The different kinds of visas to live in Spain and how to get them

A guide to gaining residency now that the Golden Visa scheme has ended

If you are not an EU citizen and want to live in Spain, you are going to need a visa.

Since 2013 and up until this year, the ‘Golden Visa’ was a simple and popular option for those who were able to invest at least €500,000 in a property in Spain.

It was especially useful for citizens of the UK after Brexit, since it provided fast-track residency, without a requirement to live full-time in Spain, that could lead to becoming a permanent resident or even Spanish citizenship.

However, the government responded to growing public concerns about the affordability of housing, with speculation foreign investors pushing up property prices, by deciding to scrap the Golden Visa scheme and stopped accepting any new applications in April 2025.

Nevertheless, other types of visa are available, but which one best suits your situation and how do you get one?

How to get a visa to live in Spain 2025

The bureaucracy in Spain can seem intimidating and confusing, even if you are familiar with the language, so it makes sense to consult with recommended experts who can ensure that you meet all the requirements and avoid common pitfalls.

Fortunately, the dedicated professionals at Heniam & Associates, based in Cartagena, Murcia, can provide reliable and personalised advice, and help to guide you through the whole process to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.

Here’s a look at four of the most common visa options: Family Reunification, Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad and Student.

1. Family Reunification Visa

This kind of visa enables non-EU citizens who have legal residency in Spain to bring family members to join them. The sponsor must have legal residency in Spain for at least one year and hold a valid residence permit.

Eligible family members include a spouse or registered partner, children under 18, dependent parents, and dependent adult children with disabilities. This relationship must be proven with documentation such as a marriage or birth certificate, or legal documents recognising dependency.

The sponsor must also provide proof that they have sufficient financial resources to support the family members joining them, adequate housing in Spain to meet their needs and health insurance to cover them and their family members throughout their stay.

Family members can obtain long-term residency permits, apply for permanent residency after a certain period, access public healthcare and education, and work in Spain.

2. Non-Lucrative Visa

If you are not going to work in Spain, for example retirees or those with independent financial means or staying for an extended period for personal reasons, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is a good option if the main applicant earns at least €27,115.20 per annum plus €6,778.80 per dependent.

Applicants also require full, private health insurance, no criminal record for the past five years, medical certification that they have no dangerous diseases, and proof of accommodation.

This visa allows you to reside in Spain for an initial period of one year, which can be renewed for two-year periods, and after five years of continuous residence, you may apply for long-term residency. Although private healthcare is required, it does entitle access to public education.

3. Digital Nomad Visa

A recent introduction in 2023, this enables remote professionals from outside the EU/EEA to legally live and work in Spain, gain access to the Schengen Area and benefit from lower taxes on foreign income.

Applicants must either be employed by a foreign company or self-employed with clients primarily outside Spain, with at least 80% of income originating from non-Spanish sources. They must prove  either a higher education degree or at least three years’ work experience, and confirmation from employers or clients allowing them to work remotely from Spain.

Benefits include a reduced 24% tax rate on foreign income up to €600,000 for the first four years and exemption from certain additional taxes, freedom to travel within the Schengen area, and the ability to bring family members under the same conditions.

Additional requirements include a minimum annual income of €31,752 for a single applicant (more is required if bringing dependents), no criminal record for the last five years, and comprehensive private health insurance.

4. Student Visa

Applicable to various types of study, including universities, exchange programmes and language courses, applicants must provide an official acceptance letter from a recognised Spanish educational institution.

They must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources, of approximately  €600-700 per month or the equivalent to cover the entire duration of their stay, as well as comprehensive health insurance, no criminal record for the last five years (for stays longer than six months), and medical certification.

The Student Visa can be renewed if you continue your education and students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays.

Apply for the right kind of visa for you

In all the above cases, Heniam will provide an initial consultation to assess your eligibility, help you to gather and prepare the necessary documentation, submit the application on your behalf, monitor its progress and address any additional requirements that may arise, and even assist you after its approval, such as by registering family members with local authorities.

This meticulous service will ensure that your application meets all the necessary legal standards, thus increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

They can also advise you about other types of visa, including the Self-Employed Visa and the new Job Seeker’s Visa, which is due to become available in 2025.

In addition to immigration assistance, Heniam offers a wide array of legal services to ensure all aspects of your relocation are covered, including conveyancing services for property transactions, making last wills and testaments for expats in Spain, review and drafting of employment and business contracts, community administration and lots more besides.

Reach out to Heniam for a personalised consultation and discover how they can assist you in making Spain your new professional home: