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Requires proof of passive income of at least EUR 2,400/month (EUR 600/month per additional family member). No work allowed, but popular with retirees and those with investment income.
Requires minimum monthly income of EUR 2,646 (200% of minimum wage). Income must come from clients or employers outside Spain; Spanish income capped at 20% of total earnings.
Requires real estate investment of at least EUR 500,000 (unencumbered). Note: Spain announced plans to end the real estate route; check current status before applying.
For non-EU nationals with a university degree and a job offer paying at least 1.5x the average Spanish gross salary (~EUR 44,000/year). After 18 months, holder may transfer to another EU state.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work freely. Register with local authorities within 3 months of arrival.
Spain offers several long-term visa options for expats, including the Non-Lucrative Visa for those with passive income, the Digital Nomad Visa (introduced 2023), and EU residency pathways. The process is manageable but bureaucratic -- expect paperwork, apostilles, and visits to the consulate in your home country. EU/EEA citizens enjoy freedom of movement and simply register with local authorities.
Non-EU nationals need an employer-sponsored work permit, typically tied to a specific job offer and employer. The company must prove the role cannot be filled by an EU citizen. Highly qualified workers can apply under the EU Blue Card scheme, which offers a faster and more flexible pathway.
Spouses and dependent children under 21 can join the primary visa holder under a family reunification visa. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income and suitable housing; the process usually takes 3-6 months.
Spain taxes residents on worldwide income, with rates ranging from 19% to 47% depending on income level. The Beckham Law (Regime Especial) allows qualifying new residents to pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish-source income only for up to 6 years. VAT is 21%.
Spain has an excellent public healthcare system (SNS) accessible to residents with a NIE number and social security registration. Expats who are not yet registered or want faster access to specialists typically purchase private health insurance, which is affordable at EUR 50-150/month.
Opening a bank account as a foreigner is straightforward with a NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero). Major banks include Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, and Sabadell. Online banks like N26 and Revolut also operate in Spain.
Spain's Golden Visa program requires a minimum investment of EUR 500,000 in real estate (or EUR 1M in business/shares). It grants residency for 2 years (renewable) with no minimum stay requirement. The program is popular with non-EU investors and can lead to permanent residency after 5 years.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain Golden Visa | $550k+ | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |