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Spain visa checklists
Plain-English checklists for the main Spanish visas — what to gather, what to do on arrival, and the deadlines that catch people out. Read them here or download the PDF.
Guidance only — not legal advice. Figures are 2026 and adjust each January with the IPREM/SMI; consular practice varies. Always confirm with your consulate or an immigration lawyer. Visa fees: UK nationals pay a higher "reciprocity" rate than the ~€80 many nationalities pay (e.g. £516 for the Non-Lucrative Visa) — the figures shown are the Spanish Consulate in London's published rates and can change. The Golden Visa (residency by investment) was discontinued on 3 April 2025.
Non-Lucrative Visa
Live in Spain on your own income or savings, without working. Popular with retirees and the financially independent.
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Non-Lucrative Visa
Live in Spain on your own income or savings, without working. Popular with retirees and the financially independent.
| Key figures at a glance (2026) | |
|---|---|
| Income threshold (single) | €2,400 / month (≈ €28,800/yr) — 400% of IPREM |
| + each dependent | €600 / month (100% of IPREM) |
| Savings alternative | An equivalent lump sum can substitute for monthly income |
| Consular visa fee | £516 for UK nationals (reciprocity rate) + ~£10 service charge — ≈ €80 for many other nationalities |
| TIE residence-card fee | ≈ €16 |
1. Documents to submit to the consulate
- Valid passport — issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 1 year, with two blank pages
- National (type D) visa application form — dated and signed — one per applicant
- Recent passport-size photo — colour, white background
- Proof of sufficient income or savings — €2,400/month minimum from pensions, rental income, dividends, savings or investments; bank statements are now usually expected stamped by your bank
- Proof of funds for each dependent — an extra €600/month (100% of IPREM) each
- Private health insurance — full coverage in Spain with no co-payments, deductibles or waiting periods, from an insurer authorised in Spain
- Criminal-record certificate (UK: ACRO) — covering the last 5 years — apostilled and sworn-translated, issued within 90 days
- Signed declaration of no criminal record — for the last 5 years in any country lived in for 6+ months
- Medical certificate — confirming you are free of diseases with public-health implications (International Health Regulations 2005), recent and sworn-translated
- Proof of visa-fee payment — the applicable consular fee for your nationality — see Key figures above
- Dependants' documents (if applying together) — marriage and birth certificates, apostilled and translated
2. After the visa is issued — next steps
- Enter Spain within the visa validity — the NLV entry visa is typically valid 90 days; your initial residence is 1 year
- Apply for your TIE (residence card) — at the Oficina de Extranjería / police within 30 days of arrival — this also assigns your NIE
- Empadronamiento (padrón) — at your local town hall — the gateway to healthcare and local services
- Open a Spanish bank account — most banks accept passport plus padrón certificate
- Keep private health insurance active — full cover is required for the whole time you hold the NLV
- Exchange your UK driving licence — for a Spanish one within 6 months of becoming resident
- Remember the NLV does not permit working in Spain — remote work for foreign clients is a grey area — take advice before relying on it
- Plan your renewal — the first card is ~1 year, then 2-year cards; mind the 183-day tax-residency line
Legalisation note: Foreign public documents need the Hague Apostille, and anything not in Spanish needs an official sworn (jurada) Spanish translation. Build in time — apostille and translation turnaround is the usual bottleneck.
| Deadlines that catch people out | |
|---|---|
| Criminal-record certificate | Must be less than 90 days old at submission |
| Medical certificate | Recent — usually less than 90 days |
| TIE residence card | Within 30 days of arrival in Spain |
| Padrón (empadronamiento) | Within the first days of arrival |
| UK driving-licence exchange | Within 6 months of becoming resident |
| NLV renewal | Before your card expires (first card ≈ 1 year) |
Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers and freelancers earning from companies outside Spain.
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Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers and freelancers earning from companies outside Spain.
