How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Spain in 2025

A Spanish residence permit is issued to foreigners for legal residence in the country for more than three months but less than five years. Resident status allows immigrants to choose any region of the country as their place of residence, participate in the social life of the municipality, receive education (including free education), and access social services and medical care. With a Spanish residence permit, the holder has the right to travel without a visa throughout the Schengen Area and the European Union, adhering to the «90 days in — 180 days out» rule.

The state’s migration policy is lenient toward nationals of various countries and allows legalization through multiple accessible methods. The rules for obtaining residence in Spain are governed by the local law «Ley Orgánica 4/2000, de 11 de enero, sobre derechos y libertades de los extranjeros en España y su integración social», and further regulated by decree «Real Decreto 557/2011, de 20 de abril».

What Resident Status in Spain Offers

A Spanish residence permit grants its holder access to education for themselves and their underage family members (for example, schoolchildren can attend public institutions for free), as well as the opportunity to engage in commercial activities. Immigrants are entitled to protection from the Kingdom of Spain across various domains — from social to legal — as well as to high-quality healthcare and official employment (for certain types of residence permits).

The Spanish resident card is particularly popular among foreigners who qualify to pay taxes only to the local treasury after residing in the kingdom for 183 days — this helps reduce tax burdens and opens the door to a generous pension in the future. As Spain is a member of the European Union, its residents can travel within the EU and Schengen Zone without needing to apply for a visa. In the long run, a foreigner may naturalize in Spain and become a full EU citizen with the corresponding rights and benefits.

Types of Residence Permits

The Spanish resident card is a plastic identity document with a photograph of the holder and key personal information: full name, date of birth, place of residence in the kingdom, and a unique document number. It contains an embedded electronic chip with the immigrant’s biometric data, which are collected during the application process.

A Spanish resident may obtain one of the following types of residence permits:

• Non-lucrative temporary residence permit.
  This document allows the holder to live in the country without engaging in employment or commercial activities.
• Resident card with the right to work.
  This residence permit enables an immigrant to stay in the country for a set period and participate in gainful employment, whether as an employee or a self-employed individual.

Spanish Residence Permit: Application Methods and Applicant Requirements

The complete list of current legal grounds for obtaining Spanish residence is set out in Royal Decree 557/2011, which formalizes the provisions of Law 4/2000 «On the Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners and Their Social Integration», as well as the later reform law 2/2009. Specific residence pathways are also covered under the «Law on Support for Entrepreneurs and Their Internationalization».

Education

A residence permit is granted to foreigners who begin studying full-time at an accredited educational institution in Spain, with the aim of obtaining a degree, diploma, or certificate. The resident card is issued to individuals who have enrolled in local universities or are participating in international student exchange programs. Applicants must submit an official enrollment letter from the university or an equivalent document to the Spanish consulate or diplomatic mission.

The Spanish student residence card allows its holder to work or be self-employed for up to 30 hours per week, provided it does not interfere with their studies. This document is issued for a maximum of 24 months, or for the duration of the educational program, and can be renewed until the completion of the course. Minor applicants must include parental or legal guardian consent in their application dossier.

Residence Permit Through Language Courses

Spain grants resident status to immigrants who come to the country to study the national language. To qualify for a residence permit through language courses that allow a stay of six months or longer, the applicant must study for at least 20 hours per week, and the course must last no less than six months. The foreigner may choose from more than 157 accredited schools, with the option to enroll remotely from their country of residence.

The application must include an enrollment certificate specifying the course details and duration, proof of the institution’s accreditation, and a receipt for the course payment. This is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to obtain a resident card in Spain, with the possibility of future naturalization upon fulfilling the required period of residence.

Scientific Research Activity

Spanish residence permits are also available to immigrants who arrive in the country to engage in scientific research, development projects, or innovative activities officially licensed by the government. The applicant must present an invitation from the hosting institution, which must be a state-recognized center with accreditation for the relevant activity (such as a research institute in a specific field).

This type of residency allows the foreigner to undertake additional paid work that does not interfere with their primary research activity, up to a maximum of 30 hours per week. The residence permit is valid for up to 12 months, but no longer than the duration of the employment contract or equivalent agreement.

