Frequently asked questions

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen planning to stay in Spain for more than 90 days, yes — you will need a visa and a residence permit. EU/EEA citizens have the right to live and work in Spain but must register with local authorities after three months. Bureaucracy can help you determine which visa type is right for your situation.

Processing times vary by visa type and consulate, but generally range from 1 to 3 months. We recommend starting the process at least 3–6 months before your planned move. Bureaucracy manages the entire timeline for you, ensuring all documents are submitted correctly and on time.

In most cases, you must apply from the Spanish consulate in your country of legal residence. However, if you already hold a valid Spanish residence permit or are legally present in Spain, some visa types (like the Digital Nomad Visa) allow in-country applications. Bureaucracy will advise you on the correct procedure based on your circumstances.

While requirements vary by visa type, common documents include: a valid passport (at least 1 year validity), completed application form (EX-01), passport-sized photos, proof of financial means, comprehensive private health insurance with no co-payments, a clean criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated), medical certificate, and proof of accommodation in Spain.

Yes. All documents not originally in Spanish must be translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) authorized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Depending on your country, documents may also need to be apostilled or legalized. Bureaucracy coordinates all translations and legalizations for you.

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreigner identification number in Spain. It is required for virtually all administrative, financial, and legal transactions — from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract. You will receive your NIE as part of the visa/residency process. Bureaucracy ensures this is handled seamlessly.

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a physical identity card issued to non-EU residents in Spain. You must apply for it within 30 days of arriving in Spain. It serves as your official ID and proof of legal residency. Bureaucracy handles the TIE appointment booking and application on your behalf.

You need comprehensive private health insurance from a provider authorized to operate in Spain. The policy must have no co-payments (copagos), no deductibles, and no waiting periods, and it must offer coverage equivalent to the Spanish public health system. Bureaucracy works with trusted insurance partners to find you the right policy.

Yes. Most visa types allow you to include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your application, or they can apply for family reunification (reagrupación familiar) once you are established. Additional financial requirements apply for each dependent. Bureaucracy handles family applications as a package to streamline the process.

Costs vary depending on the visa type, number of applicants, document legalization requirements, and whether you use professional assistance. Government fees are generally modest (€60–€200 for visa fees), but health insurance, translations, apostilles, and legal support are additional. Bureaucracy provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

The Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa) is designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who wish to live in Spain without engaging in any professional or work-related activity. It is popular among retirees, individuals with passive income, or those with significant savings who want to enjoy life in Spain without working.

No. The Non-Lucrative Visa strictly prohibits all forms of employment and professional activity in Spain, including remote work for foreign companies. If you need to work, you should consider the Digital Nomad Visa or an employment-based visa instead.

You must demonstrate sufficient passive income or savings. The minimum is approximately 400% of the IPREM index — around €2,400 per month (€28,800 per year) for the main applicant, plus approximately €600 per month for each dependent. Acceptable sources include pensions, dividends, rental income, and investment returns.

The initial visa is valid for one year. It can be renewed for two-year periods, provided you continue to meet the financial and health insurance requirements. After five years of continuous legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (residencia de larga duración).

No. Remote work — even for a foreign employer — is not permitted under the Non-Lucrative Visa. If you intend to work remotely from Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa is the appropriate option. Bureaucracy can help you determine which visa best fits your situation.

While there is no strict daily requirement, you should plan to spend the majority of your time in Spain. To qualify for permanent residency after five years, you must not be absent from Spain for more than 10 months total over the five-year period, or more than six consecutive months at any one time.

A denial can occur if you no longer meet the financial requirements, your health insurance has lapsed, or you have spent too much time outside Spain. Bureaucracy can assist with appeals and help you explore alternative visa options if needed.

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (formally the International Telework Visa) is designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely for companies or clients based outside of Spain. It allows you to live in Spain while continuing your remote employment or freelance work.

Key requirements include: working remotely for a non-Spanish company or clients, at least 3 months in your current role, the company must have been operating for at least 1 year, a university degree or 3+ years of professional experience, minimum monthly income of approximately €2,849 (200% of Spain's minimum wage), and comprehensive private health insurance.

If you are a freelancer, you may work for Spanish clients, but this must not exceed 20% of your total professional activity. The vast majority of your income must come from non-Spanish sources. Employed applicants must work exclusively for their foreign employer.

Yes. If you are legally present in Spain (e.g., on a tourist stay of up to 90 days), you can apply directly for a 3-year residence permit at the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas). If applying from abroad via a consulate, you typically receive a 1-year visa that can later be converted.

Digital nomads who become tax residents in Spain may be eligible for the Beckham Law regime, which offers a flat tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 for up to six years, instead of standard progressive rates that can reach 47%. Bureaucracy can connect you with tax advisors to maximize these benefits.

If applied for from within Spain, the residence authorization is granted for up to 3 years. If applied for from a consulate abroad, the initial visa is for 1 year, renewable for up to 3 years. After 5 years of continuous residence, you may apply for permanent residency.

Yes. Your spouse/partner and dependent children can be included in your application or apply for family reunification. Additional income thresholds apply — approximately €1,069 for the first additional family member and €357 per child.

Both employees and freelancers can apply. Freelancers must demonstrate contracts with non-Spanish clients and show that at least 80% of their income comes from outside Spain. Employees need a letter from their employer confirming the remote work arrangement.

