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Spanish Residence Permit: Start a New Life on the Mediterranean
We identify the right residence permit for those who want to live, work or retire in Spain and manage your application end-to-end — from the Non-Lucrative Visa to the Digital Nomad Visa, tailored to your needs.
What Is a Spanish Residence Permit?
A Spanish residence permit is the official authorisation that allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain for longer than 90 days. With its affordable cost of living, Mediterranean climate, advanced healthcare and education, and free access to the Schengen area, Spain is a destination of choice for thousands of new residents each year.
Spanish residence permits fall into two main categories: Temporary Residence Permit, which allows third-country nationals to live in Spain for between 90 days and 5 years and covers spouses and children. Permanent Residence Permit grants applicants who complete 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence the same fundamental rights and entitlements as a Spanish citizen — except the right to vote and stand for election.
At Mi Casa Europa, we support you at every stage — from choosing the right visa type to preparing documents, monitoring the application and helping you settle in after arrival.
Who Is This Service For?
Retirees and Income Earners
The Non-Lucrative Visa is the ideal option for people with stable passive income who want to live in Spain without working.
Remote Workers
Digital professionals employed by companies outside Spain qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa.
Entrepreneurs
A dedicated Startup Visa programme exists for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas who want to launch in Spain.
Families
You can apply alongside your spouse and children and secure residence rights for the whole family.
Which Residence Permit Suits You?
The main residence permit programmes Spain offers
Non-Lucrative Visa
Residencia No Lucrativa
Designed for individuals with stable income who want to live in Spain without working. The initial permit is granted for 1 year, then renewed for 2+2 years. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence, and after 10 years for citizenship.
• Minimum ~€28,800 annual income (2026 IPREM 400%)
• Family members can be included
• No right to work
Digital Nomad Visa
Visado de Teletrabajo
Introduced in 2022 (effective 2023), this programme targets remote employees and freelancers whose employer is based outside Spain. The first visa lasts 3 years and renews in 2-year increments; permanent residence is available after 5 years. Income from Spanish sources must not exceed 20% of total income.
• First visa 3 years + 2-year renewals
• Minimum €25,000 in funds
• 24% flat tax rate (Beckham Law)
• Spanish-source income ≤ 20%
• Family sponsorship available
Entrepreneur Visa
Visado de Emprendedor
For entrepreneurs who want to launch innovative and creative projects in Spain. Requires a favourable report from the Spanish Trade and Economic Office.
• Up to 3 years of residence and work permit
• Business plan presentation required
• Access to startup ecosystem support
Update — April 2025
The Spanish Golden Visa (Investor Visa) programme was officially ended by the Spanish government on 3 April 2025. Residence through property investment is no longer possible. For current alternatives, get in touch with us.
Want to Live in Spain?
Fill in the pre-assessment form. We'll identify the right residence permit together and plan your application process.
Why Live in Spain?
One of Europe's most attractive places to settle
Schengen Travel Freedom
A Spanish residence permit lets you travel visa-free across 27 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
Quality Healthcare
Spain ranks in the world's top 10 healthcare systems. Residence permit holders can access public healthcare.
Education Opportunities
Free state schools and access to Europe's leading universities. International education options for your children.
Quality of Life
300+ sunny days a year, affordable cost of living, rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean cuisine.
Path to Citizenship
Permanent residence after 5 years of uninterrupted residence, and the right to apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years.
Tax Advantages
A 24% flat income tax rate for Digital Nomad Visa holders, and access to a special tax regime under the Beckham Law.
How the Application Process Works
Your Spanish residence permit, step by step with Mi Casa Europa
Free Initial Assessment
START
We review your situation, goals and financial position together. We then determine the right residence permit type and application strategy for you.
Document Preparation
PREPARATION
We gather all required documents, handle apostille procedures, sworn translations into Spanish and the assembly of financial evidence. Every document is reviewed by Mi Casa Europa.
Visa Application
OFFICIAL STAGE
Depending on the visa type, the application is filed at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence or directly in Spain. We manage all official correspondence and tracking throughout the process.
Arrival in Spain and Residence Card
RELOCATION
After arriving in Spain, you must apply for the residence card (TIE) at the immigration office within 30 days. Our post-arrival support continues.
Core Documents Required for the Application
Each visa type has its own specific requirements, but the documents typically required for a Spanish residence permit application are listed below. We manage the full document process for you.
A passport valid for at least 1 year
Apostilled criminal-record certificate
Full comprehensive private Spanish health insurance
Proof of financial means (bank statements, income certificate)
Medical certificate, sworn-translated into Spanish
Fully completed application form
Biometric photographs (2)
Birth/marriage certificate (for family applications)
Your Spanish Residence Permit Expert
Enis Behar MendaA Spanish residence permit starts with choosing the right visa type and runs through many bureaucratic stages. With over 25 years of advisory experience across Türkiye, the UK and Spain, I've successfully managed the relocation of hundreds of individuals and families to Spain.
As the founder of Mi Casa Europa, I work with our local legal partners, accountants and property advisors in Spain to deliver end-to-end support — from pre-application to post-arrival. Our aim isn't just to secure the visa; it's to help you build a sustainable, comfortable life in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to Live in Spain?
Fill in the pre-assessment form. We'll identify the right residence permit together and plan your application process.