16 de April, 2025
Spain is one of the most attractive destinations for non-EU citizens who wish to live, work, or study in Europe. In this article, we will discuss the various Spain Visa options, detailing the current pathways for those seeking legal residence in the country. We will explain the main requirements, applicable fees, and application procedures. You will also learn how Atlantic Bridge can provide specialized support throughout the process, making it easier and safer to obtain your visa for Spain.
It depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit! For Brazilian or American tourists, for example, a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days (within a 180-day period). However, if your intention is to live, work, study, or stay for more than three months, you will need to apply for an appropriate visa unless you hold Spanish citizenship.
Realizing your goal of living in Europe or obtaining European citizenship can be simpler than you think. We offer personalized support to make the immigration process more accessible and uncomplicated.
Those who have Spanish citizenship or citizenship of another European Union country, such as Portuguese citizenship, are exempt from needing a Spanish visa. European citizens can legally reside in Spain without a visa; they only need to register their residence, known as the Certificate of Registration of EU Citizen (CREU), which is required for stays longer than three months.
There are various types of spanish visas, catering to different purposes. Among them:
Short-Stay Visa (Schengen): This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, typically for tourism, business, short-term studies, or family visits. It is part of the Schengen visa system, applicable in all signatory countries of the agreement.
Long-Stay Visa: Allows stays exceeding 90 days and is required for those who wish to live, work, study, or remain in the country for an extended period.
Airport Transit Visa: Required for citizens of certain countries to transit through international areas of Spanish airports (make a connection) without officially entering the country.
Extraordinary Visa: Designed for specific cases such as humanitarian reasons, international protection (asylum/refugees), medical emergencies, or political situations.
Job Search Visa: Intended for graduates of higher education in Spain, as well as for children and grandchildren of Spaniards by origin or qualified professionals in specific sectors. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 12 months to look for employment or start an entrepreneurial project.
Discover the main types of long-term visas for those who wish to live in the country:
The student visa for Spain is ideal for those who want to pursue higher education, participate in exchange programs, internships, or doctoral programs in Spain. To apply for this visa, the applicant must have already been accepted by an authorized educational institution in Spain. Additionally, it is necessary to prove that the applicant has sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay. This proof of financial means can also be provided by the student’s parents. The Spanish student visa is valid for the duration of the course and allows the student to work part-time, up to 30 hours per week.
Known as the Non-Lucrative Visa, it is aimed at those who wish to live in Spain without engaging in any remunerative activity. It is ideal for retirees, pensioners, or individuals with stable sources of income outside the country. One of the main requirements is to prove stable and sufficient financial resources to support oneself during the stay.
The amount to be demonstrated must be at least 400% of the IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator). In 2025, this corresponds to €2,400 per month or €28,800 per year for the main applicant. For families, an additional 100% of the IPREM (€600) per month is required for each family member.
With the rise of remote work, Spain has created a specific visa for digital nomads. This visa allows professionals working for foreign companies to reside in the country. It is an excellent option for freelancers and remote workers.
The main requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain is a minimum monthly income equivalent to 200% of the Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMI). Here’s how the calculation works: the minimum wage (SMI) in 2025 is €1,184 paid in 14 installments per year, which represents €1,381.33 per month. In 2025, 200% of the SMI corresponds to €2,763 per month for the main applicant.
In addition, it is essential to present a letter from the foreign company confirming remote work, a university diploma and proof of qualifications, as well as the other requirements applicable to all visa types.
There are various types of Spain work visas available for individuals who wish to work in the country, whether as employees, self-employed professionals, entrepreneurs, or investors. Here’s an overview of the main requirements for each category.
The Employee Work Visa for Spain (visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena) is essential for individuals planning to work under an employment contract in the country. This visa can only be applied for after receiving a formal job offer from a Spanish employer. The process begins with the hiring company, which must request prior residence and work authorization from the Spanish government. Once this authorization is approved, the employer provides the candidate with a letter, which must be submitted along with the employment contract and other required documents at the Spanish Consulate in the applicant’s home country. All documents must include an official translation into Spanish.
