2025 Guide to Spanish Visas & Residency Permits for International Residents

Understanding the Difference: Visa vs. Residency Permit

Before relocating to Spain, it's essential to understand the distinction between a visa and a residency permit:

• Visa: Grants the legal right to enter Spain and temporarily stay for up to 90 days; issued by a Spanish consulate in your home country.

• Residency Permit / TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): Authorizes you to live and, in some cases, work in Spain long-term. You must apply for it within 30 days of arrival.

Spanish Visa & Residency Permit Options in 2025

1. Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

• Purpose: For remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies.

• Work: Remote work permitted.

• Requirements: Minimum €2,700/month income and private health insurance. Some consulates request proof of tax compliance from remote employers.

• Duration: 1 year if applying from abroad, up to 3 years from within Spain, renewable for up to 5 years in total.

• 2025 Update: Minimum income requirement increased.

2. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

• Purpose: For retirees or individuals with passive income.

• Work: Not permitted in Spain.

• Requirements: Minimum €2,400/month income and private health insurance.

• Duration: 1 year initially, renewable for 2-year periods (renewal requires minimum annual stay in Spain of 183 days).

• 2025 Update: Must demonstrate a regular source of income without working in Spain.

3. Work Visa (Employee / Autónomo)

• Purpose: For salaried employment or self-employment in Spain.

• Work: Full-time permitted.

• Requirements:

  • Employee Work Visa: Valid job contract with a Spanish company, professional qualifications, proof of financial means.

  • Self-Employed Visa (Autónomo): Business plan, professional qualifications, financial proof, registration with social security (Seguridad Social)

• Duration: 1 year initially, renewable up to 4 years.

• 2025 Update: Initial permits now valid for 1 year.

4. Student Visa

• Purpose: For studying at Spanish universities or institutions.

• Work: Part-time up to 30 hours/week.

• Requirements: Enrollment confirmation and proof of financial means. Language course students must meet different, more restrictive conditions and cannot convert their stay to a work permit after completion.

• Duration: Valid for the length of the program, renewable.

• 2025 Update: Student visas now cover the entire study period.

5. Job Seeker Visa

• Purpose: Allows non-EU citizens to reside in Spain for up to 12 months to search for employment or establish a business.

• Work: Not permitted during the job search period.

• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher from a Spanish or EU-recognized institution, sufficient financial means, valid health insurance, clean criminal record, medical certificate, proof of accommodation.

• Duration: 12 months, extendable if a job offer is secured.

• 2025 Update: Newly introduced pathway for non-EU nationals without a prior job offer.

6. Highly Qualified Professional Visa (HQP Visa)

• Purpose: For non-EU citizens in executive, managerial, or highly technical roles.

• Work: Permitted to work in the specified role.

• Requirements: Job offer from a Spanish company, higher education or equivalent professional experience, minimum salary (€54,000 for managers, €40,000 for academic/scientific roles), family reunification options for dependents.

• Duration: Initial validity up to 3 years, renewable for 2 additional years.

• 2025 Update: Streamlined process to attract highly skilled professionals.

7. Family Reunification Visa

• Purpose: Join family members of Spanish citizens or residents.

• Work: Depends on the type of family reunification visa.

• Requirements: Proof of relationship and financial means.

• Duration: 1 year initially, renewable.

• 2025 Update: Age limit for children increased from 21 to 26.

8. Long-Term Residency (Permanent Residency)

• Purpose: For indefinite stay after 5 years of legal residence.

• Work: Same rights as Spanish citizens.

• Requirements: Proof of continuous residence and integration into Spanish society.

• Duration: Indefinite.

• 2025 Update: Student visa years now count as half toward the 5-year requirement, and applicants typically must pass the DELE A2 (language) and CCSE (cultural knowledge) exams.

9. Golden Visa (Ended April 2025)

• Purpose: Previously allowed non-EU nationals to gain residency through property investment (€500,000 or more).

• Work: Residency rights granted, work permitted according to standard Spanish labor regulations.

• Requirements: Must have obtained the Golden Visa before April 3, 2025.

• Duration: Existing permits remain valid, renewals continue under original terms. Holders may also transition to other residence types (such as long-term residency) if eligibility is met after 5 years.

• 2025 Update: The Golden Visa program ended for new applicants. Alternative visa options include Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, Work, or Self-Employed visas.

Key Tips for Relocating to Spain in 2025

• Verify that your financial proof meets the updated thresholds.

• Obtain private health insurance valid in Spain.

• Prepare all documents, including police clearance, medical certificates, and proof of income.

• Start visa applications early, processing can take several months.

• Consider consulting a relocation expert experienced in immigration law.

How NOVA Barcelona Can Help

At NOVA Barcelona, we simplify your relocation to Spain:

• Visa consultation and selection

• Document preparation

• Application submission support

• Relocation assistance: housing, schools, local registrations

Ready to Relocate to Spain?

Whether you’re moving for work, study, or a change of lifestyle, NOVA Barcelona can help you navigate Spain’s latest visa and residency requirements. Start your journey today with expert support at every step.