Obtaining a residence permit in Spain can be simpler or more complex depending on which country you are from. So, for residents of other EU countries, some Latin American countries and persons with close relatives in Spain, this procedure can be simplified compared to applicants from countries outside the Eurozone.<\/p>\n
But in any case, you should remember the pros and cons of having a Spanish residence.<\/p>\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n- Certain residencies imply simultaneous submission of applications for your family members, and they also would get a residency card if relevant documents of the main applicant get accepted.<\/li>\n
- Each year in Spain under legal residency counts for Spanish nationality.<\/li>\n
- The presence of a Spanish residence allows you to move freely throughout the European Union without registration of additional documents.<\/li>\n
- After receiving the primary residence, the procedure for extending the resident’s card will be easier.<\/li>\n
- Some types of residency, like the student visa, can be issued just three weeks after submitting your application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- To get the application approved, you will need to wait and in some cases it may take from 3 to 6 months.<\/li>\n
- A year after receiving the residence, you will need to apply again to extend it.<\/li>\n
- Not all types of residence give the right to work in Spain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ways of Getting a Residence Permits for Spain<\/h2>\n
To date, there are the following main ways of getting a residence card of Spain:<\/p>\n
\n- Study in Spain (student visa);<\/li>\n
- Work in Spain (residence permit with the right to work);<\/li>\n
- Immigration for financially independent persons (permit without the right to work);<\/li>\n
- Marriage to a Spanish citizen;<\/li>\n
- Golden Visa \u2013 a residence permit for investors, including owners of expensive property in Spain;<\/li>\n
- Opening a business;<\/li>\n
- Start-up visa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There is also a way to obtain a residence permit after three years of illegal residency in Spain, but we will not consider it in our article.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alegria-premium.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/how-to-get-residence-permits-for-spain-img-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Student Visa: a Simple Way to Immigrate to Spain for Study<\/h2>\n
A student visa is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to immigrate to Spain. It can be obtained for studying at a university, in a private school, in language or other courses, etc. The main requirement is that the educational institution must be certified by the Spanish Ministry of Education. In other words, it must be authorized to issue invitations to study in Spain for foreigners. This method of immigration to Spain has many advantages:<\/p>\n
\n- Issuing is simple and fast.<\/li>\n
- It does not require large financial expenses.<\/li>\n
- There is an opportunity to work, but no more than 30 hours a week (innovation, previously it was no more than 20 hours).<\/li>\n
- There is an opportunity to learn the language and get acquainted with the culture and mentality, acquire useful contacts.<\/li>\n
- The possibility of extending the visa on the spot, without having to leave the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The main disadvantage of this method of this visa type is that it cannot be automatically converted into another type of residence permit.<\/p>\n
Residence Permit with the Right to Work in Spain \u2013 a Way to Immigrate to Spain for Professionals<\/h2>\n
In light of the current events in the labor market in Spain, this visa type can be called one of the most difficult. In order to obtain a residence permit in Spain with the right to work, an applicant needs to get an invitation from the employer, in which he undertakes to employ him, as soon as the applicant will get the residence permit and related documents.<\/p>\n
The difficulty lies in the fact that there is a very high unemployment rate in Spain now, and it is very difficult to find any job even for the Spaniards themselves. In addition, the employer has the right to invite a foreigner to the position only if he has proved that there was no suitable candidate among the Spaniards.<\/p>\n
Previously, in order to get permission to hire a foreign specialist, the employer had to place a vacancy and wait for 30 days to find a suitable applicant in Spain. Now this period has been reduced to 8 days.<\/p>\n
However, there are certain categories of specialists in many areas where Spain has a deficit. Basically we are talking about professionals in the field of IT, as well as highly qualified doctors and research stuff. This list of specialists was expanded since August 2022.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alegria-premium.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/how-to-get-residence-permits-for-spain-img-3-1024x614.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Residence Permit Without the Right to Work: a Way to Get Spanish Residency for Financially Independent Persons<\/h2>\n
This way involves obtaining a residence permit without the right to work. It is suitable for those who have a high stable income outside of Spain or have sufficient amount of savings that allows them to live in Spain without the need to earn money.<\/p>\n
The calculation of the required amount is based on the IPREM \u2013 the minimum amount of sufficient funds, which is annually defined by Spain’s Multiplier for the Public Income Index (IPREM). As for 2022, it is equal to:<\/p>\n
\n- 579.02 euros per month.<\/li>\n
- 6,984.24 euros per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The amount you need to have for obtaining this residence permit is: 400% IPREM (i.e. 579.02 euros*4 = 2,316.08 euros per month) for the main applicant and 100% IPREM (579.02 euros per month) for each additional family member. In this case, it is recommended to show an amount slightly higher than the required minimum. The higher it is, the greater the chances of getting a positive response.<\/p>\n
This is one of the most popular ways to move to Spain, while it is quite simple and reliable. Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to buy own property \u2013 a long-term rental contract will suffice. However, when buying property in Spain, the chances of a positive response are much higher.<\/p>\n
This residence permit is issued for a year, then, according to the new rules, it is extended for four years. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residence.<\/p>\n
The advantages of this residency type include:<\/p>\n
\n- There is a possibility of permanent continuous residence in Spain (as opposed to a multi-visa, which gives the right to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days in half a year).<\/li>\n
- There is a possibility of obtaining a residence permit for the whole family.<\/li>\n
- There is an opportunity to open own business.<\/li>\n
- It is issued pretty quickly and simply (at competent approach).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The main disadvantage of this residency type is the need to stay in the country for at least 183 days a year. If this requirement is not met, you may be denied a residence permit extension.<\/p>\n
Family Reunification is a Way to Get Spanish Residency for Those Who Have Family in this Country<\/h2>\n
If you have close relatives who have Spanish citizenship or a residence permit, you can, if certain conditions are met, get Spanish residency too. The list of persons with whom you can reunite:<\/p>\n
\n- Spouse;<\/li>\n
- Own child;<\/li>\n
- Spouse’s child;<\/li>\n
- Adopted child;<\/li>\n
- Relatives in the ascending line;<\/li>\n
- Relatives in the ascending line of the spouse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Marriage to a Spanish Citizen<\/h2>\n
This is a fairly simple way to obtain Spanish residency (related to the method of family reunification described above), but it is only suitable for certain categories of people.<\/p>\n
Marriage with a Spanish citizen gives the right not only to get a residence permit, but also to obtain Spanish citizenship under a simplified scheme \u2013 after only a year of legal marriage, you can apply for a Spanish passport.<\/p>\n
Golden Visa \u2013 a Way for Investors and Businessmen<\/h2>\n
\u00abGolden Visa\u00bb is a residence permit for investors, including those who buy property in Spain, as well as businessmen. This residency type is considered the fastest, easiest and most reliable one. Perhaps its only drawback is a high cost: the minimum investment is 500,000 euros.<\/p>\n
Key benefits of the Golden Visa include:<\/p>\n
\n- Simple and fast obtaining;<\/li>\n
- Getting a residence permit with the right to work immediately for the whole family;<\/li>\n
- There is no obligation to reside in Spain 183 days a year (as opposed to a residence permit for financial independence). However, if you intend to acquire Spanish citizenship in the future, this requirement must be met.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To obtain a Golden Visa in Spain, you have to:<\/p>\n
\n- Invest at least 500,000 euros in real estate in Spain. Buying real estate by using a mortgage is not allowed. You can purchase several properties with a total value of at least 500,000 euros.<\/li>\n
- Deposit 1 million euros to your account in a Spanish bank. These funds must be available there for the entire duration of the residence permit.<\/li>\n
- Buy shares of Spanish state-owned companies in the amount of 1 million euros.<\/li>\n
- Buy government bonds in the amount of 2 million euros.<\/li>\n
- Open your own business in Spain, which involves the creation of new jobs and makes a tangible contribution to the Spanish economy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alegria-premium.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/how-to-get-residence-permits-for-spain-img-4-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Startup Visa to Spain is a way to obtain Spanish Residency for Creators of Innovative Projects<\/h2>\n
We are talking about a residence permit through the opening of an innovative business. The key concept in this case is the idea. It is the idea, and not the amount of funds that you are willing to invest in your business, that will become the fundamental motive for approving your project.<\/p>\n
Not every business project is suitable for opening a start-up visa. The main requirements are the following:<\/p>\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- To get the application approved, you will need to wait and in some cases it may take from 3 to 6 months.<\/li>\n
- A year after receiving the residence, you will need to apply again to extend it.<\/li>\n
- Not all types of residence give the right to work in Spain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ways of Getting a Residence Permits for Spain<\/h2>\n
To date, there are the following main ways of getting a residence card of Spain:<\/p>\n
\n- Study in Spain (student visa);<\/li>\n
- Work in Spain (residence permit with the right to work);<\/li>\n
- Immigration for financially independent persons (permit without the right to work);<\/li>\n
- Marriage to a Spanish citizen;<\/li>\n
- Golden Visa \u2013 a residence permit for investors, including owners of expensive property in Spain;<\/li>\n
- Opening a business;<\/li>\n
- Start-up visa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There is also a way to obtain a residence permit after three years of illegal residency in Spain, but we will not consider it in our article.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Student Visa: a Simple Way to Immigrate to Spain for Study<\/h2>\n
A student visa is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to immigrate to Spain. It can be obtained for studying at a university, in a private school, in language or other courses, etc. The main requirement is that the educational institution must be certified by the Spanish Ministry of Education. In other words, it must be authorized to issue invitations to study in Spain for foreigners. This method of immigration to Spain has many advantages:<\/p>\n
\n- Issuing is simple and fast.<\/li>\n
- It does not require large financial expenses.<\/li>\n
- There is an opportunity to work, but no more than 30 hours a week (innovation, previously it was no more than 20 hours).<\/li>\n
- There is an opportunity to learn the language and get acquainted with the culture and mentality, acquire useful contacts.<\/li>\n
- The possibility of extending the visa on the spot, without having to leave the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The main disadvantage of this method of this visa type is that it cannot be automatically converted into another type of residence permit.<\/p>\n
Residence Permit with the Right to Work in Spain \u2013 a Way to Immigrate to Spain for Professionals<\/h2>\n
In light of the current events in the labor market in Spain, this visa type can be called one of the most difficult. In order to obtain a residence permit in Spain with the right to work, an applicant needs to get an invitation from the employer, in which he undertakes to employ him, as soon as the applicant will get the residence permit and related documents.<\/p>\n
The difficulty lies in the fact that there is a very high unemployment rate in Spain now, and it is very difficult to find any job even for the Spaniards themselves. In addition, the employer has the right to invite a foreigner to the position only if he has proved that there was no suitable candidate among the Spaniards.<\/p>\n
Previously, in order to get permission to hire a foreign specialist, the employer had to place a vacancy and wait for 30 days to find a suitable applicant in Spain. Now this period has been reduced to 8 days.<\/p>\n
However, there are certain categories of specialists in many areas where Spain has a deficit. Basically we are talking about professionals in the field of IT, as well as highly qualified doctors and research stuff. This list of specialists was expanded since August 2022.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Residence Permit Without the Right to Work: a Way to Get Spanish Residency for Financially Independent Persons<\/h2>\n
This way involves obtaining a residence permit without the right to work. It is suitable for those who have a high stable income outside of Spain or have sufficient amount of savings that allows them to live in Spain without the need to earn money.<\/p>\n
The calculation of the required amount is based on the IPREM \u2013 the minimum amount of sufficient funds, which is annually defined by Spain’s Multiplier for the Public Income Index (IPREM). As for 2022, it is equal to:<\/p>\n
\n- 579.02 euros per month.<\/li>\n
- 6,984.24 euros per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The amount you need to have for obtaining this residence permit is: 400% IPREM (i.e. 579.02 euros*4 = 2,316.08 euros per month) for the main applicant and 100% IPREM (579.02 euros per month) for each additional family member. In this case, it is recommended to show an amount slightly higher than the required minimum. The higher it is, the greater the chances of getting a positive response.<\/p>\n
This is one of the most popular ways to move to Spain, while it is quite simple and reliable. Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to buy own property \u2013 a long-term rental contract will suffice. However, when buying property in Spain, the chances of a positive response are much higher.<\/p>\n
This residence permit is issued for a year, then, according to the new rules, it is extended for four years. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residence.<\/p>\n
The advantages of this residency type include:<\/p>\n
\n- There is a possibility of permanent continuous residence in Spain (as opposed to a multi-visa, which gives the right to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days in half a year).<\/li>\n
- There is a possibility of obtaining a residence permit for the whole family.<\/li>\n
- There is an opportunity to open own business.<\/li>\n
- It is issued pretty quickly and simply (at competent approach).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The main disadvantage of this residency type is the need to stay in the country for at least 183 days a year. If this requirement is not met, you may be denied a residence permit extension.<\/p>\n
Family Reunification is a Way to Get Spanish Residency for Those Who Have Family in this Country<\/h2>\n
If you have close relatives who have Spanish citizenship or a residence permit, you can, if certain conditions are met, get Spanish residency too. The list of persons with whom you can reunite:<\/p>\n
\n- Spouse;<\/li>\n
- Own child;<\/li>\n
- Spouse’s child;<\/li>\n
- Adopted child;<\/li>\n
- Relatives in the ascending line;<\/li>\n
- Relatives in the ascending line of the spouse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Marriage to a Spanish Citizen<\/h2>\n