Special Activities

The following individuals are eligible to apply for Spanish residency:

• Foreign professors hired by an accredited Spanish university or a similar higher education institution.
• Artists with recognized status or those participating in an internationally significant artistic project.
• Members of local business associations deemed to serve the public interest.

Applicants must provide official documentation confirming the planned activity, such as a detailed artistic program for performances in Spain or an official invitation from a university. This is considered an immigration-type residence permit and can be extended if the conditions for issuance remain valid.

Volunteering

A residence permit in Spain is also available to individuals arriving for licensed charitable work. The applicant must include in their application a signed agreement with an accredited volunteer organization responsible for the program. The agreement must describe the nature and conditions of the work, including hours and financial arrangements. The host organization must have insurance coverage and sufficient resources to pay for the applicant’s travel, food, and accommodation. The residence card is granted for the duration of the voluntary activity, not exceeding 12 months.

Internship

Individuals coming to Spain to gain practical knowledge and experience in a professional or related field are eligible for a residence permit. The planned internship may be paid or a continuation of academic studies after university graduation. In addition to the standard document package, the applicant must submit a training agreement detailing the conditions and duration of the internship, and, if required, evidence of relevant education or work experience. This type of residence permit is valid for up to one year or the duration of the internship contract.

Non-Lucrative Residence

Spain offers a resident status for financially independent individuals who wish to live in the country without engaging in employment or any profit-making activities. The main requirement is a stable monthly income of at least 4 times the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which equals €4,536 in 2025. This pathway may be ideal for retirees, people with passive income, or those working remotely for a foreign employer.

If moving with family members, the applicant must also show an additional €600 per month for each dependent. The residence status is initially granted for 12 months with the possibility of renewal. This type of residence permit does not grant the right to work in Spain.

Digital Nomad Activity

Foreign nationals who work remotely for a company or employer located outside of Spain, using computer and telecommunication systems, are eligible for a special temporary residence permit — the digital nomad visa. This residence permit is granted to applicants with a monthly income of at least 2 IPREM (€2,268) and who possess either a relevant higher education degree or at least three years of professional experience in their chosen field. The digital nomad residence permit is valid for 12 months.

Employment

Foreigners who arrive in Spain to work for a local company can apply for a residence permit. Both private and public sector organizations can hire foreign nationals only with the approval of the National Employment Service. The applicant must submit a complete dossier including a work contract specifying salary, job responsibilities, and details of the hiring company.

This type of residence permit also serves as a work authorization, which during the first year is limited — the holder is not allowed to change their job or the geographical location of their employment within Spain. The residence status for employees can be renewed multiple times, as long as the original basis remains valid. The applicant must also meet educational and/or professional qualifications relevant to the job position.

Self-Employment

Applicants are allowed to apply for a resident visa and subsequent residence permit for conducting profitable activities independently. This status includes the right to work. The applicant must possess the required professional qualifications and/or sufficient accredited experience necessary for the intended business activity. If the immigrant plans to start their own business, they must prove the legal origin of investment funds and demonstrate the potential for job creation within the proposed enterprise.

The self-employment residence permit is initially granted for a maximum of one year and limits the holder geographically in terms of where they can operate their business. After 12 months, the permit can be renewed, and any geographical restrictions may be lifted.

Job Search or Launching a Startup After Graduation

A temporary residence permit is available to graduates of Spanish universities who wish to remain in the country to pursue commercial or professional activities. This type of residence permit is valid for a maximum of 24 months and cannot be renewed. However, it may be converted into another type of residence status if the applicant successfully finds a suitable job or launches their own business.

EU Blue Card

Foreign nationals may obtain a residence permit in Spain under the EU Blue Card program if they are offered a position in a local company that requires specialized higher education and/or at least five years of equivalent professional experience. The applicant’s gross annual salary must be at least 1.5 times the national average for the corresponding position in Spain. Foreigners are only eligible for jobs listed in the shortage occupation catalog published by the national employment agency.

In addition to the standard application documents, the applicant must submit a job contract from the hiring organization. The EU Blue Card is valid for up to 2 years, but not longer than the duration of the employment contract, and may be extended if the eligibility criteria are still met.

