Residency visas
Why Choose Us
Specialized expertise
in Non-EU residency (1,000+ UK, US, Canadian clients processed)
Multilingual support
English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese
99.2% approval rate
for well-prepared applications
Why Choose Spanish Residency?
If you’re a British, American, or Canadian citizen considering a move to Spain, you’re not alone. Spain has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for non-EU nationals seeking long-term residency, combining affordability, quality of life, and strategic access to the Schengen Area. But navigating Spain’s residence visa options can be complex each visa type serves different lifestyles, financial situations, and professional goals.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every residence visa available to you, from the Non-Lucrative Visa perfect for retirees to the Digital Nomad Visa designed for remote professionals. Whether you’re planning to retire, work remotely, study, or bring your family, we’ll help you understand which path is right for you.
The best immigration Lawyers in Spain
Residency in Spain unlocks more than just a visa it opens doors to a European lifestyle with tangible advantages you won’t get from tourist visas.
Benefits
Access to the Schengen Are
Legal Work Permission
Access to Spanish Public Healthcare
Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
What is a Spanish Residence Visa?
A Spanish residence visa is a long-term permission to live in Spain for periods exceeding 90 days (the tourist visa limit). Unlike the Schengen visitor visa, which is strictly for tourism and doesn’t permit employment or financial ties, residence visas allow you to:
- Live legally in Spain for extended periods (1-5+ years, renewable)
- Establish residency status with local registration and an official foreigners’ identity card (TIE)
- Build legal ties through tax residency, banking, employment, or family reunification
- Work, study, or operate a business (depending on visa type)
- Bring family members as dependents or accompanying applicants
It’s crucial to understand that a visa is different from a residence permit:
- Visa: Allows you to enter Spain (valid for travel)
- Residence Permit: Allows you to live and stay in Spain (applied for after arrival)
Most applicants obtain their visa at their home country’s Spanish consulate or embassy, then apply for the formal residence permit (TIE) within 30 days of arrival in Spain.
How we work
We’ve streamlined the application process into three core stages to reduce stress and maximize your chances of approval.
Initial Assessment & Visa Selection
We begin by understanding your personal situation: your nationality, financial resources, employment status, family situation, and long-term goals in Spain. We then match you with the optimal visa type and clarify all requirements specific to your consulate (Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., London, Toronto, etc.). This step is critical choosing the wrong visa can delay your application by months or result in rejection.
Document Preparation & Application Submission
We guide you through gathering all required documents (financial proofs, medical certificates, criminal records, employment contracts, etc.), ensuring they meet your specific consulate’s standards. We also coordinate translations and apostille certifications often overlooked details that cause application delays. Your complete application package is then submitted to the appropriate Spanish consulate or immigration authority.
Immigration Follow-Up & Residency Formalization
Once your visa is approved, we support your transition to Spain: TIE registration, tax residency setup, opening bank accounts, and renewal planning. We maintain ongoing communication with immigration authorities on your behalf, ensuring seamless status updates and preventing common renewal mistakes that jeopardize long-term residency.
Spain’s Residence Visa Options for Non-EU Citizens
Each visa type has distinct requirements, financial thresholds, and benefits. Here’s how to identify which is right for you:
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa in Spain
British, American, and Canadian citizens with sufficient passive income (pensions, investments, annuities, dividends) who do NOT plan to work in Spain.
Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
British, American, and Canadian remote employees, freelancers, and self-employed professionals who work for companies or clients based outside Spain.
Student Visa in Spain
British, American, and Canadian students pursuing undergraduate degrees, Master’s programs, Ph.D. studies, or professional certification courses at accredited Spanish institutions.
For Family Reunification & Multi-Generational Residency
Non-EU families with at least one family member already holding Spanish residency and wishing to reunite dependents or elderly parents in Spain.
Spain Long-Term Visa
Applicants (of any visa category) who have continuously resided legally in Spain for 5 consecutive years and wish to upgrade to long-term residency status.
Which Spanish Residence Visa Is Right for You?
Use this matrix to quickly identify your best option based on your situation:
| Visa Type | Best For | Min. Annual Income | Can Work? | Family Allowed? | Time to Residency |
| Non-Lucrative | Retirees, passive income earners | €28,800 | ❌ No (initially) | ✓ Yes | 2-3 months |
| Digital Nomad | Remote workers, freelancers | €34,188 | ✓ Yes (foreign clients) | ✓ Yes | 1-3 months* |
| Student | Undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D. | €10,000 savings | ✓ Part-time only | ✓ Dependents | Program duration |
| Family Reunification | Families joining existing resident | Variable | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 2-4 months |
| Long-Term Residency | After 5 years (all types) | None required | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 1-2 months |
*Faster if applying from within Spain (UGE process: ~20 working days)
Get started
Ready to Begin Your Spanish Residency Journey?
Taking the first step toward Spanish residency doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what we recommend:
Schedule a Free Consultation Book a 30-minute initial assessment call with our visa specialist. We’ll review your situation, identify your optimal visa pathway, and answer any specific questions about your consulate’s requirements.
Receive Your Personalized Residency Roadmap After our consultation, we’ll provide a tailored action plan including:
- Recommended visa type based on your goals
- Complete checklist of required documents (consulate-specific)
- Timeline and costs for your application
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
Execute Your Application We guide you through document collection, translation/apostille coordination, and submission ensuring nothing is missed and your application stands out.
Celebrate Your Approval Once approved, we support your transition to Spain: TIE registration, tax setup, and long-term residency planning.