It’s important to note that the visa application must be submitted within one month of the employer being notified of the favorable resolution for the initial work and residence permit. For comprehensive guidance on the Spain Work Visa, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Self-employed professionals can carry out activities independently in Spain with a visado de trabajo por cuenta propia. In this case, a job offer is not required. However, the applicant must demonstrate their professional qualifications and submit a business plan (see the explanation below under the entrepreneur visa). It is important to note that depending on the field of work, individuals may need to have their qualifications recognized in Spain. This applies to professions such as doctors and engineers.
Do you want to start a business, work as a freelancer, or make a qualified investment in Spain? The investor visa in Spain covers various possibilities for foreigners who wish to invest or start a business in the country, allowing them to operate as entrepreneurs or self-employed workers.
For those planning to start a business in Spain, the main requirement is to submit a detailed business plan. The plan must show the potential to create jobs or significantly benefit the local economy. There is no minimum investment amount, but the applicant must prove sufficient financial means, as required for other visas. Additionally, the application must include a Favorable Report on the project. This report is issued by the Economic and Commercial Office or the Directorate General for International Trade and Investments.
As of May 2025, Spain officially offers a job-seeking visa, which allows foreigners to enter and reside in the country for up to 12 months in order to look for employment or start a business. Until then, there is no specific visa for this purpose, but rather a residence permit aimed at foreigners who have completed their studies in Spain. This permit, valid for up to 24 months, allows former students to remain legally in the country while seeking professional or entrepreneurial opportunities compatible with their academic background.
With the new regulation in effect, the job-seeking visa already includes two main categories: one for children and grandchildren of Spanish nationals by origin, and another for qualified professionals in strategic sectors or regions with labor shortages. Applicants must meet the criteria of the Spanish Immigration Law, such as presenting valid documentation, having no criminal record, and proving financial means. After securing a job offer, the employer must submit the application for a residence and work permit, and registration with Social Security must take place within 30 days to regularize the foreigner’s status in the country.
Known by several names — Foreign Investor Visa, Gold Visa, or Spain Golden Visa — this program granted a residence permit to foreigners who made high-value investments in Spain. However, this visa was officially terminated on April 3, 2025.
The most common types of qualifying investments used to be:
In addition to the specific requirements for each type of visa for Spain, there are some general requirements that are common to most of them. The applicant must provide a valid passport, a passport-size photo (3×4), a completed visa application form, and the following:
Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Spain, such as bank statements, financial support letters, or proof of income.
Health Insurance: A health insurance policy with no waiting period that covers all medical and hospital expenses during the stay in Spain, valid throughout the Schengen area.
Criminal Record Certificate: A criminal record certificate from the applicant’s country of origin or from the countries where they have lived in the last five years, with an Apostille and, if necessary, a certified translation into Spanish.
Proof of Accommodation: Documentation showing proof of accommodation in Spain, which can be a rental contract, invitation letter, or hotel reservation.
Medical Certificate: A medical certificate confirming that the applicant does not have any diseases that could pose a risk to public health according to the International Health Regulations.
To obtain a visa for Spain, it is necessary to identify the appropriate type of visa (tourism, study, work, residence, etc.) and gather the required documents. Then, schedule an appointment at the consulate in your country of residence, pay the consular fees, and wait for the response, which usually takes between 15 and 30 days. If approved, the visa will be issued. Upon arrival in Spain, additional procedures will be required, such as registering with the local police and applying for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
The costs of visas for Spain vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. Generally, consular fees range from 60 to 160 euros. However, it is important to consider other associated costs, such as document translation, legalization, and insurance. You can find the visa fees for different countries on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain for your country.
Obtaining a visa for Spain can be a complex and bureaucratic process, but having the support of a specialized team can make this journey much easier. Atlantic Bridge offers a comprehensive advisory service for those who wish to live in Spain, from choosing the most suitable visa to providing guidance at every stage of the process.
Need help with your visa application for Spain? Contact us and find out how we can help turn your dream of living in Europe into reality.
Author:
Silvia Resende
