Spain · long-stay visa routes and official sources
3 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Spain: Medium (42/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: International telework residence.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Spain?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: International telework residence. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (42/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Spain without a local job offer?
Yes — 2 of the 3 tracked routes do not require a local employer: International telework residence; Student stay. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
International teleworking visa / residence authorization for digital nomads
For qualifying remote work for overseas businesses. Apply for a visa through the responsible consulate from abroad, or an eligible residence authorisation through UGE while legally in Spain; lawful presence alone is not enough.
Typical timeline / duration: Consular visa up to one year (shorter if applicable); eligible in-country residence authorisation up to three years.
Relevant recognised degree/vocational or business-school qualification, or at least three years of comparable professional experience; regulated professions need the required recognition.
Prove the overseas company's establishment at least one year earlier and a work/professional relationship of at least three months, with permission/terms for remote work.
Funds formula: 200% of SMI for the main applicant, plus 75% for the first accompanying family member and 25% for each further member. Royal Decree 126/2026 sets €1,221 per month and €17,094 annually, applicable from 1 January 2026. Our annualised planning calculation is 200% × €17,094 ÷ 12 = €2,849/month; confirm the filing authority's calculation and evidence requirements.
Passport, criminal-record and health-cover documents plus the applicable Spanish social-security registration or permitted coverage certificate; overseas employment does not itself exempt registration.
For Spanish, master’s, or study-first-then-work planning.
Typical timeline / duration: 2-5 months
Admission to an authorised Spanish education centre for a full-time programme leading to a recognised degree or certificate.
Show 100% of the monthly IPREM for the student (€600 per month in 2026), plus 75% (€450) for the first accompanying relative and 50% (€300) for each additional relative. Tuition payments do not count toward this amount.
Health insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, plus a valid passport and proof of enrolment/fees.
For stays over six months, criminal-record evidence and any required medical documentation; foreign documents need legalisation/apostille and sworn Spanish translation.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.