This is a fairly simple way to obtain Spanish residency (related to the method of family reunification described above), but it is only suitable for certain categories of people.<\/p>\n
Marriage with a Spanish citizen gives the right not only to get a residence permit, but also to obtain Spanish citizenship under a simplified scheme \u2013 after only a year of legal marriage, you can apply for a Spanish passport.<\/p>\n
Golden Visa \u2013 a Way for Investors and Businessmen<\/h2>\n
\u00abGolden Visa\u00bb is a residence permit for investors, including those who buy property in Spain, as well as businessmen. This residency type is considered the fastest, easiest and most reliable one. Perhaps its only drawback is a high cost: the minimum investment is 500,000 euros.<\/p>\n
Key benefits of the Golden Visa include:<\/p>\n
\n- Simple and fast obtaining;<\/li>\n
- Getting a residence permit with the right to work immediately for the whole family;<\/li>\n
- There is no obligation to reside in Spain 183 days a year (as opposed to a residence permit for financial independence). However, if you intend to acquire Spanish citizenship in the future, this requirement must be met.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To obtain a Golden Visa in Spain, you have to:<\/p>\n
\n- Invest at least 500,000 euros in real estate in Spain. Buying real estate by using a mortgage is not allowed. You can purchase several properties with a total value of at least 500,000 euros.<\/li>\n
- Deposit 1 million euros to your account in a Spanish bank. These funds must be available there for the entire duration of the residence permit.<\/li>\n
- Buy shares of Spanish state-owned companies in the amount of 1 million euros.<\/li>\n
- Buy government bonds in the amount of 2 million euros.<\/li>\n
- Open your own business in Spain, which involves the creation of new jobs and makes a tangible contribution to the Spanish economy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Startup Visa to Spain is a way to obtain Spanish Residency for Creators of Innovative Projects<\/h2>\n
We are talking about a residence permit through the opening of an innovative business. The key concept in this case is the idea. It is the idea, and not the amount of funds that you are willing to invest in your business, that will become the fundamental motive for approving your project.<\/p>\n
Not every business project is suitable for opening a start-up visa. The main requirements are the following:<\/p>\n
Ways of Getting a Residence Permits for Spain<\/h2>\n
To date, there are the following main ways of getting a residence card of Spain:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Study in Spain (student visa);<\/li>\n
- Work in Spain (residence permit with the right to work);<\/li>\n
- Immigration for financially independent persons (permit without the right to work);<\/li>\n
- Marriage to a Spanish citizen;<\/li>\n
- Golden Visa \u2013 a residence permit for investors, including owners of expensive property in Spain;<\/li>\n
- Opening a business;<\/li>\n
- Start-up visa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There is also a way to obtain a residence permit after three years of illegal residency in Spain, but we will not consider it in our article.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nStudent Visa: a Simple Way to Immigrate to Spain for Study<\/h2>\n
A student visa is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to immigrate to Spain. It can be obtained for studying at a university, in a private school, in language or other courses, etc. The main requirement is that the educational institution must be certified by the Spanish Ministry of Education. In other words, it must be authorized to issue invitations to study in Spain for foreigners. This method of immigration to Spain has many advantages:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Issuing is simple and fast.<\/li>\n
- It does not require large financial expenses.<\/li>\n
- There is an opportunity to work, but no more than 30 hours a week (innovation, previously it was no more than 20 hours).<\/li>\n
- There is an opportunity to learn the language and get acquainted with the culture and mentality, acquire useful contacts.<\/li>\n
- The possibility of extending the visa on the spot, without having to leave the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The main disadvantage of this method of this visa type is that it cannot be automatically converted into another type of residence permit.<\/p>\n
Residence Permit with the Right to Work in Spain \u2013 a Way to Immigrate to Spain for Professionals<\/h2>\n
In light of the current events in the labor market in Spain, this visa type can be called one of the most difficult. In order to obtain a residence permit in Spain with the right to work, an applicant needs to get an invitation from the employer, in which he undertakes to employ him, as soon as the applicant will get the residence permit and related documents.<\/p>\n
The difficulty lies in the fact that there is a very high unemployment rate in Spain now, and it is very difficult to find any job even for the Spaniards themselves. In addition, the employer has the right to invite a foreigner to the position only if he has proved that there was no suitable candidate among the Spaniards.<\/p>\n
Previously, in order to get permission to hire a foreign specialist, the employer had to place a vacancy and wait for 30 days to find a suitable applicant in Spain. Now this period has been reduced to 8 days.<\/p>\n
