SPAIN has been a popular European expat destination for many years, thanks to its beautiful climate, Mediterranean way of life, rich culture and numerous opportunities.
Spain offers other residence permits even though the Golden Visa based on real estate investment is no longer available. There are many ways to obtain residency in Spain, whether you’re a retiree or a remote worker.
There are different types of residence permit in SpainEach with their own criteria, rights and purposes.
Non-Lucrative Residence permit in Spain
Non-Lucrative Visa is the most popular type of residence permit in Spain. It is sometimes considered as an alternative for the Golden Visa in Spain. It is also a preferred option for property investors. This visa is designed for expats who wish to live in Spain indefinitely without having any business or work activities. This visa is for people who are able to support themselves financially by saving, investing, receiving pensions or passive income.
The Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal for retirees in Spain. Non-Lucrative Visas also suit property owners, self-sufficient expats that do not require employment to maintain themselves and foreigners who wish to stay in Spain without working for a long period of time.

Non-lucrative Visas are considered long-term residency permits, and can be renewed twice. The visa allows holders to travel within the Schengen zone. Non-lucrative Visa holders may include their spouse, children, or dependent family members. This permit is a good option for obtaining permanent residency in Spain.
NLV requires expats to show proof that they can support themselves in Spain for the duration of their stay. The amount needed is determined by Spain’s Public Income Index, or IPREM. This index serves as a benchmark to determine economic status. In order to apply for a non lucrative visa, expats in Spain need to show that they have financial means equaling at least 400% the IPREM value.
Digital Nomad Visa for Spain
The Digital Nomad Visa, a new type of residence permit in Spain, is one of these. It is known as “Visado de Teletrabajo de carácter internacional” in Spain. This visa is a great option for employees and freelancers working outside Spain.
The Digital Nomad Residence Permit enables non-EU freelancers and remote workers to live in Spain, while working for foreign firms. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa allows you to live and work in one of Europe’s most attractive countries. It also gives you access to Spain’s excellent healthcare system, work/life balance, rich cultural experiences, and more.
To be eligible for the residence permit, applicants will need to provide proof that they have done remote work or freelance for clients who are located outside of Spain. The visa does require remote employment for at least one year. Spanish clients can provide up to 20 percent of the applicant’s total income. The applicant also must state sufficient funds possession of at least €25,000 for the applicant. The minimum amount can vary depending on time and the number of family members accompanying you.
The Digital Nomad Visa allows expats in Spain to work and live legally in Spain for a maximum of five years. Beckham Law allows Digital Nomad Visa holders to benefit from lower taxes for the first 4 years. After living in Spain for five years with a Digital Nomad Visa, the holders of this visa can apply for permanent residence.
Spanish Conditional Residence Permits
All applicants must meet certain requirements Spanish residency permit requirements In order to ensure that the residence is correct, it must be based upon their intended purpose. There are also residence permits for students, work-based permits and permits for family reunification.
The Spanish work residence permit, or “Residencia y Trabajo”, is also known by this name. This permit is for foreigners who want to live and work in Spain. Work permits are categorized according to the type of employment. These permit types differ between employees and business owners. In order to get a residency permit for working and living in Spain, applicants need to have a job contract or offer of employment in Spain. It is necessary that the applicant maintains their employment status throughout their stay in Spain. The residency permit can be revoked if the employment ceases.
In Spain, foreign nationals who enroll in Spanish educational establishments can apply for the “Permiso de Residencia para Estudiantes”, also known as a student residence. The applicant must continue to study in Spain. The permit may be revoked if the student’s enrollment is cancelled or terminated. The student can renew his/her residence permit if they continue their education at another institution or higher education.
The family reunification permit is available to the family members of Spanish nationals or residents. The family member must live in Spain with the primary resident. If the primary residence loses legal status, then the conditional visa may not be valid.
How to Get a Spanish Residency?
The application for residency in Spain It is structured but simple. If you follow the guidance of a professional team, it can be completed quickly and without any problems. The first step is to gather the necessary documents and apply for the visa. There are also additional steps to take, like registering your residence and applying for residency cards. The application process is broken down into 5 steps.
• Choosing the appropriate type of residency and getting information about the main requirements
• Analyzing your current status on meeting the conditions
• Gathering required documents
• Submitting the application
• Getting your residency card within 1-3 months
The 3 Most Important Things To Consider When Getting a Spanish Residence Permit
– Determine the type of residence permit you should apply for. Each residence permit is tailored to specific needs and has certain requirements. For approval, you need to meet all requirements.
– Property ownership in Spain always benefits the permit applicant. If you’re considering purchasing a property in Spain, it will always benefit the permit applicant. Buy property in Spain To strengthen your residency case, you can combine your Spanish property with other compatible visa applications (e.g. non-lucrative, digital nomad, etc.)
– Make sure to work with an experienced team of professionals to finalize the application process, just to make sure every step is followed by the book.
Are you ready to begin your trip? Discover properties in Spain and speak to our experts. Spain Homes ® Discover the best way to achieve your residency goals. With years of experience, Spain Homes has helped hundreds of people settle in Spain.
To find out more, visit their offices located in Malaga (Benalmadena), and Alicante(Orihuela).
MÁLAGA, BENALMÁDENA
Address: C/El Montículo 8, 29631, Benalmádena, Málaga
Telephone: +34 951 23 59 59
ALICANTE, ORIHUELA COASTA
Address: Carretera de Villamartín 12, Urbanización La Zenia II, Casa 22, 03189 Orihuela Costa, Alicante