Looking to make Spain your new home? You’re not alone. Over 600,000 foreigners have chosen to live in this beautiful country. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand Spanish visas and residence options available to you. In this quick guide, we’ll break down the different types of Spanish visas, the requirements for obtaining them, and the long-term residence options in Spain.
So, let’s dive in and discover how you can make your Spanish dream a reality.
Types of Spanish Visas and Residence
Are you considering a temporary stay in Spain or possibly making it your permanent home? Well, it’s essential that you don’t make mistakes that can really take the edge off your new start in the sun.
In this discussion, we will explore the different types of visas available for temporary stays in Spain, such as the non-lucrative residency permit or the golden visa.
Additionally, we will delve into the requirements and benefits of obtaining permanent residency in Spain, which is the main pathway to Spanish citizenship.
Temporary Visas for Spain
To stay in Spain for longer than 90 days, you’ll need a temporary visa or residency permit. If you’re not from Europe, you’ll need a temporary residence permit for longer than 90 days but less than two years.
The non-lucrative residency is usually the best option for retirees or those who own or work for companies outside of Spain. With this visa, you can’t work or earn money in Spain, but you only need to show proof of private health insurance and sufficient funds to live in the country. The non-lucrative residency can be renewed every year, as long as you still meet the necessary criteria.
However, if you’re looking for a residency that allows economic activity and more freedom, the Spanish investor visa, also known as the golden visa, is the way to go. With this visa, non-EU citizens can obtain immediate permanent residency by investing a significant amount of money in Spain, either through a deposit in a Spanish bank, buying shares in a Spanish company, or purchasing real estate in Spain.
Permanent Residency In Spain
Obtaining permanent residency in Spain can be done through various pathways. Two common options are the non-lucrative visa and the investor visa.
If you have been living in Spain on a non-lucrative visa for five uninterrupted years, you can apply for permanent residency. The same applies to the investor visa, where you must spend at least four out of the past five years inside Spain.
Permanent residency serves as the main path to Spanish citizenship, if that is your goal. Once you obtain permanent residency, you can usually access public healthcare, although this may depend on the autonomous region you live in.
Additionally, having permanent residency allows you to get a job if you wish. So, if you’re looking to make your stay in Spain more permanent, these pathways can provide you with the opportunity to do so.
Requirements for Obtaining a Spanish Visa
When applying for a Spanish visa or residency, there are certain requirements and documentation that you need to be aware of.
These include:
- Having a valid passport
- Providing medical certificates and clean criminal records
- Proof of private health insurance
- Showing sufficient funds
For specific types of visas, such as the non-lucrative or investor visa, additional documentation like proof of investment or financial resources may be required.
It’s important to gather all the necessary documents and meet the requirements to ensure a smooth application process.
Spain’s Requirements and Documentation
Make sure you have all the required documentation when applying for a non-lucrative residency in Spain. This includes a passport, photos, medical certificate, clean criminal record, proof of private health insurance, and sufficient funds. These documents are essential for a successful application process.
Additionally, it is recommended to have more funds than the minimum requirement to increase your chances of approval. The Spanish authorities will review your bank statements from the past six months to verify your financial stability.
Once you obtain the non-lucrative residency, you must apply for the TIE (the foreign resident’s ID card) within three months. Remember that the TIE needs to be renewed each time you extend your residency.
It is crucial to gather all the necessary documents and meet the financial requirements to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.
Long-Term Residence Options in Spain
Getting permanent residency in Spain is the main path to Spanish citizenship. It is a crucial step if you want to enjoy the benefits of being a Spanish citizen, such as a Spanish passport and free movement in 183 countries.
Permanent residency can be obtained after five uninterrupted years of living in Spain. This means that you have to establish your life in Spain and meet the necessary requirements to be granted permanent residency.
Permanent residency offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to get a job in Spain and have access to public healthcare, although this may vary depending on the autonomous region. Secondly, it is a better option if you don’t want to renounce your original citizenship. Unlike citizenship, permanent residency does not require you to give up your current nationality. This can be particularly important if you have strong ties to your home country or if you want to maintain your rights and privileges as a citizen of your home country.
To obtain permanent residency, you need to provide the required documentation, which includes a passport, current residency documents, the EX-11 residency form, and proof of payment. Additionally, you must be able to show evidence of living in Spain for five uninterrupted years. Once you have obtained permanent residency, you can then apply for Spanish citizenship if you wish.
Overall, getting permanent residency in Spain is the main path to Spanish citizenship and offers numerous benefits. It allows you to establish your life in Spain, work legally, and enjoy the rights and privileges of a Spanish citizen while still maintaining your original nationality.
Renewing Your Spanish Visa or Residence Permit
Renewing your Spanish visa or residence permit can be done through a straightforward process. Once your initial visa or residence permit is about to expire, you will need to gather the necessary documentation and submit it to the relevant authorities.
The renewal process for different types of visas and permits may have slight variations, but the overall steps remain similar. First, you will need to gather the required documents, which typically include your passport, photos, medical certificate, clean criminal record, proof of private health insurance, and sufficient funds. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your visa or permit category.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you will need to submit them to the appropriate authorities. This can usually be done at the local Foreigners Office or police station. It is important to submit your application before your current visa or permit expires to avoid any legal complications.
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the processing time, which can vary depending on the type of visa or permit. During this time, it is important to maintain valid legal status in Spain.
Once your renewal application is approved, you will receive a new visa or residence permit, allowing you to continue staying in Spain legally. Remember to keep track of your renewal dates to avoid any issues with your legal status in the country.
Overall, renewing your Spanish visa or residence permit is a relatively straightforward process, as long as you follow the necessary steps and provide all the required documentation.
Tips for Navigating the Spanish Visa Process
Navigating the Spanish visa process can be simplified by understanding the specific requirements for each type of visa and residency option.
The non-lucrative residency is a popular choice, and it is fairly easy to obtain. You will need to submit all the required documentation and provide proof of funds. The processing time for this type of visa is around 30 days.
If you are considering the investor visa, you will need to make a financial investment and provide all the necessary documents. The approval time for this visa is approximately 20 days. Afterward, you will have one month to apply for the ‘golden visa’ in the Spanish consulate at home and then travel to Spain to resubmit with the approval. The entire process for the investor visa takes about 50 days.
Citizenship processing time is the longest. The Spanish authorities have a time limit of one year to respond to your application, but the entire process can take up to three years. However, as long as your residency hasn’t expired, you can travel in and out of Spain during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Work in Spain if I Have a Non-Lucrative Residency?
Yes, you can’t work in Spain if you have a non-lucrative residency. The non-lucrative visa does not allow you to earn money or engage in economic activity in Spain.
What Are the Benefits of Obtaining Permanent Residency in Spain?
Obtaining permanent residency in Spain offers benefits like a Spanish passport and free movement in 183 countries. It’s the main path to citizenship, allowing you to work and maintain your original citizenship.
Is It Possible to Obtain Spanish Citizenship Without Living in Spain for Five Years?
No, it is not possible to obtain Spanish citizenship without living in Spain for five years. You must fulfill the requirement of five uninterrupted years of residency to be eligible for citizenship.
How Long Does It Take to Process an Investor Visa and Obtain the Golden Visa?
Obtaining an investor visa and the golden visa can be a lengthy process, but it’s worth the wait. The processing time is around 20 days for the investor visa, and an additional 30 days to apply for the golden visa.
Are There Any Additional Costs Associated With Obtaining a Spanish Visa or Residency?
Yes, there are additional costs associated with obtaining a Spanish visa or residency. These costs can include application fees, legal costs, document fees, and the cost of obtaining the TIE foreigners card.
