What are the visa & residency requirements in Spain?
We asked people about the visa & residency requirements in Spain, they wrote...
"In order to travel to Spain, most visitors must first apply for a visa from the Spanish Embassy in their country of residence. The requirements for obtaining a visa generally depend on the individual’s country of origin, the type of visa requested, and the purpose of the visit. For example, some people may need a Schengen visa to travel to Spain, while others may only need a basic Tourist visa. The application process usually requires a valid passport, visa application form, bank statement, and proof of return flight or travel plans. Once in Spain, non-EU citizens can apply for residence if they wish to stay longer than three months. The most common type of residence visa is known as a NIE (Numero de Identificación de Extranjero). In order to obtain a residency visa, applicants must submit a valid passport, NIE application form, proof of health insurance, proof of sufficient funds to stay in Spain, a criminal background check, and other applicable documents. Depending on the visa type, additional documents may also be required. Once all documents have been collected and submitted, a residency visa appointment must be booked at the local Foreigners Office," said another expat in Spain.
"To live here, one can get a non-lucrative visa and is considered a temporary resident. After 5 years, we can become permanent resident. These are the main requirements to get non- lucrative visa - background check, health certificate, proof of available funds, health insurance," wrote a member who made the move to Granada, Spain.
PassportCard Expat Health InsuranceGet Quote
Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
PassportCard Expat Health InsuranceNever worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Spain?
- How do I find a place to live in Spain?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Spain?
- What is the average cost of housing in Spain?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Spain?
- What should I pack when moving to Spain?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Spain?
- Why do people move to Spain?
- What are healthcare services like in Spain?
- What are medical services in Spain like?
- What are typical rents in Spain?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What are the visa & residency requirements in Spain?
If you live in Spain, newcomers to Spain would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Joshua Wood is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.




