Europe Visa Insights: Portugal & Spain Residency

Spanish visa for retirees and passive incomers: Non-lucrative visa

This is one of the most popular visas for those who want to live in Spain but do not intend to work.

• Who is it for? Retirees or individuals with sufficient savings or passive income.

Key Requirements:

• Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself without working. This is calculated based on the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is a Spanish government index. For 2025, you would need to show an annual income of at least €28,800, plus an additional €7,200 for each dependent family member.
• Private health insurance with a company that operates in Spain.
• A clean criminal record.

For workers and professionals

Work Visa as an Employee

This visa allows you to work for a company in Spain.

• Who is it for? Individuals who have a job offer from a Spanish employer.

Key Requirements:

• A work contract from a Spanish company.
• The job must be listed as a "shortage occupation" or the employer must prove they could not find a suitable candidate within the EU.
• You will need to obtain a Foreigner's Identity Number (NIE) and a social security number.

Self-Employed/Freelancer Visa (Autónomo)

This visa is for those who want to start their own business or work as a freelancer in Spain.

• Who is it for? Entrepreneurs and independent professionals.

Key Requirements:

• A detailed business plan that has been approved by a relevant Spanish authority (such as the UPTA, a union for self-employed workers).
• Proof of sufficient funds to start and run your business.
• Proof of your qualifications and experience.

Highly Qualified Professional Visa

This visa is designed to attract top talent to Spain.

• Who is it for? Managers, specialists, and graduates from prestigious universities.

Key Requirements:

• A job offer with a gross annual salary of at least €50,000, or €40,000 for professionals under 30.
• A university degree or at least three years of relevant professional experience.
• The application process is generally faster than for a standard work visa.

Digital Nomad Visa

This new visa is for remote workers who want to live in Spain.

• Who is it for? Individuals who work remotely for companies outside of Spain.

Key Requirements:

• Proof of a contract with a company outside of Spain, and that you have been working for them for at least three months.
• Proof of an annual income of at least €31,752.
• You must be a graduate of a reputable university or have at least three years of professional experience.

Golden visa for investors

This visa grants residency to those who make a significant investment in the Spanish economy.

• Who is it for? Individuals who can make one of the following investments:

. Purchase real estate worth at least €500,000.

. Invest at least €2 million in Spanish public debt.

. Invest at least €1 million in shares of Spanish companies or in a Spanish bank deposit.

. Start a business project in Spain that is considered to be of general interest.

Benefits: The Golden Visa offers a fast-track to residency and allows you to work in Spain. It can be renewed every two years and provides a path to permanent residency.

Academic visas

Student Visa

• Who is it for? Individuals who have been accepted to a recognized educational institution in Spain.

Key Requirements:

• A letter of acceptance from a Spanish school or university.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and tuition fees.
• Private health insurance.

Researcher Visa

• Who is it for? Researchers who will be carrying out research activities at a Spanish institution.

Key Requirements:

• An agreement or contract with a research organization in Spain.
• Proof of your qualifications as a researcher.

Family reunification visa

This visa allows you to bring your family members to live with you in Spain.

• Who is it for? Spouses, registered partners, children, and dependent parents of a legal resident of Spain.

Key Requirements:

• The resident in Spain must have lived in the country for at least one year and have a residence permit for at least another year.
• Proof of adequate housing and sufficient financial resources to support the family.