Spain Residence Permit Guide 2025: Golden Visa, Work & Student Permits

Spain remains one of the most attractive European countries for immigration. Every year, tens of thousands of foreigners choose it for studying, working, doing business, or enjoying a peaceful retirement. The reasons are clear: mild climate, comfortable cities and regions, developed infrastructure, quality healthcare, and a high standard of living.

However, a tourist visa doesn't allow you to stay in the country for more than 90 days, which means that for a full life, you need a residence permit in Spain – an official document that grants the right to long-term residence. In this comprehensive guide, we'll detail what types of residence permits exist, who can apply for them, what documents are needed, how much the process costs, and what advantages resident status provides.

What is a Residence Permit in Spain?

When someone considers moving to Spain, the first question is almost always: "How can I live there legally?" This is where a Spanish residence permit comes to help – an official document that allows you to stay in the country for an extended period, not just visit for the tourist 90 days. For many, this is the first step toward feeling like part of Spanish life, making friends, working, studying, and even planning a family.

There are different types of residence permit in Spain, and each person chooses according to their goals. A temporary residence permit is most often obtained by students, hired specialists, or people starting a business. It's valid for 1-2 years and can be renewed when conditions are met, such as having stable income and health insurance.

A permanent residence permit, or permanent residency, becomes available later – after approximately five years of living in Spain. This provides almost complete equality with the country's citizens: unrestricted work, access to healthcare and social benefits. The only difference is that you cannot vote. There's also the Golden Visa in Spain – a real find for investors. With an investment of €500,000 or more in real estate or business, it provides quick access to residency, the right to work, and freedom of movement throughout the EU.

How to Get a Residence Permit in Spain: Main Methods

When it comes to moving to Spain, many questions immediately arise: "How do I get a residence permit in Spain?", "What options are available for studying, working, or business?", "Can my family move with me?". Actually, there are quite a few ways to obtain a residence permit in Spain, and everyone chooses the one that best fits their life situation.

It's important to understand that approaches to residence permits vary greatly. For a student and an investor, a retiree and a working specialist, the conditions will be different. In this section, we'll detail the main ways to get a residence permit in Spain and explain what documents you'll need.

Study

Student visas are designed for programs longer than 90 days. After arriving in Spain, the student applies for a TIE – tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (foreigner's identity card). Advantages of a student residence permit:

• Ability to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week);
• Access to health insurance;
• Renewal of residence permit for the duration of the next educational program.

Required documents for getting residence permit in Spain as a student:

• Confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution;
• Insurance coverage;
• Financial guarantees;
• International passport;
• Passport-sized photographs.

Work and Business

Business residence permits in Spain require that the employer apply for a work permit. After approval, the candidate receives a residence permit allowing them to live and work in Spain. Self-employed individuals and freelancers apply for a self-employed visa. Requirements include:

• Business plan;
• Proof of income;
• Registration as autónomo;
• Qualification confirmation (if required).

Modern options include the digital nomad visa, which suits remote workers who want to live in Spain but work for a foreign company.

Read also: Top 10 Best Countries to Relocate To

Family Reunification

Spouses, minor children, and dependents of a resident can apply for a residence permit through family reunification. Requirements:

• Proof of family relationships;
• Suitable housing that meets standards;
• Financial guarantees from the sponsor.

Investment (Golden Visa)

Previously, investors could obtain a residence permit by investing from €500,000 in real estate or business. The program provided quick access to residency and simplified movement throughout the EU. Golden visa in Spain features for investors:

• Accelerated resident card issuance;
• Ability to work and conduct business;
• Travel throughout Schengen countries;

However, Golden Visa in Spain rules have been revised, especially for real estate.

Residence Permit for Retirees and Wealthy Individuals

The non-lucrative residence permit in Spain is designed for those with passive income who don't plan to work in Spain. Requirements:

• Income above 400% of IPREM (public income index for calculating social benefits);
• Private health insurance;
• Certificate of no criminal record.

This scheme is popular among retirees and wealthy individuals choosing Spain for its mild climate, low pension taxes, and quality of life.

What Documents Do You Need for a Residence Permit in Spain?

When it comes to moving, most people understand that the most challenging part is working with documents. But actually, preparing documents for a residence permit in Spain isn't scary if you know exactly what's required. The main thing is to collect everything in advance and according to a checklist. Basic documents needed for almost everyone:

One often overlooked but crucial aspect of the residence permit application process is maintaining reliable communication. Spanish authorities frequently send important notifications about your application status, appointment confirmations, and document requests via SMS and email.

