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This article forms part of the CostaLuz Lawyers blog and is published for general informational and educational purposes only. It was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and, before publication, was substantively reviewed and editorially approved by Maria de Castro, a Spanish-qualified lawyer registered with the Cádiz Bar Association under number 2745, founder of CostaLuz Lawyers and the person responsible for the editorial review of the published content.
This article does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, employment, estate-planning or investment advice and does not replace an individual assessment and the professional work of the appropriate CostaLuz Lawyers specialist. No action or omission should be based solely on this information.
Relocating from Saudi Arabia to Spain has become a recurrent enquiry as Riyadh-based professionals and family offices look for European base options. Saudi nationals face Spain as non-EEA citizens, which means the route is by visa application rather than free movement.
The principal pathways are the Non-Lucrative Visa for passive-income holders, the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, and a work visa where a Spanish employer or corporate structure sponsors the move. Each route has its own income, documentation, and tax treatment. Read the step-by-step Non-Lucrative Visa checklist.
Visa Options at a Glance
The NLV requires proof of approximately 2,400 EUR/month of passive income for 2026, comprehensive private health insurance, clean criminal record, and a valid passport. The DNV is for remote workers earning at least 200% of the Spanish SMI from foreign employers or clients, with 3-year initial residency and 20-working-day processing. Work visas operate when a Spanish entity registers a position and sponsors the application. Saudi nationals do not face country-specific bilateral barriers but must follow the standard non-EEA documentary track.
Property Purchase Considerations
Saudi buyers can purchase Spanish property freely without residency restriction. The transaction follows the standard non-resident buying process: NIE acquisition first, then private purchase contract, escritura before notary, registration. ITP applies on resale (6-10% by region) or VAT on new-build (10% residential plus AJD). Wealth tax obligations follow ownership: Spanish real estate above 700,000 EUR triggers wealth tax, with regional bonifications applying based on where the property is located.
Banking and Anti-Money-Laundering Compliance
Spanish banks apply enhanced due diligence to GCC-origin funds, particularly when transaction values are large. Saudi applicants should plan for 4 to 8 weeks of compliance review when opening a Spanish account, with documentation including source of funds, employment certificates or business registration, tax residency certificates from Saudi Arabia, and bank reference letters. Working with a Spanish lawyer experienced in GCC client onboarding accelerates this materially.
Tax Residency and the 183-Day Rule
Once Saudi nationals begin spending more than 183 days per calendar year in Spain, they become Spanish tax residents — taxed on worldwide income. Saudi Arabia and Spain have a double-tax treaty in force that addresses many cross-border scenarios, but careful planning is required around the timing of the move and the structure of any continuing Saudi business interests. The Beckham Law (24% flat tax on Spanish-source income) is available to qualifying new arrivals via the DNV or work-visa route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dependents come with me?
Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be added to NLV/DNV applications as dependents, with corresponding income uplift. Family reunification is the alternative for those arriving later than the principal applicant.
Is the Beckham Law available?
Yes, where the move qualifies (typically DNV or work visa, not pure NLV passive-income). Beckham gives flat 24% on Spanish-source professional income up to 600,000 EUR for up to six tax years.
How long does the full move take?
From visa filing to settled residency, plan 4 to 8 months including consulate processing, arrival, and TIE issuance. Property purchase can run in parallel.
Reviewed by: Maria Luisa de Castro, Expert in Off-plan Property Investment, CostaLuz Lawyers. Last updated: May 2026.