Frequently Asked Questions — Long-Stay Visas in Spain (Updated November 2025)

Page created: 21 March 2021 – Page updated: 24 November 2026

Last updated: March 2026

Spain offers several long-stay visa options for non-EU nationals who wish to live here for more than 90 days. At CostaLuz Lawyers, we handle a wide range of routes (work, study, family, entrepreneur…), but in practice most of our international clients choose one of two visas:

• Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) – for retirees and financially independent individuals and families who will not work in Spain. Learn more about the Non-Lucrative Visa here.
• Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) – for remote workers and certain freelancers who work for foreign employers or clients while living in Spain. See our Digital Nomad Visa full service here.

The FAQ below covers general rules for all Spanish long-stay visas, and when it is most relevant, we point you directly to NLV and DNV, the two flagship routes in which we specialise and offer a complete end-to-end service.

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1. Where do I apply for a Spanish long-stay visa?

You must apply at the Spanish Consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of legal residence.

• Some consulates allow postal submissions or applications via a third-party representative.
• Others require in-person attendance for all or most applicants.

Appointment slots can fill quickly, so it is essential to check your consulate’s appointment system early.

If you are still deciding between the main long-stay options, you can compare the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa to see which one fits your situation best.

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2. How soon should I apply before travelling?

In general, you can apply up to 90 days before your intended entry into Spain.

• Most visas must be collected within one month after approval.
• Some consulates apply slightly different time windows and internal practices, so always confirm locally on their website.

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3. Do I need to appear in person?

In most cases, yes.

• Consulates typically require your original signature and fingerprints.
• Exceptions may exist for minors or applicants with serious health limitations, usually via a notarised power of attorney, depending on the consulate.

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4. What happens once my visa is approved?

After your long-stay visa is approved:

1. You must enter Spain within one month from the visa issue date (or within the period stated on the visa).
2. Upon arrival, you normally have 30 days to apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the local police station or immigration office.

Not applying for your TIE on time can cause problems later (renewals, changes of status, long-term residence).

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5. Can my family travel with me?

Yes. Most long-stay visa categories allow you to include or later regroup:

• Your spouse or registered partner
• Minor children
• Adult children who are financially dependent and not forming an independent family unit
• In some cases, dependent parents

Family groups are very common under both the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa, and we often structure the file as a single family unit.

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6. What counts as “sufficient funds”?

Financial requirements are generally calculated using Spain’s IPREM index (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples).

As a practical indication for 2026 (rounded figures):

• Main applicant: around €2,400/month (400% IPREM)
• Each dependent: around €600/month (100% IPREM)

You can normally show this through:

• Bank statements and certificates
• Pension payments
• Regular passive income (dividends, rental income, etc.)

Funds must be legal, traceable, and stable. Consulates may ask for tax returns or explanations of large deposits.

Example table – indicative monthly funds (2026)

Family composition	IPREM multiplier	Approx. monthly funds
Single applicant	400%	~€2,400
Couple	500%	~€3,000
Couple + 1 child	600%	~€3,600
Couple + 2 children	700%	~€4,200

The Non-Lucrative Visa is particularly sensitive to financial proof, as you cannot legally work in Spain under this route.

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7. Do I need Spanish private health insurance?

Yes, unless your particular route includes coverage under Spanish Social Security (for example, some employment or student routes).

For NLV and many DNV consulate files, your insurance must:

• Provide full coverage in Spain
• Have no co-payments or deductibles (sin copagos)
• Be valid for at least the initial visa period

This is one of the most frequent reasons for consular queries and refusals when the policy does not match the required standards.

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8. How recent must my police and medical certificates be?

Both certificates must typically be issued within the last 3 months at the time of application.

• Criminal record certificate – usually covering the last 5 years of residence.
• Medical certificate – must state that you are free from diseases that may have serious public-health implications under the 2005 International Health Regulations.

Unless an exemption applies, these documents usually need:

• Sworn translation into Spanish, and
• Apostille or legalisation from the issuing country.

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9. Can I work while studying in Spain?

Yes, under current rules, students can usually work up to 30 hours per week, as long as:

• The work schedule is compatible with their studies, and
• They remain enrolled and in good standing at their educational institution.

Thanks to Royal Decree 629/2022, many situations no longer require a separate initial work authorisation; the student residence can incorporate this limited work permission.

