Spain Visa Requirements

Here is an overview of the process for immigration to Spain and about Spain visa requirements for those expats planning a move to this southern European country.

All foreigners living in Spain for more than three months (six months for EU citizens) must apply for a residence permit within fifteen days of arriving in Spain. These are granted for an indefinite stay or for a specific duration for those working or studying for a limited period.

To apply for a residence permit in Spain you must be able to prove that you have a means of supporting yourself and your family, as well as official documentation such as your passport, marriage certificates and medical certificates. The Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country will provide you with advice based on your personal situation and residence permit and document requirements.

Note that you must apply personally to a local foreigners office (located within a police station). Once your application is approved you will be provided with temporary proof of this until your permit is ready for collection at the local police station. Your Spanish residence permit should be carried with you at all times.

To work in Spain EU nationals do not need a work visa. However, non-EU nationals do need a work visa in Spain to be able to work. The bad news for expats in Spain is that the Spanish unemployment rate is high (as of 2011) and the work visa process is lengthy (can take up to six months for approval), bureaucratic and costly.

You must find a job before you can apply for a work visa in Spain, and unless you speak Spanish or plan to live in an expat-populated area this may already be a hurdle.

There are different types of main Spanish work visas issued to Non-EU origin expats:

• Student visas,
• Visas for the self-employed (issued firstly for a specific activity in a restricted geographical area)
• Visas for retirees,
• Visas for job seekers,
• Visas for those with a specific job secured (issued for a geographical area and particular role),
• Visas for short-term, limited jobs or for short-term consultancy roles

Once you have a job offer in your hand, your future employer, who must be able to prove that they have been unsuccessful in filling the position with a Spaniard or EU citizen, will continue the work visa process at the Spanish Ministry of Labour.

The Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country can provide you with details of the documentation you will need for your individual situation and it is generally advised to engage the help of a local legal advisor.

You may be eligible for Spanish citizenship after at least ten years of living in the country.

Note that dual citizenship is not recognised by the Spanish authorities.