Moving to Spain made easy
Are you living in Spain permanently? Are you relocating to Spain?
If you are spending more than 90 days within 180 days in a calendar year, you will need to become legally resident in Spain. Perez Legal Group will organise all of the paperwork for you to help you obtain your VISA and legal residency permit (TIE card). We can help you relocate to any part of Spain.
Contact our English-speaking team for all your legal, property, and accounting needs.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO APPLYING FOR SPANISH RESIDENCY
Since January 1, 2021, non-EU citizens can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. For longer stays, a visa and residency permit are required.
Upon entering Spain, non-EU nationals may need to present:
- A return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- A passport stamped upon entry
Residency & Tax Obligations
If you plan to stay in Spain for more than three months, you must apply for legal residency. Staying over six months makes you a tax resident, requiring you to pay taxes on worldwide income.
How to Obtain Residency
To become a legal resident, non-EU citizens must:
- Apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate in your home country
- Complete the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) application upon arrival
Visa Options for Non-EU Citizens
Depending on your situation, you may need one of the following visas:
- Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees or those with passive income
- Work Visa for those employed by a Spanish company
- Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers
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Start Your Residency Application Today
If you plan to relocate to Spain, it is essential to begin the legal process before your arrival. Contact Perez Legal Group for expert legal assistance tailored to your specific residency needs.
- Apply for NIE certificate
- Open a Spanish bank account
- Apply for a VISA in the Spanish consulate in the UK
- Apply for your TIE CARD in Spain once you obtained your VISA (residency permit)
To obtain these documents, we will require a power of attorney to be signed in the UK. For preparation, please provide a scanned copy of your passport, postal address, marital status (married, divorced, single, etc.), and profession.
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Learn more about Perez Legal Group’s Relocation to Spain package and how to become legally resident in Spain
THE ESSENTIAL VISA GUIDE FOR MOVING TO SPAIN
HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISA?
There are many types of Visas, (Working Visa, Golden Visa, Non Lucrative Visa, Family Reunification Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, etc.), but the most common application is the Non Lucrative Visa which is applicable to all those who do not have the intention to work in Spain to start with. Any type of visa is requested only once, once the TIE card is granted. First residency permit is for 1 year, second renewal is for 2 years and last one is for 5 years. These renewals will happen in Spain and you don’t need to get back to the UK to obtain this.
The Visa is requested personally. Once it is approved, the applicant must collect the Visa personally within one month from the date of notification.
All official documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, GP doctor certificate, criminal record, civil partnership certificate), must be legalised through a UK notary public and be sent to the common wealth for the hague of apostile. After this process, we will help you with the sworn translations of all the documents and we will provide the certificate of the private health care cover with a specific document that you need to take with you to the Spanish consulate the day of your appointment.
The visa will be approved for 3 months. Within this period, we will help you to complete in Spain the application of the TIE card. On your arrival to Spain or before, you should have a Spanish domicile by renting or buying a Spanish property as (padron), registration in the town hall should be provided too.
If you are married to a EU member, you will not need a Visa.
Ask Perez Legal Group for the procedure.
RELOCATING TO SPAIN AS A RETIREE? (NON LUCRATIVE VISA)
Are you planning to move to Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa? Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth application process.
Non-Lucrative Visa Requirements
To apply, you’ll need the following:
- Completed Visa Application Forms (2 copies, signed)
- Two recent passport photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, white background)
- Valid passport (minimum 1 year validity)
- Police clearance certificate (covering the last 5 years)
- Medical certificate confirming no serious health risks (as per International Health Regulations 2005)
- Private health insurance from a provider authorized in Spain (we can help with this)
- Proof of financial means (€2,400/month + €600 per dependent) – bank statements, pension, or investments
- Form EX-01 – Non-Profit Temporary Residence Authorization
- Form 790-052 – Visa application fee payment
Application Process & Timeline
Processing time: Up to 3 months. If approved the Spanish consultate will let you know, you must enter Spain within the period of validity of your visa.
After arrival in Spain:
Get your passport stamped upon entry
We can then apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 1 month of your arrival in Spain at Oficina de Extranjeros (Foreign Department at the police station).
Start Your Spain Visa Process Today!
Book a FREE 30-minute consultation with our legal experts.
We provide professional visa assistance across Spain, including the Balearic and Canary Islands. Contact us now to get expert guidance!
RELOCATING TO SPAIN TO BECOME SELF-EMPLOYED?
To work in Spain, applicants must complete two main procedures:
A – Apply for a work permit
B – Apply for the visa upon work permit approval
A – Work Permit Requirements:
- Legalized passport copy
- Police clearance from countries of residence in the past 5 years
- Medical certificate proving no serious health risks (as per International Health Regulations 2005)
- EX 07 form – for self-employment temporary residence
- Skills certification for the profession (if applicable)
- Proof of financial investment for the project
- Project plan including planned investment, expected profits, and potential job creation
- Required authorizations/licenses for operating the business or profession
- Payment of fees (if applicable) at the consulate (Form EX 790-062)
Application Process:
Submit documents to the relevant Spanish authorities in your province. If approved, you’ll be notified and must apply for the visa at the consulate within one month. All documents must be submitted on a single USB drive. The total process typically takes around 6 months.
