Your Guide to Spanish Residency: What You Need to Know
If you’re considering making Spain your home, whether part-time, full-time, or for retirement, understanding the residency process is essential. At Legal Services in Spain (My Lawyer in Spain’s specialist Residency Department), we know how overwhelming the process can feel, especially when you’re dealing with unfamiliar legal requirements, language barriers, and different rules depending on your nationality.
In this guide, Partner Melanie Radford, and head of our experienced specialist residency department, talks to Kyero and breaks down the residency process for both EU and non-EU citizens, so you know exactly where you stand and what steps to take.
First, Why Residency Matters
Your residency status in Spain affects how long you can stay, whether you can work, how you’re taxed, and how you access public services. Think of temporary residency (up to five years) as the first chapter, once completed without issues, you may qualify for permanent residency (valid for 10 years in most cases).
Melanie puts it simply:
“Get the first five years right, and you’re setting yourself up for long-term residency.”
Residency Options: EU vs Non-EU Citizens
If you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss national:
You don’t need a visa to live in Spain, but you do need to register for your EU Certificate of Registration if you have the intention of residency in Spain more than 3 months, which gives you a five-year temporary residency status.
If you’re a non-EU citizen:
You’ll need to start the process in your country of residence by applying for a suitable visa, options include:
- Non-lucrative visa (ideal for retirees) – applied for at the Spanish Consulate in your country of legal
- Digital nomad visa (for remote workers) – can be applied for in Spain and the Spanish Consulate in your country of legal residence
- Work visa – (employed or self employed ) applied for at the Spanish Consulate in your country of legal residence
Each comes with its own set of financial, medical, and legal requirements.
The Three Essentials – What You’ll Always Need
Regardless of your path to residency, these core requirements apply across the board:
1. Health Insurance
Must be private, Spanish-authorised, valid for a full year, and mirror the Spanish public healthcare system. Travel insurance is not accepted. S1 forms for a transfer of public healthcare benefits to Spain are accepted instead of private medical insurance.
2. Proof of Funds
Residency applicants must show financial independence. EU citizens employed or self-employed in Spain can show proof of their labour status and income.
For non-EU citizens, the NLV threshold is 400% of IPREM, currently €28,800 per year for a single applicant, plus €7,200 per dependent child. For a married couple €36,000. The DNV is based on a percentage of gross salary.
3. Fixed Address in Spain
You’ll need to register your address at the local town hall (padrón) and provide a long term rental contract or proof of Spanish property ownership, or authorisation from the property owner.
The EU Citizen Route – Step by Step
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- Move to Spain
- Register on the padrón at your local town hall
- Book an appointment at the Policía Nacional
- Attend with:
- Passport
- Completed EX-18 form
- Proof of funds or employment
- Health insurance certificate
- Paid application fee receipt
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You’ll receive a green EU residency certificate valid for five years. Renewal is quick if your circumstances remain stable.
Melanie’s tip:
During the summer, appointment slots go fast, especially in popular coastal towns. Book early!”
For Non-EU Citizens: Start from Home (NLV)
Before you travel, you’ll need to:
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- Gather a recent police clearance certificate
- Legalise and translate key documents into Spanish
- Provide proof of sufficient financial resources to reside in Spain for the period of authorisation (minimum equivalent of €28,800 for non-lucrative visas)
- Get Spanish-compliant health insurance
- Pay the consular application fees
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Once approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport. You’ll then:
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- Travel to Spain
- Register on the padrón
- Apply for your TIE residence card within 30 days
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From there, renewals follow a typical pattern: 1 year → 2 years → 2 years → then permanent residency.
Transitioning to Permanent Residency
After five continuous legal years in Spain, you can apply for residencia de larga duración (long-term residency). This offers greater flexibility, you won’t need to prove financial resources, and you’re free to work remotely or otherwise.
Melanie adds:
“Permanent residency is your reward for following the rules and staying consistent. It gives you a lot more freedom and peace of mind.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Over the years, Melanie has seen a few repeat issues:
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- Not renewing private medical insurance to ensure no gaps in coverage
- Failing to maintain financial minimums due to currency exchange rate fluctuations
- Forgetting to update the padrón every 2 years or after moving
- Missing renewal deadlines
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Melanie’s advice?
“Be thorough. Over-prepare. Set calendar reminders at least two months before any expiry dates.”
Quick Q&A
Q: How long can I stay in Spain without residency?
Non-EU citizens: up to 90 days in a 180-day rolling period.
EU citizens: can enter freely, although must register if the intention is to reside in Spain more than 3 months.
Q: Does owning a home give me residency?
No, although it strengthens your application and provides a fixed address in Spain. It can also be used to supplement financial resources if there is a shortfall.
Q: Can I work on a non-lucrative visa?
No, not in Spain. You must prove you are no longer working or in any form of paid activity when you apply for the visa at the Spanish Consulate via the BLS visa centre. However, after one year you can apply for a modification to work in Spain – employed or self employed.
Q: Is the digital-nomad visa better than the non-lucrative option?
If you wish to work remotely in Spain for a company based in another country, yes and you could benefit from a favourable flat tax rate (24%) for up to five years.
Do You Want Help Navigating Your Move?
Whether you’re at the planning stage or ready to apply, Melanie and team are here to guide you through the process and make sure your residency journey is smooth and stress-free.
Contact Melanie: enquiries@mylawyerinspain.com