Rooting (Arraigo)

Foreign nationals who have resided in Spain illegally for at least the past 2 years and have had employment with a Spanish organization for at least 6 months before applying are eligible for a residence permit under the rooting procedure. Migrants who have lived in Spain for 24 months and plan to pursue vocational education may also qualify for a residence permit on this basis.

A temporary residence permit is also available to foreigners who have lived in Spain for 3 years, have demonstrated successful social integration, and have family ties with Spanish residents. This residence status is granted for 12 months, after which it may be converted into a residence permit with work authorization if the applicant meets the necessary conditions.

Humanitarian Grounds

Foreign nationals may obtain residence status in Spain on humanitarian grounds if they fall into one of the following categories:

• migrants who have cooperated with Spanish law enforcement, prosecutorial bodies, or national security services;
• individuals recognized as refugees;
• applicants for international or temporary protection;
• victims of gender-based violence, sexual abuse, or human trafficking.

A humanitarian residence permit grants the holder access to the labor market. Initially, the residence card is issued for 12 months and can later be renewed or converted into a residence and work permit.

Family Reunification

Residence in Spain can also be granted to relatives of Spanish citizens or foreign nationals legally residing in the country with a temporary or permanent residence permit. Eligible applicants include:

• spouses or registered partners, including de facto partners;
• minor children and unmarried children, including adopted children;
• ascendants (parents or grandparents) in exceptional cases;
• other dependents, such as minors or incapacitated individuals under the legal care of the sponsoring resident.

The sponsor, whether a Spanish citizen or legal resident, must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the family. The financial threshold is calculated as follows:
150% of IPREM (1,701 EUR) for a couple, plus 50% (567 EUR) for each additional family member. The sponsor must also provide adequate housing for joint living with the relatives.

Temporary residents of Spain may apply for family reunification after 12 months of legal residence in the country. However, certain types of residence permits allow for immediate immigration with family members (e.g., spouse, children). The residence permit granted to family members is issued for a period not exceeding that of the sponsor’s permit, and no more than one year, with the possibility of renewal. This type of residence permit also allows the holder to work legally in Spain.

Real Estate Purchase

Foreign nationals can obtain residence status in Spain by purchasing real estate in the country valued at €500,000 or more. The investment can be made in one or multiple properties, provided the funds used are free of debt obligations. The applicant has full discretion over the use of the purchased property — they may rent it out, reside in it, or use it for commercial purposes.

To apply for a residence card through property acquisition, the applicant must submit a certificate from the Property Registry to the immigration authorities. The residence permit is valid for one year and can be renewed multiple times.

The company iWorld assists clients in selecting and purchasing real estate, offering options beyond the Spanish market. Specialists tailor recommendations to the client’s needs and present comparative analyses of available properties.

Investment

Immigrants are eligible for a Spanish residence permit if they invest:

• €2,000,000 in Spanish government bonds or other securities, or
• €1,000,000 in bank deposits or shares of state-owned enterprises.

The investment threshold may be reduced if the applicant chooses to establish their own company and obtains approval from the Spanish Trade Office. In such cases, the business plan must either be innovative or of significant economic interest to Spain.

Along with the standard set of documents, the applicant must submit proof of investment or a certificate issued by the Trade Office of Spain. The residence card is valid for 12 months and can be renewed.

Intra-Company Transfer

A residence permit can also be granted to foreign employees relocating to Spain as part of an intra-company transfer. This applies to professionals engaged in work-related or educational activities at an international firm with a branch in Spain.

The host company must obtain prior authorization from the immigration office before inviting the foreign employee. The applicant must present an employment contract detailing their role and responsibilities, which serves as the justification for the residence application.

This type of residence permit is valid for up to one year, but not longer than the duration of the employment contract.

How to Choose the Easiest and Fastest Legalization Path

To select the most suitable basis for obtaining a Spanish residence permit, a foreign national should assess their family connections, evaluate professional experience and the relevance of higher education, and define their available budget. It’s also important to consider the rights provided by different residence permit types and the long-term prospects for naturalization.