Missing these communications can significantly delay your process or even result in application rejection. Many applicants face connectivity challenges when they first arrive in Spain or are applying from abroad.

For those applying from outside Spain, consider getting an eSIM for Spain early in the process. For applicants already in Spain, establishing local mobile service should be a priority alongside gathering your documents.

Read also: Top 8 Best eSIMs for Spain

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Residence Permit in Spain?

Many people postpone moving to Spain only because of fears about expenses. Actually, the cost of applying for a residence permit in Spain is quite predictable if you understand what it consists of. Government fees are a basic expense item. Depending on the type of residence permit, they range:

• For temporary – approximately €10-20;
• For permanent – around €21-22;
• For the resident card (TIE) itself – an additional €12-20.
• Document translations – about €50-150 per certificate;
• Legal assistance and lawyers – if you want to avoid mistakes and speed up processing, this can cost €200-500;
• Health insurance – mandatory for everyone obtaining a residence permit, price ranges from €600 to €1,500 per year;

Temporary and Permanent Residence Permits in Spain

Not everyone knows that residence permits in Spain come in different types, and each type has different rights: Temporary residence permit is issued for 1-2 years and can be renewed. It's obtained by students, working foreigners, entrepreneurs, and even retirees with passive income. With a temporary residence permit, it's important to meet requirements: live in the country for at least a certain number of days, have income or means of living, and health insurance.

After five years of continuous residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit (permanent residency). It grants almost all citizen rights except voting participation. The difference is noticeable: with permanent residency, it's easier to open bank accounts, get loans, and enroll children in schools and universities.

Golden Visa in Spain

For investors in Spain, there's a separate path – the Golden Visa. It's designed for those ready to invest from €500,000 in real estate or business. What is a golden visa in Spain advantages:

• Accelerated processing;
• Right to work;
• Freedom of movement throughout Schengen countries;
• Possibility to transition to permanent residency in the future;

How much does a golden visa cost in Spain: The minimum investment is €500,000, plus processing fees and legal costs. Is a golden visa still available in Spain? Important note: when does the golden visa end in Spain – the program is being revised in 2025, especially for real estate investments. Can you still get a golden visa in Spain will be determined individually.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Spain: Ste-by-Step

Now that you know how to obtain a residence permit in Spain, let's move to step-by-step instructions. The process may seem complex, but if you follow the steps, everything becomes clear:

• Choose grounds for residence permit: First, decide: study, work, investment, family reunification, or retirement scheme.
• Collect documents: Important not to miss any papers: passport, photographs, financial guarantees, health insurance, and certificate of no criminal record.
• Submit through consulate or in Spain: For those already in the country, it's more convenient to apply directly. If abroad – through the consulate.
• Application review: Processing times depend on residence permit type and department workload – usually from several weeks to a couple of months.
• Receive resident card (TIE): This is the final step, after which you can peacefully live, work, and enjoy all resident rights.

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What Does a Residence Permit in Spain Give You?

Getting residence permit in Spain opens up a whole range of advantages:

• Right to residence: You can live in any region of Spain legally.
• Access to healthcare and education: Residents receive health insurance and can enroll children in schools and universities.
• Ability to work: The type of residence permit determines how many hours and in what format you're allowed to work.
• Freedom of movement in the EU: You can travel throughout Schengen countries for up to 90 days without a visa.

Additionally, having a residence permit simplifies opening bank accounts, buying real estate, and accessing other services.

Renewal of Residence Permit in Spain

Renewal of residence permit in Spain is typically required every 1-2 years for temporary permits. Requirements usually include:

• Continued compliance with original conditions.
• Proof of income or means of support.
• Valid health insurance.
• No serious criminal violations.

How long does residency permit in Spain processing take for renewals? Usually 1-3 months, depending on the type and regional office workload.

Conclusion

A residency permit in Spain is available through various grounds: study, work, investment, family, retirement programs. The most popular programs are student, work, and investment-based. The typical path is: temporary residence permit, then permanent residence permit, and finally citizenship.

Spain remains one of the most attractive countries for relocation thanks to its mild climate, quality healthcare, convenient infrastructure, and the opportunity to live, work, and study peacefully. Whether you're looking to buy property in spain and get a residence permit, start a business, or retire in the sun, Spain offers multiple pathways to legal residency.

Remember that regulations change frequently, especially regarding investment programs like the Golden Visa, so it's essential to verify current requirements before beginning your application process.

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