If you’re considering purchasing property in Spain and plan to spend more than 90 out of every 180 days there, you’ll need to secure a Spanish long-stay visa. After residing legally in Spain for five years, you may apply for permanent residency, granting you the right to live in Spain indefinitely.
Various visas are available, tailored to different circumstances and lifestyle choices. While some allow for employment, others may not. Below, we outline key long-stay visa options available for those interested in buying property in Spain.
1. Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa allows non-Spanish citizens to live in Spain without working or participating in any professional activities. This visa is ideal for retirees or individuals with financial means who wish to live in Spain but do not need to earn income from local employment.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sufficient economic resources to support themselves for at least one year (*see financial requirements below). Additionally, applicants must provide proof of either public or private health insurance from an authorized provider in Spain.
The application process for this visa should begin in your home country before entering Spain. Upon arrival in Spain, you have 30 days to register for the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), a foreign identity card, at the Immigration Office or Police Station. Once this visa is granted, it can be renewed for additional years.
Suitable candidates for a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa include:
- Individuals planning to retire in Spain
- Remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies
- People who travel frequently for work outside Spain
- Those with sufficient personal funds to live in Spain without a local job
- Anyone who plans to spend more than 90 days within any 180 days in Spain without working
2. Investor and Entrepreneur Visa (Golden Visa)
Also known as the “Golden Visa,” this option grants both residence and work privileges in Spain. It’s especially appealing to property investors, as it allows the inclusion of family members, including spouses, dependent children under 18, and even financially dependent parents.
To qualify, applicants must invest in Spanish real estate valued at a minimum of €500,000 without financing. This investment threshold can be met by purchasing one property or multiple properties that collectively meet the required amount. Properties must have been acquired after 2014, and the applicant must retain full ownership.
Additional requirements include demonstrating sufficient economic resources to support themselves and their family (*see financial requirements below) and obtaining comprehensive health insurance valid in Spain for at least one year.
Golden Visa holders only need to visit Spain once per year. After five years of residency, they are eligible for permanent residency if they reside in Spain during that period.
3. Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa (Visado de Residencia para Trabajar a Distancia), recently introduced by the Spanish government, accommodates the growing number of remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs. This visa enables digital nomads to live and work in Spain for up to five years, and family members may accompany the primary applicant.
A unique benefit of this visa is its tax incentives. Digital nomads under this visa are subject to a flat tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000, a significant reduction compared to the standard tax rates for Spanish residents.
To be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must:
- Reside outside the European Economic Area (EEA), including British nationals
- Primarily work for non-Spanish companies, with no more than 20% of income from Spanish sources
- Show a remote work history of at least one year
- Have held their current role for at least three months, with their employer established for over a year
- Have a permanent address in Spain
- Meet a minimum monthly income requirement, equivalent to 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (currently €2,520 per month or €30,240 annually in 2023)
4. Highly Qualified Professional Visa
This visa, ideal for skilled professionals, grants work authorization in Spain for individuals with specialized expertise, particularly in managerial roles or highly qualified positions. Candidates typically need a Master’s or PhD, along with a valid job offer from a reputable Spanish company or institution.
Eligibility is further influenced by the job position and offered salary, with managers requiring a minimum income of €54,142 and intellectual professionals, such as scientists, needing at least €40,077.
The visa also extends residency rights to spouses and children, who will need to submit individual applications.
In summary, if you’re considering a move to Spain, various visa options align with specific needs and lifestyles. Whether planning to retire, invest, work remotely, or join a Spanish company, there are pathways available that grant both short and long-term residency privileges, with the potential to secure permanent residency after five years.