The questions everyone asks.
Answered straight.

If you're not an EU or EEA citizen and you'll stay more than 90 days, yes: a visa and a residence permit. EU and EEA citizens register as residents after three months.

Usually 1 to 3 months, depending on the route and the office. Start 3 to 6 months before you plan to move.

Usually not, but some routes allow it for people already legally in Spain, such as the Digital Nomad Visa through the UGE.

Yes. Non-Spanish documents need a sworn translation, and some need an apostille or legalisation first. Most of our fees include sworn translations up to a set amount per adult, for example €150 on the Digital Nomad Visa and €80 on the Non-Lucrative Visa. Each visa page lists its allowance.

Your foreigner identification number, needed for most administrative, financial and legal tasks in Spain.

The identity card for non-EU residents. You apply for it in person, generally within 30 days of arriving.

Comprehensive private insurance with no copayments, deductibles or waiting periods, matching public-system cover.

Yes, on most routes, either in your application or later through family reunification, with extra funds per dependant.

No. Employment and any professional activity are prohibited, including remote work for foreign employers.

€28,800 a year (about €2,400 a month) for the main applicant, plus about €600 a month per family member, in savings or passive income.

One year at first, then renewable for two years at a time. Long-term residence may follow after five years.

There's no daily requirement, but time abroad affects renewal and long-term residence. Year one allows up to six months away.

Common reasons are lapsed funds, lapsed insurance or too much time abroad. Appeals and alternatives can be explored.

A visa for non-EU citizens working remotely for companies or clients outside Spain.

Freelancers can, up to 20% of their activity. Employees must work for their foreign employer.

Yes, if you're legally present: you apply to the UGE for a permit of up to 3 years. From a consulate, the first visa is usually one year.

The Beckham Law regime offers a flat tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 for up to six years, instead of progressive rates that can reach 47%. It is mainly aimed at employees: a remote employee of a foreign company may qualify, while freelancers on the Digital Nomad Visa generally can't. Our free Beckham Law checker gives you a first answer, and we can connect you with a tax advisor to confirm your situation.

Yes. Freelancers need mostly non-Spanish clients and register as autónomo after approval. We guide you through the autónomo steps and can connect you with a tax advisor.

Yes, with additional income for each family member. They get their own permits and can work.

Mainly through residence: 10 years in general, with shorter periods for certain nationalities and situations, such as 2 years for Ibero-American nationals or 1 year after marrying a Spaniard.

The CCSE and the DELE A2, with exemptions for nationals of Spanish-speaking countries.

Generally you must renounce it, unless you're from an exempt country or one with a dual-nationality treaty.

No. Only time on a full residence permit counts.

The legal decision period is one year, but 12 to 24 months is common, followed by the oath and registration.

No. The Golden Visa has been discontinued.

A visa for non-EU citizens studying full-time at a recognised institution, for programmes over 90 days.

Funds tied to the IPREM index, currently about €620 a month, shown through statements, scholarships or a sponsor.

Higher-education students can work up to 30 hours a week. Language-course students need prior authorisation.

Higher-education graduates can, under certain conditions. Language-course students no longer can.

From 60 days before expiry. Up to 90 days after is possible but not recommended.

If you applied in time, your legal status is extended until a decision, with a document as temporary proof.

Yes: insufficient funds, lapsed insurance, long absences or criminal record issues are the usual reasons.

Typically 1 to 3 months. Your status is maintained if you applied on time.

At your town hall, with your passport, proof of address and a form. You'll need it for many other processes.

Once you have a residence permit and Social Security registration, you can use public healthcare. Until then, private insurance.

If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, you're a tax resident and declare worldwide income.

Usually with your passport, NIE and proof of address, sometimes proof of income.