If you’re a Turkish citizen planning to move to Spain for more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-stay visa (Type D). Spain offers a variety of visa pathways depending on your goals: study, work, remote employment, entrepreneurship, retirement, or family reunification.
In this guide, we explain the main visa options available to Turkish nationals, including requirements, benefits, and how to apply successfully from Turkey — with the help of Borderless Lawyers.
🗂️ Visa Types for Turkish Citizens
| Visa Type | Best For | Work Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | University, language school, research | ✅ Part-time (up to 30h/week) |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers, freelancers | ✅ Yes (non-Spanish employers) |
| Work Visa (Employed) | Turkish citizens with a Spanish job offer | ✅ Yes (Spanish employer) |
| Entrepreneur/Startup Visa | Turkish entrepreneurs starting a business in Spain | ✅ Yes (your own company) |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees or people with passive income | ❌ No (no work allowed) |
| Family Reunification Visa | Spouses, children, parents of residents | ✅ Yes (after approval) |
⚠️ All Type D visas must be applied for from Turkey at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate — not from within Spain.
🎓 1. Student Visa (Estancia por Estudios)
This is ideal if you plan to attend:
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A Spanish university or private school
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A master’s or PhD program
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A Spanish language course
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Professional training (certified)
Requirements:
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Acceptance letter from a recognized institution
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Proof of sufficient funds (~€600/month)
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Health insurance (private, no copay)
-
Apostilled police and medical certificates
✅ You can work part-time and later switch to a work visa upon graduation.
💻 2. Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
One of the newest and most flexible options.
Ideal For:
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Remote employees working for a non-Spanish company
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Freelancers with non-Spanish clients
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Tech professionals or consultants
Requirements:
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Proof of income (~€2,650/month minimum)
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Remote employment contract OR freelance invoices
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Bachelor’s degree or 3 years of experience
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Clean background + medical certificate
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Spanish private health insurance
✅ Valid for up to 5 years and includes family members.
💼 3. Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena)
This is for Turkish citizens who receive a formal job offer from a Spanish company.
Requirements:
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Signed contract from a Spanish employer
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Employer must get authorization from the Ministry of Inclusion & Migration
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Proof that the role cannot be filled by EU workers (with exceptions)
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Apostilled documents from Turkey
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Educational or experience certificates matching the job
📌 This visa is employer-dependent and has a more rigid application process.
🚀 4. Entrepreneur/Startup Visa (Visado de Emprendedor)
For Turkish nationals looking to launch a new business or startup in Spain.
Requirements:
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Business plan approved by ENISA or a regional agency
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Proof of sufficient funds to support the business and living expenses
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Education or experience in the field
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Health insurance and clean criminal record
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Strategic business with innovation or economic impact
✅ Fast-track residency for high-potential projects.
🛋️ 5. Non-Lucrative Visa
Designed for Turkish retirees or financially independent individuals who want to live in Spain without working.
Requirements:
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Proof of passive income or savings (~€2,400/month + €600 per dependent)
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Private medical insurance (no copay)
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No work of any kind permitted
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Apostilled and translated background/medical certificates
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Address in Spain (rental or deed)
✅ Ideal for early retirees or high-net-worth individuals.
👨👩👧 6. Family Reunification Visa
Turkish citizens who are family members of a legal resident in Spain may apply to join them.
Eligible Family Members:
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Spouse or registered partner
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Children under 18
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Parents over 65 (in specific circumstances)
Requirements:
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Legal residence of the sponsor in Spain
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Proof of relationship (apostilled marriage/birth certificates)
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Adequate income and housing by the sponsor
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Health insurance for the family member applying
✅ Once approved, family members receive a residence card and can work.
📄 Documents Required (General)
| Document | Applies to All Visa Types |
|---|---|
| Turkish passport (valid for 12+ months) | ✅ |
| Completed visa application form | ✅ |
| Passport photos (biometric) | ✅ |
| Proof of income or job offer | ✅ |
| Health insurance (private, full coverage) | ✅ |
| Apostilled police clearance certificate | ✅ |
| Medical certificate (no serious illness) | ✅ |
| Proof of accommodation in Spain | ✅ |
📝 All documents from Turkey must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
🛂 Where to Apply in Turkey
| City | Institution |
|---|---|
| Ankara | Spanish Embassy in Turkey |
| Istanbul | Spanish Consulate General |
| Izmir, other provinces | Jurisdiction varies — usually via Istanbul or Ankara |
📌 Book your appointment early — wait times vary depending on location and visa type.
❌ Common Mistakes by Turkish Applicants
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| Submitting documents without apostille | Rejection or delays |
| Applying for a work visa without pre-authorization | Denied |
| Not proving enough financial means | Refusal |
| Confusing tourist visa with residency visa | Wrong procedure |
| Ignoring translations | Application considered incomplete |
✅ At Borderless Lawyers, we review every document line-by-line to avoid mistakes.
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Turkish Applicants
We offer full legal assistance from Turkey or remotely, including:
✔️ Visa selection strategy tailored to your situation
✔️ Document checklist and review (in Turkish and English)
✔️ Apostille and sworn translation coordination
✔️ Embassy or consulate appointment support
✔️ Assistance with NIE, housing contracts, POA
✔️ Post-arrival registration, renewals, and eventual nationality
✅ We serve clients across Turkey — including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and abroad.
📞 Call to Action
Not sure which visa is right for your move to Spain?
Let our legal team walk you through every option — safely, legally, and efficiently.