| Key figures at a glance (2026) | |
|---|---|
| Income threshold (single) | €2,849 / month (≈ €34,200/yr) — 200% of SMI |
| + first dependent | ≈ €1,068 / month (75% of SMI) |
| + each further dependent | ≈ €356 / month (25% of SMI) |
| Spanish-source income cap | Max 20% of total income (freelancers) |
| Consular visa fee | UK applicants pay a higher reciprocity rate — confirm the current figure with your consulate (≈ €80 standard for many nationalities) |
| TIE residence-card fee | ≈ €16 |
1. Documents to submit to the consulate
- Valid passport — issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 1 year, with two blank pages
- Completed national (type D) visa application form — dated and signed
- Recent passport-size photo — colour, white background
- Proof of the remote-work relationship — employment contract (employee) or client contracts (freelancer), all with non-Spanish companies
- Authorisation to work remotely from Spain — a letter from your employer or clients permitting remote work
- Proof the company has operated for at least 1 year — e.g. a UK Companies House certificate
- Proof of at least 3 months — working with your current employer or clients before applying
- Proof of qualification — a relevant degree from a recognised institution or at least 3 years' experience in the field
- Proof of sufficient income — €2,849/month minimum — payslips, contracts, bank statements (now expected stamped by your bank)
- Criminal-record certificate (UK: ACRO) — covering the last 5 years — apostilled and sworn-translated, issued within 90 days
- Signed declaration of no criminal record — for the last 5 years in any country lived in for 6+ months
- Private health insurance — full coverage in Spain with no co-payments, deductibles or waiting periods (or A1/S1 where applicable)
- Proof of Social Security coverage — an A1 / certificate of coverage, or a commitment to register with Spanish Social Security
- Proof of visa-fee payment — the applicable consular fee for your nationality — see Key figures above
- Dependants' documents (if applying together) — marriage and birth certificates, apostilled and translated
2. After the visa is issued — next steps
- Enter Spain within the validity of your visa — the consular nomad visa is issued for 1 year
- Apply for your TIE (residence card) — within 30 days of arrival — this also assigns your NIE if you don't have one
- Empadronamiento (padrón) — at your local town hall — bring passport, rental contract and residence approval
- Register with Spanish Social Security — employees via the employer mechanism; freelancers via autónomo registration or the Convenio Especial
- Register with the tax authority (AEAT) — for your ongoing tax obligations
- Beckham Law election — file Modelo 149 within 6 months of Social Security registration (employed nomad-visa holders only; autónomos excluded)
- Open a Spanish bank account — most banks accept passport plus padrón certificate
- Keep private health insurance active — until Social Security contributions open up public healthcare access
- Exchange your UK driving licence — for a Spanish one within 6 months of becoming resident
Legalisation note: Foreign public documents need the Hague Apostille, and anything not in Spanish needs an official sworn (jurada) Spanish translation. Build in time — apostille and translation turnaround is the usual bottleneck.
| Deadlines that catch people out | |
|---|---|
| Criminal-record certificate | Must be less than 90 days old at submission |
| Padrón (empadronamiento) | Within the first days of arrival |
| TIE residence card | Within 30 days of arrival in Spain |
| Beckham Law (Modelo 149) | Within 6 months of Social Security registration |
| UK driving-licence exchange | Within 6 months of becoming resident |
Student Visa
For full-time study, language courses or research lasting more than 90 days.
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Student Visa
For full-time study, language courses or research lasting more than 90 days.
| Key figures at a glance (2026) | |
|---|---|
| Financial means (student) | €600 / month (100% of IPREM) — ≈ €7,200 for a year |
| + first family member | ≈ €450 / month (75% of IPREM) |
| + each additional family member | ≈ €300 / month (50% of IPREM) |
| Consular visa fee | £174 for UK applicants (courses over 180 days); £68 for 90–180 days |
| TIE (if stay over 6 months) | ≈ €16 |
1. Documents to submit to the consulate
- Valid passport — valid for the duration of the course, with two blank pages
- National (type D) visa application form — dated and signed
- Recent passport-size photo — colour, white background
- Letter of admission / enrolment — from an accredited Spanish institution, full-time, confirming the course and dates
- Proof of financial means — €600/month for the length of your stay — bank statements, scholarship letter or a sponsor's commitment
- Proof of accommodation — in Spain for your stay
- Private health insurance — full coverage in Spain with no co-payments (or public cover if you'll be enrolled)
- Criminal-record certificate (over-18s, stays over 6 months) — apostilled and sworn-translated, issued within 90 days
- Medical certificate (stays over 6 months) — confirming no diseases with public-health implications
- Proof of visa-fee payment — the applicable consular fee for your nationality — see Key figures above
- For minors — parental authorisation and the accompanying documents
2. After the visa is issued — next steps
- Enter Spain within the visa validity — the entry visa covers your arrival window
- Apply for your student TIE (if the course is over 6 months) — within 30 days of arrival — this also assigns your NIE
- Empadronamiento (padrón) — at your local town hall
- Register at your institution — and keep proof of continued enrolment
- Keep health insurance active — throughout your stay
- Renew in good time — apply to renew before your card/visa expires for the next academic year
Legalisation note: Foreign public documents need the Hague Apostille, and anything not in Spanish needs an official sworn (jurada) Spanish translation. Build in time — apostille and translation turnaround is the usual bottleneck.
