Getting legal residency in Spain depends mainly on your nationality, purpose of stay and financial circumstances. Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland follow a registration system, while most non-EU nationals need a visa or residence authorisation before settling in Spain. The NIE, TIE and residency permit are related but different documents, so understanding the distinction is an important first step.

Choose the correct route

Non-lucrative residence visa

The non-lucrative visa is designed for non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain without working for a Spanish employer or carrying out professional activity in Spain. Applicants normally prove sufficient regular income or savings, comprehensive private health insurance with a Spanish or authorised insurer, suitable accommodation and a clean criminal-record history. A medical certificate is also required. The financial threshold is linked to IPREM: the main applicant must generally demonstrate 400% of the annual IPREM, with an additional 100% for each dependent. Because IPREM can change, check the current figure with the relevant Spanish consulate.

You apply through the Spanish consulate responsible for your legal place of residence. The initial authorisation is normally valid for one year. After arrival, you apply for a TIE card in Spain. This route does not normally allow employment, although a later change of status may be possible if you meet the requirements.

Work visas and permits

For employment with a Spanish company, the employer generally applies for an initial work and residence authorisation before you apply for the visa at the consulate. The contract, employer information, qualifications, criminal records, medical certificate and evidence that the job meets Spanish immigration rules are commonly required. Labour-market considerations can apply unless the occupation appears on Spain’s shortage-occupation list or another exemption is available.

There are separate procedures for self-employed applicants, highly qualified professionals and certain employees transferred within a company. Spain’s international mobility framework also includes the digital nomad visa for eligible remote workers employed by foreign companies or, within limits, working for Spanish clients. Requirements vary by route, so verify the current procedure with the Spanish consulate, a Spanish immigration lawyer or the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos when relevant.

Student visa

A student visa is available for accepted study at an authorised Spanish institution, including qualifying university, language and vocational programmes. You normally provide the admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance, a medical certificate and a criminal-record certificate for stays longer than six months. A student stay is technically an estancia rather than ordinary residence, but it provides lawful status and may permit limited work compatible with the studies. For a stay exceeding six months, apply for a TIE after entering Spain. Graduates may later qualify to modify their status or obtain a permit to look for work, subject to the rules in force.

Golden Visa: important current position

Spain’s investor residence route, commonly called the Golden Visa, was abolished for new applications from 3 April 2025. Do not rely on older guides describing property investment as a route to Spanish residency. Existing permits and applications covered by transitional provisions may be handled under the applicable rules, but new applicants should consider another visa category.

EU and EEA citizens

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not apply for a Spanish residence visa. If staying in Spain for more than three months, they register personally at a police station or Oficina de Extranjería, usually by appointment. You may need to show employment, self-employment, study enrolment or sufficient resources and health cover. The resulting green certificate records your name, nationality, NIE and date of registration. It is not a TIE card.

Non-EU family members of EU citizens normally apply for an EU-family residence card, known as the tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión. The Spanish or EU citizen must usually demonstrate the qualifying relationship and meet the relevant residence conditions.

NIE and TIE: what is the difference?

The NIE, or Número de Identidad de Extranjero, is a foreigner’s identification number used for tax, employment, property, banking and other administrative matters. It does not by itself grant the right to live or work in Spain. You can request it through a Spanish consulate abroad or at a police station or immigration office in Spain, using the relevant application form, identification, reason for the request and fee payment.

The TIE, or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, is the biometric identity card proving your immigration status. Non-EU nationals whose authorisation lasts more than six months generally request it at the police station assigned to their province, normally within one month of arrival or approval. Bring your passport, visa or approval notice, photographs, fingerprints, the application form and proof of the applicable fee. Collection usually takes place after a further appointment, often several weeks later.

Step-by-step application process

  • Identify your route: confirm whether you need a visa, a residence authorisation or EU registration, and check whether your planned work is permitted.
  • Check the authority: visa applications go to the Spanish consulate covering your legal residence; applications inside Spain go to the relevant Oficina de Extranjería, police station or UGE-CE procedure.
  • Prepare documents: gather passports, forms, photographs, proof of funds or employment, insurance, accommodation evidence and civil-status documents. Foreign public documents normally need an apostille or legalisation and an official Spanish translation by a sworn translator.
  • Submit and monitor: attend the appointment, provide biometrics where required and retain the receipt. Processing times vary by route and office, so apply well before travel and avoid non-refundable commitments until approval is clear.
  • Enter Spain correctly: if a visa is granted, check its validity and travel window. Your passport stamp and visa conditions may affect the deadline for requesting the TIE.
  • Complete local formalities: register on the padrón at your town hall when appropriate, obtain the TIE if required and register with Social Security before starting authorised work.

Residency renewals depend on maintaining the original conditions, spending sufficient time in Spain and applying within the permitted window before expiry. Long-term residence may become available after five years of continuous legal residence, while Spanish nationality has separate residence periods and additional requirements. Keep copies of every application, appointment confirmation and resolution.

For practical help after choosing your route, explore local businesses and professional services in the directory, including translators, relocation advisers, insurance providers and immigration specialists in your Spanish destination.