Every year, thousands of individuals, families, remote workers, and retirees choose Spain for its quality of life, Mediterranean lifestyle, and long-term opportunities. But before you can enjoy life under the Spanish sun, you’ll need to navigate the Spain immigration process — from understanding your visa options to meeting eligibility requirements and timelines.
This complete guide will walk you through exactly how to move to Spain, step by step. Whether you’re coming for work, study, retirement, or remote life, we’ll break down the process clearly so you can start your new chapter with confidence.
moved to spain because of the
Relaxed lifestyle and beautiful coastlines
Affordable cost of living compared to many EU countries
Access to the Schengen area and long-term EU benefits
High-quality healthcare and education systems
1. Work Visa for Spain
Ideal for Professionals with a Spanish job offer or intra-company transfer.
Requirements:
- Valid job contract from a Spanish employer
- Company sponsorship for visa (optional)
- Proof of qualifications and experience
- Criminal background check
Timeline: 3–6 months from job offer to residence approval.
Exceptionally, salaries over €40,000/year are considered High Qualified Employees which reduces visa approval to 1-2 months.
2. Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement or Passive Income)
Ideal for Retirees or individuals with savings/investments who don’t plan to work in Spain.
Requirements:
- Proof of stable income (around €30,000/year for a single applicant)
- Private health insurance
- No intention to work in Spain
Timeline: 8–12 weeks from application to approval. Popular among retirees from the US, UK, and Canada looking for residency without employment.
3. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
Ideal for Remote workers or freelancers working for non-Spanish companies.
Requirements:
- Remote work contract or freelance clients
- Proof of income (€2,650+/month recommended)
- Bachelor’s degree or 3+ years of work experience
- Clean criminal record
- Spanish health insurance
Timeline: 20–45 days for approval (plus appointment scheduling)
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa gives you up to 5 years of legal residency with tax breaks!
4. Student Visa
Ideal for Students accepted to an accredited Spanish institution.
Requirements:
- Proof of enrollment
- Sufficient funds for living expenses
- Health insurance
- No criminal record
Timeline: 4–8 weeks from submission (although this differs based on Nationality) Student visas can also be a path to long-term residency or a work visa after graduation
5. Entrepreneur Visa
Ideal for Founders launching an innovative startup in Spain.
Requirements:
- Viable business plan approved by ENISA or similar
- Investment funds
- Legal registration of the business
- Background checks
Timeline: Up to 6 months, depending on the business review process.
This visa is part of Spain’s effort to boost innovation and entrepreneurship.
6. Family Reunification Visa
Ideal for Spouses, children, or parents of legal Spanish residents or citizens. It allows families to stay together — especially helpful for long-term expats.
Requirements:
- Proof of family relationship
- Sponsor must have legal residence and income
- Application submitted through the Spanish consulate or the local immigration office
Timeline: 3–6 months, depending on the case.
We’ve helped hundreds of applicants find their pathway.
How to Apply for a Spanish Visa (Step-by-Step)
- Choose the right visa type based on your profile
- Gather required documents (ID, proof of income, health insurance, background checks, etc.)
- Schedule an appointment at a Spanish consulate or embassy
- Submit your application and pay the fee
- Attend biometrics or interviews as needed
- Wait for resolution (You’ll receive a residence permit or visa sticker)
- Register your residence (Empadronamiento) and obtain a TIE card in Spain
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Spain
Q: Can I move to Spain without a job?
A: Yes — through the Non-Lucrative or Student Visa
Q: How long does the Spain immigration process take?
A: Anywhere from 1–6 months depending on the visa type and your preparation.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: Yes, most visa types allow for dependents or family reunification applications.
Choosing the right visa, preparing the correct documents, meeting consulate requirements, and keeping up with evolving regulations can be challenging, especially when you’re doing it alone.
That’s why Gazelle Immigration Group exists — not just to inform but to guide you through every step of the journey.
Our team works closely with you to:
- Help you identify the right residency path for your goals
- Ensure all documents are complete and compliant with current Spanish regulations
- Navigate consulates, translations, appointments, and timelines
- Anticipate potential delays and proactively manage them
- Most importantly — it gives you peace of mind during an otherwise stressful process
If you’re ready to move forward with clarity and confidence, book your free consultation today. Let’s build your immigration strategy — and your future in Spain — together.