Spain Residence Permit – 2025 Guide

A Spain Residence Permit (Permiso de Residencia) is required for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to live, work, study, or retire in Spain for more than 90 days. It grants legal residency and access to healthcare, banking, and public services.

This guide explains types of permits, application steps, documentation, and renewal options.

Types of Residence Permits in Spain

Permit Type	Description	Validity
Temporary Residence	Stay over 90 days, under 5 years (non-working or working)	1–2 years
Work Permit (Residencia y Trabajo)	Live and work as an employee or self-employed	1–2 years
Student Permit	Study at a recognized institution	Valid for course duration
Non-Lucrative Visa	Reside without working (retirees or remote income)	1 year, renewable
EU Family Member Card	For non-EU family members of EU citizens	5 years
Long-Term Residence	After 5 years of legal stay	5 years (renewable)
Golden Visa	For investors in Spanish real estate/business	Initially 1 year, renewable

Who Needs a Spanish Residence Permit?

You need a residence permit if you are:

A non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen planning to stay in Spain more than 90 days
An expat worker, student, digital nomad, or retiree
Planning to bring family under family reunification

Step-by-Step Application Process

Apply for a visa from your home country (at Spanish consulate)
Enter Spain legally
Within 30 days of arrival, apply for the TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at a local immigration office or police station

Required Documents (General)

Visa or initial residence authorization
Passport + copies
NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
Proof of address (empadronamiento)
Medical insurance (private or public)
Proof of financial means
Criminal background check (translated and apostilled)
Passport-size photos
Payment of government fees

Some requirements vary depending on the permit type.

Where to Apply in Spain

Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería)
National Police Station with immigration services
You can book appointments online via the Cita Previa system

TIE Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

Physical residence card with biometric chip
Includes your NIE number, photo, fingerprint, type of permit, and validity
Must be renewed before expiration
Required for many services (banking, renting, healthcare)

Renewal and Long-Term Residency

Renew temporary permits 60 days before or 90 days after expiry
After 5 years of legal stay, apply for long-term (permanent) residence permit
Long-term permit allows you to work and live in Spain indefinitely
Requires:
- Proof of legal continuous residence
- Clean criminal record
- Sufficient financial means
- TIE renewal application

Spain Digital Nomad Visa (2025)

New residence option for remote workers and freelancers
Requirements:
- Non-EU nationality
- Income from foreign sources
- Proof of remote contract or self-employment
- Monthly income: ~2,400–2,700 EUR
Valid for 1 year, renewable up to 5 years

Spain Golden Visa (Residencia por Inversión)

For investors who:
- Buy property worth €500,000+
- Invest in Spanish businesses or public debt
No minimum stay required to maintain residency
Pathway to permanent residence and citizenship