How to obtain a residence permit in Spain in 2026

Obtaining residency in Spain in 2026. New rules for family members. Spain residency requirements for different categories of foreigners. What residence permit Spain offers and how you can get citizenship.

A Spanish residence permit allows a foreign national to reside temporarily in the country for a period of at least 90 days. Depending on the purpose, the residence permit may be:

• for financially independent individuals
• for business purposes
• for remote workers
• for employment
• for family members of a resident
• for study
• based on settlement

The minimum monthly income required to apply for a visa for financially independent individuals in 2025 is EUR 2,406 and for digital nomads it’s EUR 2,762. The validity period of the permit ranges from 1 to 3 years, depending on its type. After 5 years, you can get permanent residency and after another 5 years, you can get citizenship.

Benefits of Spain residence permit

• Access to free healthcare in public clinics. The vast majority of residents enjoy this benefit. To receive it, one must obtain a personal health card.
• Free public school education for children.
• After five years of residence, one can obtain permanent residency and subsequently, after another five years, one can apply for citizenship.
• The ability to open a bank account without the restrictions faced by non-residents.
• The right to travel visa-free to 29 Schengen countries under the short-stay programme: up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• The right to apply for permits for family members.
• Students can participate in exchange programmes like Erasmus, enabling them to study at another European university for a year or a semester.

Types of Spanish residency

Spanish resident permit for financially independent individuals

Wealthy foreigners may apply for a non-lucrative residence permit in Spain (Non-Lucrative Visa). This document allows temporary residence for one year but does not permit employment or any income-generating activities.

The applicant must prove they have a source of income for the entire duration of the permit. The required amount is based on the minimum income index (IPREM), which in 2025 is set at EUR 601.66 per month. The applicant must show an income of four times the IPREM (i.e., EUR 2,406.66) and if applying with family members, an additional 1 IPREM is required per dependent.

It’s also necessary to show proof of accommodation, either through rental or ownership.

In some cases, the consulate may request a personal appearance and possibly an interview. Note that Non-Lucrative Visa holders do not have access to public healthcare system.

Residence permit for freelancers and remote workers

The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain enables remote workers and freelancers to live and work in the country. If applied for from within Spain, the visa is valid for 3 years and can be extended for a further 2 years. When applying from outside the country, the visa initially lasts for 1 year and can also be extended.

The Digital Nomad Spanish green card is only available to citizens of countries outside the European Union. The applicant's spouse and children can apply for a visa at the same time.

One of the key requirements is proof of income. The monthly income must be at least twice the minimum wage (SMI). In 2025, the SMI is set at EUR 1,381.33, meaning the minimum income required is EUR 2,762.66 per month.

Applicants must register their residence in Spain, but they are not required to own apartments in Barcelona and rented housing is acceptable.

Spanish resident card for family reunification

Applicants wishing to reunite with their family must meet one of the following conditions:

• hold Spanish citizenship
• have a permanent residence permit
• have had a valid residence permit for more than 1 year

Family members eligible for reunification include:

• a legal spouse
• children under 18, or children over 18 who are disabled or unable to care for themselves
• registered domestic partners (in CIS countries this practice is uncommon, but in Spanish municipalities, partnerships can be registered without formal marriage. This is known as a "pareja de hecho")
• unregistered partners, provided they can prove the relationship existed prior to relocation
• dependent parents and their spouses/partners aged 65 or older (in most provinces, this applies only to those with permanent residency)

The citizen applying to bring in family members acts as a sponsor and must demonstrate a stable monthly income. The amount is calculated based on the IPREM and includes:

• 150% of IPREM for the sponsor
• 150% of IPREM for the first family member
• 50% of IPREM for each additional family member

New legal provisions for family members of Spanish citizens

As of May 20, 2025, a special legal status has been introduced for family members of Spanish citizens. Those eligible include:

• spouses
• parejas de hecho (registered partners)
• children up to 26 years old, including children of a spouse or partner
• parents
• children whose parents are or were Spanish citizens by origin
• guardians of minor children who are Spanish citizens
• foreigners caring for Spanish citizens who are incapacitated
• relatives who are financially dependent on Spanish citizens

The main benefit of this reform is the extension of the residence permit to 5 years.