Here’s a more concise and SEO-friendly version of the visa requirements:
B – Visa Application Requirements for Spain
To apply for a Spanish work visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Two National Visa Application Forms, completed and signed
- Two recent color photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, white background)
- Original passport (valid for at least 4 months) and a copy
- Police clearance from countries of residence in the last 5 years
- Medical certificate confirming no serious health risks (per International Health Regulations 2005)
- Proof of residence and work authorization, including payment of residence fees (Form EX07 and 790-062)
Visa Process
This type of visa requires approval from Spanish authorities, which typically takes 3 months. If granted, you will be contacted and must collect your visa in person at the consulate within one month. Upon arrival in Spain, ensure your passport is stamped at the entry point. Within one month of entry, apply for a Foreign Identity Card (TIE) at the Oficina de Extranjería.
Note: Documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
VISA TO WORK FOR A COMPANY IN SPAIN?
The Working Visa allows the holder to work as an employee for a company.
1. Two National Visa Application forms duly filled and signed by the applicant.
2. Two recent color photos with white background, 3´5 cm x 4´5 cm.
3. Original passport, valid for at least 4 months from submission of application.
4. Residence and Work Authorisation provided by the Spanish Government.
5. Copy of contract in connection with which the initial authorisation has been granted the temporary residence and work permit, stamped by the Foreign Office (Oficina de Extranjería).
6. Police Clearance from country of residence for the last 5 years*.
7. Medical certificate. The applicant must be accredited to not suffer from any diseases that can have serious health consequences in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations 2005”*.
8. Within 1 month of entry into Spain, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card at Oficina de Extranjería.
* Note: Documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
VISA FOR RESIDENCE AND WORKING VISA (FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
A visa to work under a fixed-term contract allows the holder to work for a specified time. Upon return to United Kingdom the applicant must come back to the Consulate to certify the return.
1. Two National Visa Application forms duly filled and signed by the applicant.
2. Two recent color photos with white background, 3´5 cm x 4´5 cm.
3. Original passport and copy, valid for at least 1 year from submission of application.
4. Copy of the resolution which authorized the applicant to reside and work granted by the Immigration Office or by the Ministry of Labor and Immigration in Spain.
5. Return engagement.
6. Contract of employment.
7. Copy of fees already paid (Form 760-62 or Form 990-062).
8. Administrative Request (EX-06)
9. Police Clearance from countries of residence for the last 5 years*.
10. Original Medical certificate stating that you “do not suffer illness that could be a risk for the Public General Health according to the International Health Regulations (2005)”*.
* Note: Documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
MOVING TO SPAIN AS A REMOTE WORKER? EVERYTHING ABOUT THE DIGITAL NOMAD VISA
This visa is for any foreigner planning to live in Spain as a resident, working remotely for a Company or an employer (or self-employed) located outside of the Spanish national territory, and using exclusively computer telematics and telecommunication media and systems.
Requirements
- NIE Number – Apply for a NIE number before the visa application. (we can do this for you)
- Visa Application Form – Complete and sign the form.
- Photograph – Provide a recent, passport-size photo.
- Valid Passport – Original and copy of your passport valid for at least 1 year.
- Criminal Record – Certificate from the past 2 years.
- Proof of Residence – Legal residence proof in your consular district.
- Visa Fee – Pay the visa fee at submission.
- Health Insurance – You will need to prove you are covered by the UK national health system and at the same time you will need to have private health care in Spain (depending on your personal circumstances)
For Remote Workers
- Proof of Employment – Certification of at least 3 months of work for a foreign company.
- Company Documentation – Certification of company creation date and business type.
* Note: Documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
Find out more
HOW TO APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA IN SPAIN?
If you plan to study in Spain for more than 90 days, you must apply for a Student Visa. Below are the key requirements:
General Requirements
- Completed National Visa Application Form (download here).
- Recent passport photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, white background).
- Valid passport (for the entire stay) with at least two blank pages + copies of all pages.
- UK residence permit + copy (for non-UK nationals).
- Acceptance letter from a recognized Spanish institution, confirming full-time study (minimum 20 hours per week).
- Proof of financial means: Either a scholarship, parental support with notarized proof, or bank statements covering living expenses (minimum €564.90/month, based on IPREM 2024).
- Medical insurance covering a minimum of €30,000, including repatriation.
- Visa fee payment at the Consulate upon application submission.
Additional Documents (If Staying Over 180 Days)
- Criminal record certificate (for applicants over 18) from countries of residence in the past 5 years, legalized and translated into Spanish.
