Many foreigners choose Spain as their place to live due to the job opportunities it offers, the tranquility, security, lifestyle, and climate. In this article, we will explain how to obtain residency in Spain quickly, so you know which type of residency is most suitable for you.
Types of Residency in Spain
Before we begin, it’s important to know that to obtain residency in Spain quickly, it’s vital to seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer who can advise and help you with the residency process in Spain.
Spain offers two types of residencies: temporary residency and long-term residency. All foreigners except those who are citizens of a European Union country have the right to apply for these types of residencies.
Temporary Residency
Temporary residency allows foreigners to reside and work in Spain temporarily for a period longer than 90 days but less than 5 years.
Long-Term Residency
Long-term residency allows foreigners to reside and work in Spain under the same conditions as Spanish citizens. To apply for this residency, you must have resided in Spain for 5 years.
How to Obtain Residency in Spain Quickly?
Here are all the procedures available to obtain residency in Spain quickly:
Student Visa
The student visa is the appropriate choice if you want to study in Spain, whether it’s a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Doctorate, or another type of course. The duration of the process will depend on the length of the studies you plan to undertake.
To apply, you have two options:
- You can apply from the Spanish Consulate in your home country.
- Another option is to apply within the first 60 days of arriving in Spain as a tourist.
The second option is a way to obtain residency quickly because we are avoiding…
Requirements for applying for the student visa:
- Not being a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
- Not being listed as inadmissible in countries with which Spain has a signed agreement.
- If applying in Spain, you must be in the country legally.
- Having sufficient financial means to support yourself in Spain.
- Having medical insurance.
- Having no criminal record.
- Being admitted to the course you wish to undertake.
- If your visa will be of short duration, you must include round-trip plane tickets to and from your country of origin.
- For higher education such as a Master’s or Postgraduate degree, you will likely need to have your university degree recognized.
Entrepreneur Visa
This residency is intended for individuals who want to develop or launch a project in Spain. It is the fastest way to obtain residency in Spain. To apply for the entrepreneur visa, you must have your business plan approved by the Ministry of Economy and by the UGE (Large Enterprise Union). This visa has a duration of three years (although it can be renewed once the period expires).
Requirements for applying for the entrepreneur visa:
- Not being a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
- Must be over 18 years old.
- Have no criminal record.
- Not be irregular in Spain.
- Have public or private health insurance with coverage throughout Spain.
- Have sufficient financial means to support oneself.
Highly Qualified Visa
This residency and work permit in Spain, highly qualified, is intended for foreigners who have a job offer from a company established in Spain and require specific skills or qualities. The application for the procedure is made by the company wishing to hire the worker.
General requirements for the highly qualified visa:
- Not being a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have resided in the last 5 years.
- Not be prohibited from entering Spain or be listed as inadmissible in countries with which Spain has signed an agreement.
- Pay the fee.
Community Card
The community card can be requested if you are a family member of a Spanish citizen or a citizen of the European Union.
Requirements for the community card:
- Accompany or join the European Union citizen.
- The citizen residing in Spain or the European Union must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Be self-employed or employed in Spain.
- Have sufficient financial means.
- Medical insurance.
- Be enrolled in a public or private center recognized by the Administration.
- Kinship.
Family Reunification
If you have been living in Spain for at least 1 year, you can apply for family reunification, which will grant your family members a residence and work permit in Spain.
Requirements for family reunification:
- Not being a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
- Not being irregular in Spain.
- Having no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have resided.
- Not being prohibited from entering Spain or being listed as inadmissible in countries with which Spain has signed an agreement.
- Medical insurance.
- Not suffering from any disease that could have serious repercussions on public health.
- Paying the fee.
- Having sufficient financial means.
- Having adequate housing.
Non-Lucrative Residency
Non-lucrative residency is an authorization that you can apply for from your country of origin and allows you to reside in Spain without engaging in any work activity.
Requirements for non-lucrative residency:
- Not being irregular in Spain.
- Having no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have resided for the last 5 years.
- Not being listed as inadmissible in countries with which Spain has signed an agreement.
- Having sufficient financial means to reside in Spain.
- Medical insurance.
- Not being subject to the non-return period to Spain.
- Not suffering from any disease that could have serious repercussions on public health.
- Paying the fee.
Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
The Golden Visa is a residence permit aimed at individuals who wish to invest in Spain. With the Golden Visa, you can bring your family members with you and move freely within the Schengen Area.
Requirements for the Golden Visa:
- Minimum investment of €500,000.
- Be over 18 years old.
- No criminal record.
- Medical insurance.
- Sufficient financial means.
Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa is a residence permit for foreign individuals who want to live in Spain while working for a foreign company or are self-employed. It is a residence permit that has a duration of 1 year and can be renewed for up to a maximum of 5 years.
Requirements for the digital nomad visa:
- Working for a foreign company.
- Not being irregular in Spain.
- Health insurance.
- Sufficient financial means.
- Not being prohibited from entering Spain or being listed as inadmissible in countries with which Spain has signed an agreement.
- Possession of a university degree, vocational training, or business schools. If this document is not available, proof of at least 3 years of work experience must be provided.
- Paying the fee.
Key to Obtaining Residence Quickly in Spain
The key to obtaining Spanish residence quickly in Spain is to have a team of expert immigration lawyers who can guide and advise you properly throughout the process. In addition, having good legal advice allows you to anticipate possible obstacles or complications that may arise during the process, thereby minimizing waiting times and expediting the acquisition of residence.
Marta Palacios Cuesta is the founder and principal consultant of Es Abogado Extranjería, a law firm specializing in immigration law in Madrid and Seville. With an impressive academic background, Marta offers expert advice on immigration procedures, residency processes and obtaining Spanish nationality. Committed to providing personalized and up-to-date solutions, her firm stands out for its detailed and professional approach. If you need legal guidance regarding your status in Spain, contact Marta for a personalized consultation at Es Abogado Extranjería.