The most common route is citizenship by residence (nacionalidad por residencia), which requires a period of continuous legal residence in Spain. The general requirement is 10 years, but reduced periods apply: 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic origin; 1 year if married to a Spanish citizen or born in Spain.

You must pass two exams administered by the Instituto Cervantes: the CCSE (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España), testing knowledge of Spanish constitution, culture, and society; and the DELE A2, a Spanish language proficiency test. Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries may be exempt from the DELE A2.

Generally, you must renounce your previous nationality upon acquiring Spanish citizenship. However, nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal are exempt from this requirement and may hold dual citizenship. Some other countries also have bilateral agreements.

No. Time spent in Spain under a student visa (estancia por estudios) typically does not count toward the residence requirement for citizenship. Only time spent under a full residence permit is counted.

Once submitted, the government has a legal decision period of one year, though actual processing times typically range from 12 to 24 months. After approval, you must take an oath of allegiance at a Civil Registry and register your acquisition of nationality. Bureaucracy guides you through every step.

Key documents include: valid passport and residence card, birth certificate (apostilled and translated), criminal record certificates, proof of CCSE and DELE exam completion, empadronamiento (municipal registration), and the application form. Bureaucracy ensures all documents are properly prepared and submitted.

The Golden Visa program has been discontinued by the Spanish government and is no longer available. If you're interested in residency through other routes — such as the Digital Nomad Visa, Non Lucrative Visa, or company formation — we'd be happy to help you find the best option. Book a free consultation to explore your alternatives.

A Spanish Student Visa (visado de estudios) allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Spain for the purpose of full-time studies at a recognized educational institution. It is required for programs lasting more than 90 days and covers university degrees, language courses, professional training, and research programs.

You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay, tied to the IPREM index — approximately €600 per month of study. This can be shown through bank statements, scholarship letters, or a financial guarantee from a sponsor. Bureaucracy helps you prepare the financial documentation correctly.

You may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while studying, provided you obtain a work authorization. This work must not interfere with your studies. Full-time work during official holiday periods may also be permitted with proper authorization.

Yes, under certain conditions. After completing your studies, you may apply for a residence permit to search for employment or start a business (autorización de residencia para búsqueda de empleo). You can also apply to modify your status to a work permit if you receive a job offer. Bureaucracy can guide you through this transition.

No. Time spent on a student visa in Spain does not count toward the five-year requirement for permanent residency or the residence requirement for citizenship. Only time under a full residence permit counts. However, student visas can be a useful stepping stone to other visa types.

You should begin the renewal process at least 60 days before your current visa or residence permit expires. Under Spanish law, you may also apply up to 90 days after expiry, though applying late is not recommended. Bureaucracy sets reminders and starts preparing your documentation well in advance.

If you have applied for renewal before or within 90 days after your visa expires, your legal status is extended (prórroga) until a decision is made. You will receive a document confirming your application is in process, which serves as temporary proof of legal residence.

Common documents include: your current residence card (TIE), valid passport, proof of continued financial means, valid health insurance, empadronamiento (proof of address), and any documents specific to your visa type (e.g., proof of employment for work visas, proof of enrollment for student visas). Bureaucracy prepares a personalized checklist for your situation.

Yes, renewals can be denied if you no longer meet the requirements — for example, insufficient financial means, lapsed health insurance, extended absences from Spain, or criminal record issues. Bureaucracy reviews your situation before submission to identify and address any potential issues proactively.

Processing times vary by region and visa type, but typically range from 1 to 3 months. During this time, your legal status is maintained if you applied within the proper timeframe. Bureaucracy tracks your application status and follows up with authorities on your behalf.

Yes, most renewals require an appointment (cita previa) at the Oficina de Extranjería. These appointments can be difficult to obtain. Bureaucracy handles the appointment booking process for you, including monitoring availability and securing the earliest possible date.

Empadronamiento is your registration on the municipal census (padrón municipal). You register at your local town hall (ayuntamiento) with your passport, proof of address (rental contract or property deed), and a completed form. This registration is required for many administrative processes, including visa renewals, accessing public healthcare, and enrolling children in school.

Once you have a residence permit and are registered with Social Security (Seguridad Social), you can access Spain's public healthcare system. Until then, you must rely on private health insurance. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays. Bureaucracy helps you navigate the healthcare registration process.

If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you are considered a tax resident and must declare your worldwide income to the Spanish tax authorities (Agencia Tributaria). Tax rates are progressive, ranging from 19% to 47%. Certain visa types may qualify for special tax regimes like the Beckham Law. We recommend consulting with a tax advisor.

EU/EEA driving licenses are valid in Spain. Non-EU licenses are generally valid for the first 6 months after establishing residency, after which you must exchange or obtain a Spanish license. Some countries have exchange agreements with Spain; others require you to take the full driving test. Bureaucracy can advise on your specific country's arrangement.

You will need your passport, NIE (foreigner identification number), and proof of address. Some banks also require proof of employment or income. Non-residents can open accounts but may face additional requirements. Bureaucracy can recommend banks experienced in working with international clients and assist with the process.

Spain generally offers a lower cost of living compared to countries like the UK, France, or Germany. Monthly expenses for a single person range from €1,200 to €2,000 depending on the city, excluding rent. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive, while coastal and rural areas offer more affordable options.