- Medical certificate issued within the last 3 months, confirming you don’t have public health risks as per International Health Regulations 2005.
For Underage Applicants
- Birth certificate (legalized and translated).
- Notarized parental consent for travel, including details of the guardian in Spain.
Processing Time
This visa requires approval from Spanish authorities, taking approximately 3 months. If granted, you must collect it in person and enter Spain within its validity period.
FAMILY REUNIFICATION VISA FOR SPAIN – REQUIREMENTS & PROCESS
If you are joining a family member in Spain under the Family Reunification Visa, you must submit the following documents.
General Requirements
- Completed National Visa Application Form (Download here).
- Recent passport photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, white background).
- Valid passport (minimum validity for your stay + at least two blank pages) and photocopies of all pages.
- UK residence permit and a photocopy (for non-UK nationals).
- Copy of the residence permit of the family member in Spain.
- Copy of the official approval letter (reunification authorization) issued by Spanish authorities. The visa application must be submitted within two months of this notification.
Proof of Family Relationship
- Official documents proving family ties (birth/marriage certificates, proof of partnership), duly legalized and translated into Spanish.
- For minors: Notarized parental authorization, legalized and translated into Spanish, if the application is submitted by a representative.
Additional Requirements (If Over 18)
- Criminal record certificate from countries of residence in the last five years, issued within the last three months, legalized, and translated into Spanish.
- Medical certificate (issued within the last three months), confirming the applicant does not have infectious diseases as per International Health Regulations 2005.
Visa Processing & Next Steps
- Processing time: Up to three months (subject to Spanish authorities’ approval).
- Visa fee payable upon submission.
- Entry into Spain: Once granted, you must enter within the visa’s validity and get your passport stamped at the border.
- Foreigner Identity Card (TIE): You must apply at the Immigration Office or Police Station within one month of arrival – we assist with the entire process.
Need help with your Family Reunification Visa? Contact us for expert guidance!
APPLYING FOR YOUR RESIDENCY IN SPAIN
The first step before you come to Spain is to obtain the following: 1) NIE certificate and 2) a Spanish Bank account. For both concepts we will need a specific power of attorney that you can sign in the UK. For its preparation, we will need scanned copy of passport, UK postal address, profession and civil status. We will send you steps to proceed and it’s a very straight forward process.
For the opening of the Spanish bank account, the bank will request copy of last tax return or P60, proof your NHS number and a utility bill.
First step. SPANISH CONSULATE
The visa will be approved for 3 months and you need to attend physically to the appointment once its approved: Once you have the visa, within the following month, the application of the permit should be filed in the police station in Spain. You don’t need to require any other visa. This TIE card permit is for 1 year to be renewed for another 2 years and then for 5 years (this is the last renewal).
SECOND STEP IN SPAIN FOR THE RESIDENCY PERMIT (once the visa is already obtained)
The requirements for the application of TIE CARDS once you have the VISA are:
. Registration in the town hall (By either renting a property or buying a property in Spain)
. Financial situation as above
. Private health cover for at least 1 year (we will organize this for you)
. Copy of passports and NIE certificates
. Forms X15 (we will organize this for you)
SPECIAL PRICE ON SANITAS COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE
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Did you know that Perez Legal Group is THE agent of Sanitas Healthcare for all of Spain? Our expert lawyers have partnered with Sanitas Más Salud to offer you their healthcare package for the best value.
Sanitas Más Salud covers much more than basic public healthcare, providing you with wide coverage health insurance to put your mind at ease while transitioning to life in Spain.
How to secure healthcare in Spain
All residents in Spain need to register to access healthcare and how you proceed depends on your situation.
UK-FUNDED HEALTHCARE: USING AN S1 FORM IN SPAIN
If you have a UK State Pension, you must request an application form by phone from the Overseas Healthcare Services. This is part of the NHS Business Services Authority (BSA).
NHS Overseas Healthcare Services
Telephone: +44 (0)191 218 1999
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 3pm
Once you have your S1, you should get registered at your local INSS office
Once your registration has been processed, the INSS will send you a Spanish social security number by post. Take this to your local healthcare center to register and you’ll be given a medical card which you can use when you visit a doctor, hospital or pharmacy.
PLEASE NOTE THAT BY USING THE S1 FORM FOR SPAIN, YOU WILL loose YOUR NATIONAL HEALTH CARE COVER IN THE UK. Alternatively ask a quote to us for PRIVATE HEALTH CARE
GLOBAL HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (GHIC)
Brits who aren’t eligible for a new UK EHIC and aren’t Spanish residents but want to visit Spain temporarily will need to obtain a GHIC in order to access state healthcare during their stay.
With an EHIC or GHIC you can get medically necessary treatment in Spain on the same basis as a Spanish citizen. This means that you’ll get healthcare services for free or at a reduced cost.
Having an S1 form or an EHIC/ GHIC covers state healthcare, not private treatment, so to be fully covered you may consider taking out private health cover.
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/
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