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Spain has 17 autonomous regions with diverse culture and geography. Also, it has 47 UNESCO world heritage sites. It is also famous for cuisines, sunshine, sea and mountains. Currently there are 6 million expats living in Spain along with many who look for the best cities to live in Spain for expats. If you are one of those people then a Spain residency visa is all you need.
This article will provide you with everything you need to know to apply for a residency visa in Spain. Like what possibilities are available to non-EU nationals in Spain for a residence permit? What are Spain NIE requirements? What is the application procedure and different types of residency visas.
Difference between a Residence and Schengen Visa
It’s important to differentiate between a residence visa and a Schengen or short-stay visa. A Schengen visa just permits you to enter Spain as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days, but a residency permit enables you to remain and, in some situations, work there.
Also, note that you don’t have to apply for a residency visa if you are a citizen of Switzerland or an EU country. You just have to get your identification number (NIE) and EU registry certificate.
On the other hand, if you are not from the EU, you must apply for a permit to work or live legally in Spain.
Residency Visa Types in Spain
These visas could be divided into two types, temporary residence visa and permanent residence visa and they are exclusively for non-EU citizens.
- Temporary Residence Visa
If you want to stay in Spain for a period longer than ninety days, you will need to apply for a temporary resident visa. Depending on the permit, if it is a first-time or renewal residency, temporary residence can be granted for one, two, three, or four years.
However, initial cards are typically valid for three years under the Entrepreneur’s Law and one year under the General Immigration Regime. Also, you need to be considerate of workplace strategies.
- Permanent Residency Visa
You will no longer need to renew your visa after five years of continuous residence in Spain. You will be qualified to apply for PR, also known as long-run residence, which is a permanent residency and would grant you the right to live and work in Spain eternally.
The conditions are easy to meet. All you need is your passport, valid residency card, completed EX-11 form, last five years’ worth of clean criminal records, and evidence of price payment.
It is important to note that two main laws govern residence in Spain. Different permits are granted under each law (the Entrepreneur’s law and the General Immigration Regime).
The consequences of applying under either law are significant, particularly because applications under Law 14/2013 can be submitted immediately from Spain, whilst applications under the general system must be initiated from the applicant’s place of origin.
- Non Lucrative Visa
If you don’t want to work in Spain and only would like to travel around the EUROPE for over a year then a non-lucrative visa would be best for you. It has simple requirements, you would need private health insurance and a demonstration of sufficient funds of 28800€.
You can apply for the visa from your home country or after entering Spain as a tourist or on a student visa. However don’t forget to take into consideration non lucrative visa Spain financial requirements 2024.
- Student Visa
You can apply for a student visa if you want to pursue postsecondary education, a master’s or doctoral degree, or to take part in research. The length of your study will determine how long the visa is valid.
If you want to pursue higher education, such as a master’s degree after earning a bachelor’s, you can renew the visa. These are the following requirements that you have to meet to apply for a visa.
- Verification of criminal history certificate
- Evidence of participation in a course with at least 20 hours of instruction per week for a full year.
- A bank statement demonstrating that you have at least €10,000 in your account
You can apply for a visa in the Spanish embassy in your country or within 60 days after entering Spain as a tourist.
- Golden Visa
The Golden Visa or Investor Visa can be the ideal way to get permanent residence. To obtain residence in Spain, all you have to do is spend €500,000 on real estate.
The investor permit offers a convenient option for moving to Spain as it allows for family inclusion and can be processed in a mere 20 working days, obtainable directly from Spain while on tourist status.
- Entrepreneur Visa
An entrepreneur visa must be applied for if you are an international person planning to establish or start a professional project in Spain. You will have easy access to this three-year visa if the initiative you wish to launch in Spain is creative, high-tech, and of economic interest to the country.
Your business plan needs to be approved by the Union of Large Companies (UGE) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs before you can apply for this kind of residence visa.
Because they are two extremely selective and stringent organizations, make sure you thoroughly prepare your business plan.
- Work permit
You are entitled to apply for a highly qualified professional visa if you are offered a high post. To qualify for this kind of visa, you must demonstrate that you will work in management and make more than €40,000 annually.
Conclusion
Spain is a beautiful country and it is obvious why you may want to relocate there. However it is important to understand the different types of residency visas to have a permanent stay in Spain. For your convenience we have enlisted some of the best visas. Make sure you follow the procedure and score your future in Spain.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