A consultation with a migration expert can help clarify the advantages and nuances of various legalization options in Spain. An example comparison of grounds for obtaining residence status is presented in the table below:

Required Documents for a Spanish Residence Permit

To obtain residency status in Spain, the applicant must prepare the following:

• A standard application form filled out in two copies.
• A valid identification document (passport).
• A certificate of no criminal record from the country where the applicant has resided for the last 5 years.
• Proof of sufficient financial means — from €1,134 per month, depending on the basis for the application.
• A European health insurance policy.
• A medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that could pose a public health risk.
• Civil status certificates (if applicable).
• A document supporting the legal basis — e.g., a university enrollment certificate or business license.
• A receipt of government fee payment.
• For minors — parental authorization.

Any documents issued outside Spain must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator and legalized by apostille or another procedure recognized under the Hague Convention.

Requirements for Residence Permit Applicants

The basic requirements for foreigners seeking temporary residence status in Spain include:

• Not holding citizenship of any EU, EEA country or Switzerland, nor having close family ties with citizens of those countries.
• Having sufficient financial means, in line with the selected residence basis — from 100% (€1,134) to 400% (€4,536) of the IPREM monthly index.
• No criminal convictions, including in foreign jurisdictions.
• Acceptable health status, confirmed by documentation.
• Full compliance with the requirements specific to the chosen basis for residence.

Additionally, granting a residence permit must not conflict with Spain’s national interests, including considerations related to international relations.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining a Residence Permit in Spain

The process of obtaining a Spanish residence permit for Russian citizens and immigrants from other countries unfolds in the following stages:

1. Choosing a Legal Basis for Relocation and Legalization.
   The applicant must study the immigration legislation of Spain, determine the most suitable basis for obtaining resident status, and prepare a dossier according to the selected route.
2. Applying for a National Visa.
   The applicant visits a Spanish diplomatic mission or consulate, submitting the necessary documents to obtain an entry visa, which must correspond to the same legal basis as the future residence permit.
   Visa fee: €80
   Processing time: approximately 30 days
3. Relocation to Spain and Submitting a Residence Application.
   Once the visa is issued, the applicant enters Spain. Within 1 to 6 months (depending on the residence basis), they must visit the immigration office or local police station at their place of residence.|
   At this appointment, the applicant:
   – submits biometric data;
   – fills out the appropriate residence application form;
   – provides a passport-style photo;
   – pays the state fee (ranging from €11 to €38).
4. Receiving the Residence Card.
   The residence application is reviewed by the competent authorities within up to 3 months, assuming no further documents or clarifications are required.
   Upon approval, the applicant must personally collect their residence card (tarjeta de residencia) at the designated office.

Extending the Residence Permit and Obtaining Permanent Residency

A foreign national has the right to extend their residence permit in Spain if the type of permit allows it.

• Applications for renewal should be submitted up to 60 days before the current residence card expires at the local immigration office.
• Renewal is approved if the applicant continues to meet the legal basis for residence and can provide documentary proof.

After 5 years of legal residence in Spain, the immigrant becomes eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR).

• This application is also submitted to the foreigners’ office or local police department.
• The permanent resident status grants the same rights as Spanish citizens, except for the right to vote and to hold public office.

Refusal or Revocation of a Residence Permit in Spain

According to testimonials from those who have obtained a residence permit in Spain, an applicant may be denied resident status for several reasons:

• Illegal presence in the country at the time of application.
• Submission of forged documents or inaccurate information.
• Unfavorable police reports about the applicant.

Even if a residence permit has already been issued, it can be revoked if it’s discovered that the applicant or the sponsoring party used false or misleading data—for example, if the employer has undisclosed tax debts.

A residence permit also becomes invalid if:

• The holder leaves Spain for more than six consecutive months without a valid reason.
• The person repeatedly violates Spanish laws.

In cases of refusal or cancellation, the decision can be appealed through administrative or judicial channels. To reduce the risk of such issues, applicants are advised to seek assistance from professional immigration lawyers.

Assistance with Obtaining a Residence Permit

Applicants seeking resident status in Spain have the right to enlist support from international law experts. Skilled legal professionals help select the most suitable immigration route based on the applicant’s life circumstances, goals, and budget.

Specialists handle the entire application process, from compiling the dossier to preparing for official appointments, and provide full legal support through all stages until the permit is granted.