However, there are certain categories of specialists in many areas where Spain has a deficit. Basically we are talking about professionals in the field of IT, as well as highly qualified doctors and research stuff. This list of specialists was expanded since August 2022.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nResidence Permit Without the Right to Work: a Way to Get Spanish Residency for Financially Independent Persons<\/h2>\n
This way involves obtaining a residence permit without the right to work. It is suitable for those who have a high stable income outside of Spain or have sufficient amount of savings that allows them to live in Spain without the need to earn money.<\/p>\n
The calculation of the required amount is based on the IPREM \u2013 the minimum amount of sufficient funds, which is annually defined by Spain’s Multiplier for the Public Income Index (IPREM). As for 2022, it is equal to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- 579.02 euros per month.<\/li>\n
- 6,984.24 euros per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The amount you need to have for obtaining this residence permit is: 400% IPREM (i.e. 579.02 euros*4 = 2,316.08 euros per month) for the main applicant and 100% IPREM (579.02 euros per month) for each additional family member. In this case, it is recommended to show an amount slightly higher than the required minimum. The higher it is, the greater the chances of getting a positive response.<\/p>\n
This is one of the most popular ways to move to Spain, while it is quite simple and reliable. Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to buy own property \u2013 a long-term rental contract will suffice. However, when buying property in Spain, the chances of a positive response are much higher.<\/p>\n
This residence permit is issued for a year, then, according to the new rules, it is extended for four years. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residence.<\/p>\n
The advantages of this residency type include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- There is a possibility of permanent continuous residence in Spain (as opposed to a multi-visa, which gives the right to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days in half a year).<\/li>\n
- There is a possibility of obtaining a residence permit for the whole family.<\/li>\n
- There is an opportunity to open own business.<\/li>\n
- It is issued pretty quickly and simply (at competent approach).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The main disadvantage of this residency type is the need to stay in the country for at least 183 days a year. If this requirement is not met, you may be denied a residence permit extension.<\/p>\n
Family Reunification is a Way to Get Spanish Residency for Those Who Have Family in this Country<\/h2>\n
If you have close relatives who have Spanish citizenship or a residence permit, you can, if certain conditions are met, get Spanish residency too. The list of persons with whom you can reunite:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Spouse;<\/li>\n
- Own child;<\/li>\n
- Spouse’s child;<\/li>\n
- Adopted child;<\/li>\n
- Relatives in the ascending line;<\/li>\n
- Relatives in the ascending line of the spouse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Marriage to a Spanish Citizen<\/h2>\n
This is a fairly simple way to obtain Spanish residency (related to the method of family reunification described above), but it is only suitable for certain categories of people.<\/p>\n
Marriage with a Spanish citizen gives the right not only to get a residence permit, but also to obtain Spanish citizenship under a simplified scheme \u2013 after only a year of legal marriage, you can apply for a Spanish passport.<\/p>\n
Golden Visa \u2013 a Way for Investors and Businessmen<\/h2>\n
\u00abGolden Visa\u00bb is a residence permit for investors, including those who buy property in Spain, as well as businessmen. This residency type is considered the fastest, easiest and most reliable one. Perhaps its only drawback is a high cost: the minimum investment is 500,000 euros.<\/p>\n
Key benefits of the Golden Visa include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Simple and fast obtaining;<\/li>\n
- Getting a residence permit with the right to work immediately for the whole family;<\/li>\n
- There is no obligation to reside in Spain 183 days a year (as opposed to a residence permit for financial independence). However, if you intend to acquire Spanish citizenship in the future, this requirement must be met.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To obtain a Golden Visa in Spain, you have to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Invest at least 500,000 euros in real estate in Spain. Buying real estate by using a mortgage is not allowed. You can purchase several properties with a total value of at least 500,000 euros.<\/li>\n
- Deposit 1 million euros to your account in a Spanish bank. These funds must be available there for the entire duration of the residence permit.<\/li>\n
- Buy shares of Spanish state-owned companies in the amount of 1 million euros.<\/li>\n
- Buy government bonds in the amount of 2 million euros.<\/li>\n
- Open your own business in Spain, which involves the creation of new jobs and makes a tangible contribution to the Spanish economy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
Startup Visa to Spain is a way to obtain Spanish Residency for Creators of Innovative Projects<\/h2>\n
We are talking about a residence permit through the opening of an innovative business. The key concept in this case is the idea. It is the idea, and not the amount of funds that you are willing to invest in your business, that will become the fundamental motive for approving your project.<\/p>\n
Not every business project is suitable for opening a start-up visa. The main requirements are the following:<\/p>\n