1. How long does the visa process take for non-EU citizens moving to Spain?
From preparation to your residence card (TIE), the process usually takes 3–4 months:
- 4–6 weeks to gather and legalize documents in your country.
- 6–10 weeks for consulate review and approval.
- 30–45 days in Spain for fingerprints, registration, and TIE issuance.
We coordinate both timelines — immigration and housing — to avoid delays and expired documents.
2. What are the main visas available for non-EU citizens?
The most common options in 2025 are:
- Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): For retirees or individuals with passive income from abroad such as pensions, investments, or savings. It allows residence in Spain but strictly prohibits any form of employment or self-employment, even if the activity is online or performed for foreign clients.
- Digital Nomad Visa (DNV): For remote employees and freelancers who work for non-Spanish companies or international clients. It does not apply to entrepreneurs managing their own business in Spain or to individuals employed by a Spanish company. When processed from within Spain, it can grant residence for up to three years from the start.
- Work Visa: For professionals who have a formal employment offer from a Spanish company or institution. The employer must sponsor the application and justify the hire before Spanish authorities. This visa allows full employment rights in Spain while maintaining residence status.
- Entrepreneur Visa (Visado de Emprendedores): For non-EU citizens planning to create or manage an innovative business project in Spain. The business plan must be approved by ENISA or another authorized government body, and the applicant must demonstrate both financial solvency and active management of the company. It’s ideal for founders, startup creators, and company directors.
- Family Reunification Visa: For spouses, children, or dependent parents joining a relative who already holds legal residence in Spain. The sponsoring resident must show sufficient income and suitable accommodation for the family.
Each has different requirements, but the preparation process follows similar steps.
3. What documents do I need to prepare before applying?
Required documents generally include:
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of income or savings
- Private health insurance (no copayments)
- Police background check (FBI or national, apostilled)
- Medical certificate (stating you are free from contagious diseases)
- Lease contract or property deed in Spain
We provide a personalized checklist and help coordinate translations and apostilles.
4. Where do I apply for my Spanish visa?
You must apply at the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence.
Applications cannot be submitted inside Spain unless your visa type (e.g., Digital Nomad) explicitly allows local submission. We work closely with partner law firms to manage all consular submissions legally.
5. What is the sequence of steps once I decide to move?
- Pre-move planning: choose your visa, collect required documents, and begin your housing search. Ideally, your property should be secured before submitting your visa application, since a signed lease contract or property deed is mandatory for most non-EU visas. We help you shortlist, verify, and finalize your housing while your lawyer prepares the visa file.
- Legalization: translate and apostille official documents in your home country.
- Visa application: submit your full file — including proof of accommodation — at your Spanish Consulate.
- Visa approval: receive your passport with the visa sticker (valid for 90 days).
- Arrival in Spain: register your local address (empadronamiento) within 30 days.
- Fingerprint appointment: apply for your TIE residence card.
- TIE collection: 3–6 weeks later, collect your official ID card.
We coordinate the entire process so your visa and housing progress in sync, ensuring the property documentation fully supports your immigration file.
6. What is the TIE and why do I need it?
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your physical residence card in Spain. It confirms your legal status, NIE number, and visa validity. You must request it within 30 days of arrival. Without it, you cannot open a local bank account, enroll in healthcare, or register utilities.
7. What are the most common mistakes non-EU citizens make during the process?
- Submitting documents without apostille or certified translation.
- Signing rental contracts not accepted by immigration offices.
- Missing the 30-day TIE deadline after arrival.
- Assuming they can apply once in Spain (not valid for most visas).
We prevent these mistakes by checking every document and coordinating with your assigned lawyer.
8. How far in advance should I start preparing my documents?
Start at least 3 months before your target move date. Some documents (like FBI checks or apostilles) can take several weeks. Early preparation ensures you don’t miss consulate appointment slots, which fill quickly.
9. Do I need to legalize and translate all documents?
Yes. All foreign documents used in Spain must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado). We work with certified translators and handle delivery directly to your lawyer or consulate.
10. Is it necessary to have housing before visa approval?
For most visas — including the Non-Lucrative Visa — yes, you must provide proof of accommodation such as a 12-month rental contract or property deed.
For the Digital Nomad Visa, requirements vary:
- When applying from your home country, you’ll need at least temporary housing proof (hotel, short-term rental, or invitation letter).
- When applying inside Spain, a registered local address is enough to begin; long-term housing will later be required for your TIE card and city registration (empadronamiento).
We coordinate both short- and long-term housing options to ensure your documents meet immigration standards for your specific visa type.
11. How long is the residence granted for the first time?
It depends on the visa:
- Non-Lucrative Visa: 1 year, renewable for 2 years.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Up to 3 years if filed inside Spain.
- Work Visa: Typically 1 year, renewable while employed.
- Entrepreneur Visa: Usually 3 years initially, renewable for 2-year periods if the business remains active and compliant.
We track all renewals and ensure legal continuity of your residency.
12. Can I move to Spain while waiting for visa approval?
In most cases, no. You must wait for your visa sticker before entering Spain to activate your residence legally. Arriving as a tourist and attempting to switch status is not permitted for most non-EU visas, such as the Non-Lucrative Visa or Work Visa.
However, the Digital Nomad Visa is an exception. If you enter Spain as a tourist, you may apply directly from within Spain during your legal 90-day stay. This route grants residence for up to three years once approved.
We guide you on whether to apply from your home country or inside Spain, depending on your eligibility, timing, and relocation plan.
13. How can I prove my financial means for the visa?
Through recent bank statements, pension letters, or investment income showing stable monthly income or sufficient savings. For retirees, fixed deposits and pension income are accepted. We prepare your financial documentation to align with consulate expectations.
14. What happens if my visa is denied?
If refused, the lawyer can appeal the decision within 30 days or re-submit once the issue is corrected. Common reasons for refusal include insufficient funds, unclear documents, or missing insurance details. We and our legal partners review every file to minimize risk before submission.
15. How long do I have to enter Spain after visa approval?
You must travel within 90 days of receiving your visa. Once you arrive, you must apply for your TIE within 30 days. We help book your fingerprint appointment (cita de huellas) and guide you through registration.
16. What is empadronamiento and why is it required?
Empadronamiento is the official registration of your address with your local town hall. It’s mandatory to apply for the TIE, access healthcare, enroll children in school, or open utilities. We assist you with the appointment, forms, and proof of address documentation.
17. How does private health insurance factor into the process?
Private health insurance is mandatory for most visas. It must:
- Cover 100% of healthcare in Spain.
- Include no copayments or waiting periods.
- Be valid for at least 12 months.
We recommend insurers recognized by Spanish consulates to ensure your visa approval.
18. Can I include my family in the same visa process?
Yes. Spouses, children, and dependent parents can be included in the same application or join later under Family Reunification. You’ll need to show additional income for each dependent. We coordinate documentation for every family member.
19. What happens after I get my TIE?
Once you receive your residence card, you can:
- Open a Spanish bank account.
- Register for healthcare or social security.
- Enroll your children in school.
- Travel freely within the Schengen area (90 days every 180 days).
We guide you through these practical steps during your first month in Spain.
20. How can we make this process easier for you?
We coordinate every stage of your move:
- Partner immigration lawyers prepare and file your visa legally.
- We secure your housing and required documentation for visa approval.
- Our team schedules TIE, empadronamiento, and fingerprint appointments.
- We ensure every document is compliant and timelines align perfectly.
With our integrated guidance, you move to Spain safely, confidently, and without bureaucratic stress.