“Arriving in Spain without the right visa is like ordering paella on a Monday—technically possible, but best avoided.”
If you’re dreaming of life on the Costa Blanca—whether to study, work, enjoy remote working by the sea, or simply savour your retirement under the Spanish sun—the first step is knowing which visa you’ll need.
And a word to the wise: the rules have changed. As of April 2025, the once-popular Golden Visa has officially been retired.
Here’s a practical and up-to-date guide on the types of visas available for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals who wish to enter or reside in Spain.
Short-stay visas (under 90 days)
Ideal if you’re visiting to get a feel for life in Spain before making the big move. Just note—these visas don’t allow you to work or extend your stay without additional processes.
✈️ Airport transit visa
Allows you to stay in the international zone of a Spanish airport during a layover, without entering national territory.
🌍 Short-stay visa (Schengen type)
Lets you stay in Spain and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Suitable for:
- Tourism
- Visiting friends or family
- Attending business meetings or conferences
- Medical treatment
- Sports or cultural events
- Short-term study programmes
⚠️ Not valid for any form of paid work.
📋 Shengen Visa application form
Long-stay visas (over 90 days)
Perfect for those looking to do more than holiday. These visas are the gateway to legal residence in Spain—and often the first step toward permanent residency.
And if you’re wondering about the old Golden Visa… it’s no longer on the menu as of 3 April 2025. Find out more here.
🏖 Non-lucrative residence visa
Ideal for retirees or those with passive income. You can’t work in Spain, but you can live comfortably if you can prove:
- Sufficient financial means
- Private health insurance
💼 Residence and work visa
- For employees:
If you’ve been offered a job by a Spanish company, this visa lets you work legally in Spain. - For self-employed professionals:
Ideal for freelancers, digital entrepreneurs or anyone starting their own business in Spain.
👨👩👧 Family reunification visa
For legal residents in Spain who wish to bring close family members:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Dependent children
- Dependent parents
🌐 Digital nomad visa
The crown jewel for remote workers! If you work for companies abroad or serve international clients, this visa is designed for you. Requirements include:
- Proof of ongoing remote work
- Minimum income of €2,762/month (2025)
- University degree or relevant professional experience
👉 Check the 2025 guide on “how to establish yourself as a digital nomad in Spain”
🎓 Student visa
For those coming to Spain to study, carry out research, do an internship, volunteer or join mobility programmes. Valid for the duration of your studies.
🔍 Job search visa
Finished studying in Spain? Or are you of Spanish descent? This visa allows you to:
- Stay in Spain for up to 12 months to look for work
- Apply for a work and residence permit if you secure employment
🚨 Exceptional circumstances visa
Granted for special situations such as:
- Public interest or diplomatic reasons
- National security
- Humanitarian or public health grounds
Maximum duration: one year
How to apply for a visa
Applications must always be submitted at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Here’s how to get started:
- Go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- Locate the Spanish consulate in your country.
- Navigate to the “Visas” section.
- Download the appropriate application form.
- Check all requirements and book an appointment.
👉 Find the requirements for each visa type at your nearest Spanish consulate or online:
Final tips: patience and coffee
- Navigating the Spanish visa system can feel as slow as waiting for the bill at a seaside café—but with good prep and accurate info, you’ll get there.
- Each consulate has slightly different procedures, so always check with your local office before starting.
- Feeling overwhelmed? A trusted gestor or immigration lawyer can be a lifesaver. You’ll find vetted professionals in our directories.
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