Long-term student visa

A long-term student visa is issued for a period starting from 90 days and typically lasts for one academic year. To obtain it, applicants must provide proof of university admission in Spain and demonstrate adequate financial means to cover living and tuition expenses. The minimum required amount varies but is generally between EUR 7,000 and EUR 8,000 per year.

Students are permitted to work up to 30 hours per week. After graduating, a foreigner may apply for a job-seeking visa, which can eventually lead to a work visa and, ultimately, a residence permit.

Residency permit Spain with the right to work: for company employees and entrepreneurs

In 2026, the following types of residence permits with work authorisation will be available:

• For entrepreneurs and freelancers. Freelancers must confirm their income, while entrepreneurs must have their business plan approved by the self-employed workers’ union.
• For employees who have received a job offer from a local company.
• For highly qualified professionals (scientists, engineers, managers).
• For holders of the EU Blue Card. This card is available to qualified professionals with a university degree and at least 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience. Additionally, the salary must be at least 1.5 times the national average.

Spain residency based on settlement

Another basis for acquiring resident status is “arraigo” or settlement. This involves continuous residence and integration into Spanish society, demonstrated through knowledge of local traditions, the language and social, work or family ties.

Key conditions for eligibility:

• at least 2 years of residence in the country
• no more than 90 days spent outside Spain in total during those 2 years
• not being an applicant for international protection

The following categories of foreigners may apply for a residence permit based on settlement:

• Individuals with official employment or self-employment status must present a work contract exceeding 90 days, with a salary of at least the SMI (in 2025, this is EUR 1,381.33 per month).
• Those integrated into society must provide proof of income or a 1-year work contract. Applicants are required to demonstrate language proficiency and submit a social integration report issued after an interview with the City Council.
• Those who agree to undergo training for a high-demand profession recommended by the local employment office.
• Children whose parents previously held Spanish citizenship, as well as parents and guardians of minors or incapacitated residents requiring care. No minimum residence period or income threshold is required in these cases.

Applying for residency in Spain: Required documents

To obtain a residence permit, a foreign national must provide:

• an application form
• passport-sized photographs
• a valid passport with at least one year of validity remaining
• health insurance
• a medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that pose a public health risk
• a police clearance certificate confirming no criminal record in the past 5 years
• proof of address (rental contract or property ownership)
• documents proving family ties (if applicable)
• proof of income like bank statements and salary slips (if applicable)

The applicant must be legally present in the country and meet the criteria specific to the type of permit being requested.

Can a resident permit Spain be denied?

The consulate will verify the applicant’s identity and the authenticity of the submitted documents. If an interview takes place, a report will be compiled based on it.

A permit may be denied in the following cases:

• The applicant does not meet the requirements for the chosen type of permit.
• The documents or information submitted are forged or misleading and any signs of dishonesty or fraud may result in denial.
• There is another reason for ineligibility that was not previously identified.

Any decision to deny a residence permit must be justified: the applicant must be informed of the reasons and facts on which the denial is based.

Path to permanent residency and citizenship through Spanish residence

After 5 years of holding a temporary residence permit, a foreigner can apply for a Spain permanent residence (PR). This permit is valid indefinitely and offers several benefits. For instance, PR holders can:

• access social benefits
• leave and re-enter the country for any duration
• work in any position within Spanish companies

Although the status itself does not require renewal, the residence card in Spain must be renewed every 5 years.

The primary requirement for PR is continuous residence in Spain for at least 183 days annually over the previous 5 years.

After five years of permanent residency, the individual can apply for citizenship. Additionally, they must demonstrate their knowledge of the Spanish language, history and culture.

If a child is born in Spain to foreign parents with valid residence permits, the child may be eligible for Spanish citizenship after just one year of holding a residence permit.

Barcelona.RealEstate is a real estate aggregator offering apartments and villas in Barcelona for foreigners who want to move to Europe and invest in high-value property. Experienced specialists will help you find the right property. Just submit a request to receive a consultation at your convenience.