Popular with remote workers thanks to its digital nomad visa, with a fast-track permit for highly qualified hires. This guide covers every main route to live and work in Spain, what each one asks of you, what it costs and how long until you can settle for good.
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland can live and work in Spain without a visa. The routes below are for everyone else.
Do you need a visa for Spain?
Up to 90 days in any 180 inside the Schengen Area. Many nationalities need a Schengen visa for this; EU/EEA/Swiss citizens never do.
The main routes at a glance
| Route | Type | Valid for | Fee | Leads to residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highly qualified professional | Work | Up to 3 years | — | Yes |
| Digital nomad visa | Remote work | 1 year visa, then up to 3-year permit | — | Yes |
| Non-lucrative visa | Residence | 1 year, renewable | — | Yes |
| Student visa | Study | Length of the programme | — | No |
Each route in detail
Highly qualified professional
Fast-track permit for managers and graduates hired at a salary above the threshold.
- Valid for: Up to 3 years
- What it asks for: University degree, job offer from an employer there and salary above the yearly threshold
- Counts toward permanent residence: yes
Official page for the Highly qualified professional
Digital nomad visa
Live in Spain while working remotely for employers or clients abroad; income must be about twice the Spanish minimum wage.
- Valid for: 1 year visa, then up to 3-year permit
- What it asks for: Income from work outside the country and 3+ years of work experience
- Counts toward permanent residence: yes
Needs a degree or 3 years of experience in your field.
Official page for the Digital nomad visa
Non-lucrative visa
Live in Spain on savings or passive income; working in Spain isn't allowed.
- Valid for: 1 year, renewable
- What it asks for: Savings to support yourself
- Counts toward permanent residence: yes
Official page for the Non-lucrative visa
Student visa
For admitted students, with up to 30 hours a week of work allowed.
- Valid for: Length of the programme
- What it asks for: Admission to a university there and savings to support yourself
- Counts toward permanent residence: no
Official page for the Student visa
How to apply
- Pick the route. Match your purpose (work, study, remote work, business) to one route. Each route has its own conditions.
- Gather documents. Collect the documents for that route. Translations and certified copies can take weeks, so start early.
- Apply. Submit online or book an appointment at the embassy, consulate or visa centre that covers where you live.
- Give biometrics. Most long-stay visas need fingerprints and a photo taken in person.
- Wait for a decision. Processing times vary by route and embassy. Don't book non-refundable travel until you have the decision.
- Register after arrival. Many countries ask you to register your address and collect a residence card within a few weeks of arriving.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Passport valid for the whole stay, with blank pages
- Completed application form
- Recent biometric photos
- Proof of the purpose: job contract, admission letter or proof of income
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof you can support yourself
Permanent residence and citizenship
Permanent residence: 5 years. Long-term residence after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
Citizenship: 10 years. 10 years in general; 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal.
Dual citizenship: allowed in some cases.
Official sources
Checked against official sources in June 2026. Visa rules change — always confirm with the official source before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.
See which of these routes fit your passport, experience and education on the Spain visa page, and browse live jobs from company career pages — filter for visa sponsorship to see employers that say they sponsor.