and cost of living, Spain offers long-term benefits — but the legal process to relocate from South Africa is not automatic.
This guide explains how to move to Spain from South Africa legally, including the visas you need, the requirements for residency, and the legal support available from Borderless Lawyers.
✈️ Do South Africans Need a Visa to Enter Spain?
Yes. South African passport holders must apply for a visa before entering Spain for any purpose other than short-term tourism.
For stays under 90 days, you need a Schengen visa.
For relocation, retirement, work, or business, you must apply for a long-stay national visa (type D) from the Spanish Consulate in Pretoria or Cape Town.
🗂️ Visa & Residency Pathways from South Africa to Spain
| Visa Type | Best For | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees, remote workers | Proof of passive income or savings |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers with non-Spanish clients | Foreign income & degree or experience |
| Work Visa | Job offers from Spanish companies | Approved work contract & employer sponsorship |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Business owners launching in Spain | Viable business plan & investment |
| Student Visa | University or postgraduate study | Enrollment + financial proof |
| Family Reunification | Joining spouse or parent in Spain | Legal residence of the sponsor in Spain |
| Golden Visa ❌ | No longer available | Spain officially cancelled this visa in 2024 |
✅ We help you choose the right visa based on your lifestyle, goals, and income sources.
📝 Required Documents to Start the Process
To apply for a long-term visa from South Africa, you typically need:
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Valid South African passport (min. 1 year validity)
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Completed national visa application form
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Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, pension, salary)
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Private or public health insurance (with no co-pays)
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Clean criminal record certificate (issued in South Africa, apostilled)
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Medical certificate
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Proof of accommodation in Spain
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Motivation letter or visa-specific documents (business plan, university acceptance, etc.)
✅ Borderless Lawyers assists with document review, translations, and submission to the Spanish consulate.
📍 Where to Apply for a Spanish Visa in South Africa
| Region | Spanish Consulate |
|---|---|
| Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga | Spanish Consulate in Pretoria |
| Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal | Spanish Consulate in Cape Town |
💡 Visa processing can take 4 to 10 weeks. We help prepare all your paperwork in advance to avoid delays.
🏡 Can South Africans Move to Spain by Buying Property?
No — property ownership alone does not grant residency.
The Spanish Golden Visa program was abolished, so you must apply through one of the standard long-stay visas. However, owning property may strengthen your case (proof of accommodation or financial solvency).
✅ See Article 3 for a full legal guide to buying property in Spain as a South African citizen.
💳 Tax Residency – What South Africans Should Know
If you live in Spain more than 183 days per year, you become a Spanish tax resident.
That means:
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Your global income may be taxed in Spain
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You must file Modelo 720 to declare foreign assets (bank accounts, shares, property)
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The South Africa–Spain Double Tax Treaty protects you from paying tax twice on the same income
✅ We provide cross-border tax planning so you remain compliant in both countries.
⚠️ Common Mistakes by South Africans Moving to Spain
| ❌ Mistake | ⚠️ Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Using a tourist visa to enter before applying | Illegal for long-stay plans — must apply from SA |
| Not legalizing documents properly | South African documents need apostille + sworn translation |
| Buying property and assuming residency | Property purchase = investment, not immigration |
| Underestimating tax obligations | Spain has strict global tax and asset declaration laws |
| Navigating the process without legal help | Leads to costly rejections or delays |
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps South Africans Relocate to Spain
✔️ Visa planning based on your personal situation
✔️ Full document preparation and submission
✔️ Sworn Spanish translations + legalizations
✔️ Real estate and NIE setup
✔️ Family reunification and student applications
✔️ Tax, residency, and post-arrival registration support
✅ We support you from South Africa before departure, and once you arrive in Spain.
📞 Call to Action
Relocating to Spain from South Africa?
Let our legal team simplify your visa, residency, and relocation — from day one.