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10. Can I switch from a Non-Lucrative Visa to a Work Visa later?

In many cases, yes.

• Typically, you must complete one full year as a legal resident under the Non-Lucrative Visa before applying for a change to a work or self-employment permit.
• The change is requested inside Spain, before the NLV renewal.

However, many people who intend to work remotely now find the Digital Nomad Visa more suitable from the outset, as it is specifically designed for remote work for foreign employers or clients.

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11. What’s the status of the Golden Visa? (Program Ended)

⚠️ Important: The Golden Visa / Investor Visa in Spain has been eliminated and is no longer available in any modality. Following recent legal changes, Spain has ended the Golden Visa program. Our team can advise on the most suitable alternative based on your profile, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, or Entrepreneur Visa.

Spain has ended the classic property-investment Golden Visa route. From April 2026, new applications based purely on purchasing real estate are no longer accepted.

Existing holders and applications submitted before the cut-off are generally protected under transitional (“grandfathering”) rules, but for new applicants the most realistic alternatives now are:

• The Non-Lucrative Visa – for those with sufficient passive income or savings.
• The Digital Nomad Visa – for remote workers and international freelancers.

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12. What documents are common to most long-stay visas?

While each route has its own specific requirements, most Spanish long-stay visas share a core set of documents:

• Visa application form and passport photo
• Valid passport (commonly at least 12 months)
• Criminal-record certificate
• Medical certificate
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Proof of health insurance (unless covered by Social Security)
• Proof of consular fee payment
• Route-specific documents, for example:
  • Employment contract or employer letter (work routes, DNV)
  • Business plan (entrepreneur/self-employed)
  • University or school acceptance letter (student)
  • Family relationship documents (marriage, birth certificates, etc.)

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13. What is the IPREM and why does it matter?

The IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples) is Spain’s official income benchmark used to calculate eligibility for:

• Many types of visas and residence permits
• Certain public benefits and grants

It is updated each year, and many financial requirements (including the Non-Lucrative Visa) are defined as a multiple of IPREM. For example, for NLV the main applicant is often required to show at least 400% of annual IPREM.

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14. How long does it take to receive my visa?

It varies by consulate, but as a general rule:

• Typical processing time: 4–8 weeks from the moment the consulate formally admits your file as complete.
• In busy periods (for example, summer or pre-academic year), cases can take longer.

Complex financial situations, incomplete documentation or doubts about accommodation/family relationships often cause the main delays.

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15. What if my visa is refused?

If your Spanish long-stay visa is refused, you usually have two main legal options:

1. Administrative appeal (Recurso de Reposición) – addressed to the same authority that issued the refusal.
2. Contentious-Administrative appeal – filed before the competent Spanish courts.

Depending on the reasons for refusal, a new, corrected application can sometimes be more effective (especially in NLV and DNV cases) than a formal appeal. The best strategy depends on your timing, evidence and long-term goals.

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16. Is an interview required?

Not always, but some consulates conduct brief interviews, particularly for:

• Non-Lucrative Visa applications
• Certain work and family routes

The interview typically focuses on:

• Your genuine purpose of stay
• The origin and stability of your funds
• Your travel and immigration history

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17. Can my visa be issued for more than one year?

Most initial long-stay visas are granted for one year.

• Subsequent renewals are usually for two years at a time, provided you still meet all requirements.
• After five years of continuous legal residence, you can generally apply for long-term residence (normally valid for five years).

Time spent under a correctly maintained Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa usually counts towards that 5-year threshold.

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18. What are the new digital changes for 2026?

Spain is gradually expanding digital platforms such as UTEX, a national one-stop immigration system designed to:

• Standardise criteria across provinces
• Improve communication between applicants, consulates and immigration offices
• Reduce processing times and make procedures more transparent

Implementation is progressive and practice can vary by region, so we always check the latest local criteria when preparing your file.

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19. Do I need to translate documents into Spanish?

In most cases, yes.

• Foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) or another officially recognised professional in your country.
• Some EU multilingual standard forms are exempt from translation or apostille requirements, but this is specific and must be checked case by case.

Improper translations (or missing apostilles) are a very common cause of delays and refusals.

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20. What is the main reason for delays or refusals?

