Your Options for Living in Spain
If you're not an EU citizen, you'll need a visa to stay in Spain longer than 90 days. There are several routes, and the right one depends on your situation.
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
The most common choice for retirees and those with passive income. You prove you can support yourself without working in Spain.
Requirements:- Proof of income: approximately €2,400/month for main applicant, plus €600/month per dependent
- Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain
- Clean criminal record certificate
- No intention to work in Spain
1. Apply at Spanish consulate in your home country
2. Wait 1-3 months for approval
3. Enter Spain and register within 30 days
4. Apply for TIE (foreigner identity card) at local police station
Duration: 1 year initially, renewable for 2-year periodsDigital Nomad Visa
Launched in 2023 for remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies.
Requirements:- Employment contract with company outside Spain, or own a company outside Spain
- Minimum income of approximately €2,520/month
- At least 1 year of work relationship with employer (or 3 months if self-employed)
- Private health insurance
- Clean criminal record
Golden Visa (Investor Visa)
For those making significant investments in Spain.
Investment options:- Property purchase of €500,000+
- Spanish company shares of €1,000,000+
- Bank deposit of €1,000,000+
- Government bonds of €2,000,000+
EU Citizens
EU/EEA citizens have the right to live and work in Spain. After 3 months, you should register on the Central Register of Foreigners and get a green certificate (certificado de registro de ciudadano de la UE).
Requirements:- Proof of employment, self-employment, or sufficient resources
- Health insurance or registration with Spanish social security
Path to Permanent Residency
After 5 years of legal residency in Spain, you can apply for permanent residency (residencia de larga duración). This removes restrictions on work and doesn't need to be renewed.
Path to Citizenship
After 10 years of legal residency (2 years for citizens of Latin American countries, Portugal, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Sephardic Jews), you can apply for Spanish citizenship.
Note: Spain doesn't allow dual citizenship with most countries, so you'd need to renounce your original citizenship (with some exceptions).Practical Tips
- Start the visa process 4-6 months before you want to move
- Get documents apostilled in your home country before applying
- Find a good gestoria in Marbella to help with Spanish paperwork after arrival
- Budget €500-1,500 for legal/gestoria fees
- Health insurance quotes are easy to get online from companies like Sanitas, ASISA, or Adeslas