Residency in Spain: Overview for Expats and Foreign Nationals
Spain offers several legal residency pathways for individuals and families looking to live, work, study, or retire in the country. Residency status allows foreigners to stay longer than 90 days, open bank accounts, enroll children in school, and access healthcare and other services.
At Borderless Lawyers, we guide you through the process from eligibility to approval — helping you choose the best residence permit based on your goals.
🧾 Types of Residency Permits in Spain
🛑 Short-Term Stay vs Residency
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Short stay: Up to 90 days (tourist visa rules)
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Residency: Over 90 days; requires official authorization
1. 🧘 Non-Lucrative Residence Permit (Retirement or Passive Income)
Ideal for retirees or individuals with sufficient funds.
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No employment allowed in Spain
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Requires proof of stable income/savings
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Renewable and leads to permanent residency
💶 Income requirement: Around 400% IPREM/month + health insurance
2. 💼 Work and Employment Residency
For those with a Spanish job offer or planning to work as freelancers or employees.
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Sponsored by employer (employee)
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Requires business plan (self-employed)
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Must meet minimum salary thresholds
📌 Approval depends on labor market situation and quota availability
3. 🧑🎓 Student Residency
For students enrolled in Spanish educational institutions.
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Must prove acceptance at a recognized school or university
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Allows part-time work (max 30 hours/week)
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Renewable annually during studies
🎓 Can transition to work permit after graduation
4. 👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification Residency
For family members of legal residents or Spanish citizens.
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Applies to spouses, children, dependent parents
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Must show adequate housing and income
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Requires proof of family relationship
👪 Strong path toward long-term and permanent residency
5. 🚀 Entrepreneur & Startup Visa
For innovative business projects in Spain.
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Must pass evaluation by ENISA or UGE
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Fast-track process under the Ley de Emprendedores
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Suitable for tech founders, international innovators
🌍 Offers flexibility for digital entrepreneurs
6. 🧑⚕️ Highly Skilled Professionals Residency
For executives, engineers, doctors, researchers, etc.
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Employer must prove candidate is highly qualified
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Fast-tracked approval and residence permit
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Part of the International Mobility Law
✅ Popular among multinational companies operating in Spain
📋 Residency Application Process
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Determine correct residence type
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Gather required documents (passport, proof of income, insurance, etc.)
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Apply at the Spanish consulate or in Spain, depending on the permit type
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Await approval and collect your visa/residence card
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Register with local town hall (empadronamiento) and get your TIE (residency card)
🕒 Processing time: Typically 1–3 months depending on residency type
🔄 Renewing Your Residency
Most initial permits are valid for 1 year and renewable for 2 or more years, leading eventually to:
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Long-Term Residency (after 5 years of legal residence)
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Permanent EU Residency (after 5 years under specific conditions)
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Spanish Citizenship (after 2–10 years depending on origin)
⚖️ How We Help You Secure Residency in Spain
At Borderless Lawyers, we assist with:
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✅ Choosing the correct residence permit
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✅ Application preparation and translations
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✅ Liaising with consulates and immigration offices
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✅ Appeals in case of rejection
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✅ TIE and empadronamiento registration
🌐 Multilingual team | 👨⚖️ Immigration law experts | 🧭 Personalized guidance
🧠 Case Example
Case: A Canadian freelance writer wanted to retire in Valencia. We secured a non-lucrative visa, handled her health insurance, and guided her through empadronamiento and TIE collection.
🚀 Move to Spain with Confidence
Whether you’re retiring, relocating for work, or bringing your family, our legal team ensures a smooth and compliant residency process.