Spain’s Visa Options: Which One Do You Need?
Spain offers a wide range of visas depending on your reason for staying — whether it’s for work, study, investment, or simply to enjoy a peaceful retirement. Choosing the right visa is crucial to avoid legal complications or rejections.
Below is an overview of the main types of visas available in Spain and how to apply for them.
🧳 Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa)
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⏱️ Allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period
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🌍 For tourism, business trips, family visits
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📍 Not extendable beyond 90 days
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✈️ Applies to non-EU/EEA nationals from visa-required countries
🏖️ Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
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💼 For individuals who do not intend to work in Spain
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💶 Must prove financial self-sufficiency
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🏡 Suitable for retirees, digital nomads (without remote employment contracts)
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📅 Renewable yearly, leads to long-term residence
👨💻 Work Visa
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🛠️ For non-EU citizens with a job offer from a Spanish employer
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📑 Employer must obtain authorization before visa application
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🔒 Subject to labor market tests in many cases
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🎯 Includes seasonal work and highly qualified professional categories
🎓 Student Visa
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🎒 For full-time students enrolled in a Spanish university, school, or training program
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⏳ Valid for the duration of the study
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👷♂️ Allows limited part-time work (up to 30 hours/week)
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🎓 Can lead to a job-seeking or work residence permit after graduation
🚀 Entrepreneur Visa (Startup Visa)
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🌱 For individuals planning to launch an innovative business in Spain
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📈 Business plan must be approved by ENISA or another designated authority
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⚖️ Fast-track under Spain’s Entrepreneurs Law
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👨👩👧👦 Family members can apply simultaneously
🧠 Highly Skilled Professionals Visa
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👨💼 For executives, engineers, researchers, or specialists
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💼 Requires a valid job offer with minimum salary threshold
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⚡ Processed under Spain’s fast-track immigration system
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🔒 No labor market test required
👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification Visa
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🏠 For family members of legal residents or citizens in Spain
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❤️ Applies to spouses, children under 18, dependent parents
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📅 Must wait 1 year of legal residence (unless under special regimes)
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✅ Requires proof of income and accommodation
💼 Digital Nomad Visa
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💻 For remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies
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🪪 Must show proof of remote work and sufficient income
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📆 Valid for 1 year, renewable up to 5 years
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🌍 Part of Spain’s new push for attracting remote talent
🏛️ Golden Visa (Discontinued)
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❌ As of recent reforms, the Golden Visa program through real estate investment has been removed
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✅ Other forms of investment (e.g. company shares or strategic projects) may still qualify under specific regimes
🧾 Residency Through Arraigo
Special permits for individuals with irregular status based on:
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🕰️ Arraigo Social – living in Spain for 3+ years with community ties
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👨👩👧 Arraigo Familiar – family ties to a Spanish citizen or resident
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👷 Arraigo Laboral – proof of previous work relationship while undocumented
🛡️ Asylum and Humanitarian Protection
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🤝 For refugees and stateless individuals fleeing persecution or violence
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📝 Must apply within 30 days of entering Spain
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🧑⚖️ Applicants are allowed to stay and work during the process
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📄 Includes subsidiary protection and temporary residence for humanitarian reasons
🧾 Long-Term Residency Visa
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📅 After 5 years of legal residence in Spain
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🔄 Allows indefinite stay and work without needing a job offer
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💼 Family members can also qualify for reunification
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🛂 Leads to EU long-term residence permit
📌 Visa Comparison Table
| Visa Type | Purpose | Work Allowed | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa | Tourism, short visits | ❌ | Up to 90 days |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirement, remote work | ❌ | 1 year, renewable |
| Work Visa | Employment | ✅ | 1–2 years |
| Student Visa | Study | ✅ (part-time) | Program length |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Business startup | ✅ | 1 year, renewable |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote work | ✅ | 1 year, renewable |
| Highly Skilled Visa | Qualified professionals | ✅ | 1–2 years |
| Family Reunification | Join relatives | ✅ | 1–2 years |
| Arraigo Permits | Social/family/work ties | ✅ | 1 year |
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
Our multilingual immigration team offers:
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✅ Personalized visa eligibility analysis
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📝 Document preparation & legal translation
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🤝 Full representation before Spanish consulates and authorities
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🧩 Help with residence permits and renewals
✈️ Ready to Get the Right Visa for Spain?
Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or lifestyle — choosing the right visa is the first step to a legal and successful stay in Spain.