The most common issues we see include:

• Missing or incorrect apostilles/legalisations
• Expired criminal-record or medical certificates
• Incomplete or weak financial evidence
• Inconsistent names or dates across documents
• Health insurance policies that do not meet consular standards

A thorough pre-application document review usually eliminates most of these problems before you reach the consulate.

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21. Is a long-stay visa the same as a Schengen tourist visa?

No, they are very different.

• A Schengen short-stay visa (or visa-free stay for eligible nationalities) allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area, mainly for tourism or short business visits.
• A Spanish National Visa (Type D) is a long-stay visa that allows you to live in Spain for more than 90 days and typically leads to a residence permit and TIE.

Comparison – Schengen vs. Spanish Long-Stay Visa

Feature	Schengen short-stay visa	Spanish long-stay (Type D) visa
Maximum stay	90 days in any 180 days	More than 90 days
Main purpose	Tourism/short visits	Medium- or long-term residence
Leads to residence permit (TIE)	No	Yes (in most cases)
Scope	Schengen Area	Mainly Spain (with Schengen travel)
Documentation level	Lighter	More extensive (funds, health, etc.)

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22. Do I need to register with the town hall (padrón) after arrival?

In most cases, yes. After arriving and settling in Spain, it is strongly recommended (and often required) to register your address at the local town hall, a process known as empadronamiento.

This registration is often necessary for:

• TIE and other immigration procedures
• School enrolment for children
• Access to public healthcare, where applicable
• Many local administrative processes

You will receive a certificado de empadronamiento, which should be kept up to date.

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23. What are the main types of Spanish long-stay visas?

Spain offers several long-stay residence routes, but the two most common — and the ones we most frequently handle for non-EU clients — are:

• The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
• The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

Overview – DNV vs. NLV

Feature	Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)	Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Can work in Spain?	Yes, remote work for foreign employer/clients	No (no work in Spain allowed)
Best suited for	Remote employees, freelancers, online business owners	Retirees and financially independent families
Main income requirement	Ongoing foreign-sourced income	Higher savings/passive income requirement
Family members allowed?	Yes	Yes
Path to long-term stay	Yes, counts towards 5-year residence	Yes, counts towards 5-year residence

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24. Can I submit a new application instead of appealing a refusal?

Yes, in many situations that is possible and sometimes more practical.

If your case has been refused because of:

• Missing documents
• Weak or unclear financial proof
• Formal defects that you can now correct

…then a new, stronger application (especially for NLV or DNV) may be faster and more effective than a lengthy appeal.

However, if you believe the decision was legally incorrect or you are close to age, family or time limits, an appeal may be the better route. The strategy depends on your personal circumstances, deadlines and evidence.

Start with confidence.

We review your situation and tell you — clearly and honestly — whether you meet the requirements.

Free Eligibility Check

Expertise & Authority

Since 2008, María de Castro has been a regular legal contributor on EyeOnSpain, one of the leading platforms for international property buyers in Spain. Over more than 15 years, she has published hundreds of articles on off-plan protection, property law, consumer rights, immigration, estate planning and wills, international tax and company mobility to Spain, guiding thousands of foreign clients with clear, independent legal insight. Eye on Spain

Her specialist work on Spanish off-plan property and bank guarantees under Law 57/1968 is documented in depth on EyeOnSpain’s dedicated blog, Spanish Off-Plan Property – Bank Guarantees – LEY 57/68. Eye on Spain

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Specialist platforms, legal directories & expat media

María’s track record as a Property Law and Consumer Real Estate Law (Derecho de Consumo Inmobiliario) specialist is also reflected in a wide range of specialist and expat-focused platforms:

• Uglobal – featured as a verified Spain immigration consultant and expert on investor and Golden Visa–type residency. Uglobal
• Expatra – listed as Expatra’s Spain legal expert in their network of overseas living advisors, contributing legal insight on relocation, residency and property for international retirees. Expatra
• EyeOnSpain (Law 57/68 blog) – ongoing analysis of bank liability and consumer protection in off-plan cases, including the landmark Finca Parcs litigation and as regular contributions on wider expat issues in her EyeonSpain blog and forums for foreigners in Spain.
• Confilegal – Spanish legal news outlet where her work on real-estate consumer protection and the Finca Parcs case has been discussed.
• Legal Today (Aranzadi LA LEY) – regular contributor on banking responsibility in off-plan disasters and related civil-law issues, within one of Spain’s main professional portals for lawyers.
• General Council of Spanish Lawyers (Consejo General de la Abogacía Española) – Articles on bank liability in off-plan property purchases

Her pioneering work in recovering off-plan deposits and defending foreign buyers has also been highlighted in expat and niche media such as The Olive Press, The Local, and other international retirement and relocation resources.

