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If you are planning to move to Spain, one of the first questions is which visa or residence route fits your situation.
The answer depends mainly on what you plan to do in Spain: work remotely, start a business, live from your own financial resources, study or join a family member.
Here is a quick overview of the main options.
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain while working remotely, primarily for companies or clients located outside Spain.
It can apply to remote employees, freelancers and, depending on their professional structure, business owners.
It may fit you if: you want to relocate to Spain while continuing your international remote work.
Self-Employed Visa
The Self-Employed Visa allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain while carrying out their own professional or business activity.
Unlike the Digital Nomad route, this option is designed for people who intend to establish and operate their activity in Spain.
It may fit you if: you want to move to Spain and work here as a freelancer, independent professional or business owner.
Entrepreneur Visa
The Entrepreneur Visa is aimed at innovative business projects considered to be of particular economic interest to Spain.
It is generally better suited to larger, scalable and innovative projects — particularly technology-driven businesses — rather than conventional small businesses or ordinary self-employment.
It may fit you if: you are developing an innovative and scalable business project that you intend to establish in Spain.
Highly Qualified Professional
Spain has a specific residence route for highly qualified professionals relocating for qualifying positions.
This route is particularly relevant for professionals, executives and specialists whose employment and professional profile meet the applicable requirements.
It may fit you if: you have a highly qualified position with a company in Spain.
Non-Lucrative Visa
The Non-Lucrative Visa allows non-EU nationals with sufficient financial resources to reside in Spain without carrying out work or professional activities.
It is commonly used by retirees and people who can support themselves through savings, pensions or other qualifying resources.
It may fit you if: you want to live in Spain and have sufficient financial means without needing to work.
Student Visa
The Student Visa is intended for non-EU nationals coming to Spain primarily to undertake qualifying studies or educational activities.
The conditions depend on the programme and duration of the studies.
It may fit you if: studying is the principal reason for your move to Spain.
Family Reunification
Foreign nationals legally residing in Spain may be able to bring certain qualifying family members to live with them through family reunification.
The appropriate procedure depends on the resident’s immigration status and the family relationship.
It may fit you if: you have a qualifying family member who is already legally resident in Spain.
Family Members of Spanish or EU Citizens
Specific residence routes exist for qualifying family members of Spanish and other EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
The correct procedure depends on factors including nationality, family relationship and the status of the Spanish or EU citizen.
It may fit you if: your spouse, partner, parent or another qualifying family member is Spanish or an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
What About EU Citizens?
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you generally do not need a visa to move to Spain.
For stays of more than three months, however, you may need to register as a resident in Spain and meet the applicable residence conditions.
For EU citizens, the relevant question is therefore usually not “Which visa do I need?” but “What do I need to establish my legal residence in Spain?”
Which Spanish Visa Is Right for You?
As a quick starting point:
- You work remotely for international companies or clients → Digital Nomad Visa
- You want to establish your own professional activity in Spain → Self-Employed Visa
- You have an innovative, scalable business project → Entrepreneur Visa
- You have a qualifying professional position in Spain → Highly Qualified Professional route
- You have sufficient resources and do not intend to work → Non-Lucrative Visa
- You are moving primarily to study → Student Visa
- You are joining a family member already resident in Spain → Family Reunification
- You are a family member of a Spanish or EU citizen → Spanish/EU family residence route
- You are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen → EU residence registration rather than a visa
Choosing the right route is the first step. The requirements, application process and documentation vary considerably between each option.
At HolaExpat, we assess your personal, professional and family circumstances to identify the appropriate route and coordinate your immigration process with the wider aspects of relocating to Spain.
Not sure which option fits your situation?
Request a Relocation Assessment.