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International & Spanish media recognition

María’s legal work and the CostaLuz / De Castro team’s litigation – particularly the Finca Parcs Action Group case under Law 57/1968 – have attracted extensive coverage in both international and Spanish media. This includes features, reports or references in:

• The Telegraph
• The Times
• BBC – including BBC Radio 4’s “You and Yours” consumer-affairs programme, which covered the Finca Parcs judgment and interviewed the legal team; the broadcasts are archived on EyeOnSpain’s
• El País and El País English, reporting on Spanish real-estate consumer protection and the consequences of failed developments such as Finca Parcs. inventive.es
• The Irish Examiner
• Other reputable legal, financial and expat outlets.

Through these cases, CostaLuz Lawyers has helped to shape case law on bank liability in off-plan property, influencing how courts and media across Spain and abroad understand consumer protection in this area.

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Recognition by British and Irish authorities

CostaLuz Lawyers is also recognised in official English-speaking lawyer resources published by British and Irish authorities:

• British Embassy in Spain / UK Foreign Office – CostaLuz Lawyers appears in the official list of English-speaking lawyers in Spain, published on GOV.UK under Spain – List of Lawyers, which is used by British nationals seeking independent legal advice in Spain.
  Spain – List of Lawyers (GOV.UK)
• Embassy of Ireland in Spain – CostaLuz Lawyers is also referenced within the Irish authorities’ ecosystem of trusted resources for Irish citizens in Spain, alongside the Embassy of Ireland in Spain and its consular services (passports, visas, “New to Spain”, legal and administrative guidance).

This dual recognition by both British and Irish official channels underscores CostaLuz Lawyers’ long-standing commitment to transparency, consumer protection and genuinely independent legal advice for international clients in Spain.

Related Immigration & Residency Guides

• Immigration to Spain — Complete Residency & Visa Guide (2026)
• Non-Lucrative Visa Spain
• Digital Nomad Visa Spain
• Family Reunification Spain
• NIE Spain Guide 2026
• Arraigo Social Spain
• Immigration Lawyers in Spain

Digital Nomad Visa Spain — Requirements in 2026

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para teletrabajo de carácter internacional), introduced under the Startups Law (Ley 28/2022), allows remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies to live and work legally in Spain.

Key requirements:

• Work remotely for a company registered outside Spain (or be a freelancer with clients predominantly outside Spain)
• Minimum income of approximately €2,849/month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage, SMI)
• At least 1 year of professional relationship with the employer (or 3 months if freelance with demonstrable client contracts)
• No more than 20% of work can be for Spanish companies
• University degree or 3+ years professional experience in your field
• Clean criminal record
• Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain

Tax advantage: Digital nomad visa holders can opt for the Beckham Law (special tax regime), paying a flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-sourced income for up to 6 years, instead of the progressive IRPF rates (up to 47%).

Golden Visa Spain — 2026 Update (Program Ended)

Spain’s Golden Visa (investor visa) grants residency through qualifying investments. Important 2026 update: The Spanish government has proposed modifications to the real estate investment pathway. Current qualifying investments include:

• Real estate: €500,000+ investment (status under review — check current legislation)
• Government bonds: €2 million+
• Company shares / bank deposit: €1 million+
• Business project: Creating significant employment or contributing to innovation

Comparing Long-Stay Visa Processing Times

Visa Type	Consulate Processing	Initial Duration	Leads to Permanent Residence?
Non-lucrative	1-3 months	1 year	Yes (after 5 years)
Digital nomad	20 days (by law)	1 year (extendable to 3)	Yes (after 5 years)
Golden visa (Ended)	20 days (by law)	2 years	Yes (after 5 years)
Student visa	1-2 months	1 year	Can switch to work visa after studies
Work permit	1-3 months	1 year	Yes (after 5 years)
Entrepreneur	20 days (by law)	1 year	Yes (after 5 years)

Related guide: Spain residency options for UK nationals.