| Deadlines that catch people out | |
|---|---|
| Criminal-record certificate (if required) | Must be less than 90 days old at submission |
| TIE (stays over 6 months) | Within 30 days of arrival in Spain |
| Padrón (empadronamiento) | Within the first days of arrival |
| Renewal | From 60 days before expiry, up to 90 days after |
Work Visa — Highly Qualified Professional
For a Spanish job offer in a managerial, technical or specialist role. One of the faster routes.
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Work Visa — Highly Qualified Professional
For a Spanish job offer in a managerial, technical or specialist role. One of the faster routes.
| Key figures at a glance (2026) | |
|---|---|
| Salary — technical / specialist | from ≈ €40,077 gross / year |
| Salary — executive / managerial | from ≈ €54,142 gross / year |
| Reduced threshold (under 30 / some SMEs) | from ≈ €30,500 gross / year |
| Processing at UGE-CE | ≈ 20 business days |
| Consular visa fee (UK) | £555 for UK applicants where a consular visa applies |
| TIE residence-card fee | ≈ €16 |
1. Documents (the applicant provides)
- Valid passport — with two blank pages
- National (type D) visa application form — if applying from abroad
- Recent passport-size photo — colour, white background
- Signed employment contract — meeting the salary threshold for the role
- Proof of qualifications or experience — a relevant degree, or equivalent professional experience for the role
- Criminal-record certificate (UK: ACRO) — apostilled and sworn-translated, issued within 90 days
- Signed declaration of no criminal record — for the last 5 years
- Private health insurance — or proof you will be registered with Spanish Social Security
- Proof of visa-fee payment — ≈ €80 where the consular visa applies
2. The employer provides
- Company registration and proof of activity — showing the business is genuine and trading
- The favourable HQP authorisation — obtained from the UGE-CE before the visa is issued
- Justification of the role and salary — meeting the highly-qualified criteria
3. After the visa is issued — next steps
- Enter Spain within the visa validity — if you applied via the consular route
- Apply for your TIE (residence card) — within 30 days of arrival — this also assigns your NIE
- Employer registers you with Social Security — from your first working day
- Empadronamiento (padrón) — at your local town hall
- Beckham Law election — file Modelo 149 within 6 months of Social Security registration — a significant tax saving for new arrivals
- Open a Spanish bank account — most banks accept passport plus padrón certificate
- Exchange your UK driving licence — within 6 months of becoming resident
Legalisation note: Foreign public documents need the Hague Apostille, and anything not in Spanish needs an official sworn (jurada) Spanish translation. Build in time — apostille and translation turnaround is the usual bottleneck.
| Deadlines that catch people out | |
|---|---|
| Criminal-record certificate | Must be less than 90 days old at submission |
| TIE residence card | Within 30 days of arrival in Spain |
| Beckham Law (Modelo 149) | Within 6 months of Social Security registration |
| UK driving-licence exchange | Within 6 months of becoming resident |
Self-Employed (Autónomo) Visa
For running your own business or working freelance in Spain (cuenta propia).
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Self-Employed (Autónomo) Visa
For running your own business or working freelance in Spain (cuenta propia).
| Key figures at a glance (2026) | |
|---|---|
| Living funds | at least 100% of IPREM (≈ €600/month) to support yourself |
| Investment funds | enough to set up and sustain the business, per your plan |
| Business plan | required — viability often assessed by a recognised professional association |
| Social Security (RETA) | monthly autónomo contributions once trading |
| Consular visa fee | ≈ £409 for UK applicants (work-visa reciprocity rate); innovative Entrepreneur visa £966 — confirm which applies |
| TIE residence-card fee | ≈ €16 |
1. Documents to submit to the consulate
- Valid passport — with two blank pages
- National (type D) visa application form — dated and signed
- Recent passport-size photo — colour, white background
- Business plan — describing the activity, investment, viability and any jobs created — often needs a favourable report from a recognised professional association
- Proof of qualifications and any professional licences — required for the activity
- Proof of sufficient funds — to invest in and sustain the business and support yourself
- List of authorisations/licences the activity requires — and evidence you can obtain them
- Criminal-record certificate (UK: ACRO) — apostilled and sworn-translated, issued within 90 days
- Signed declaration of no criminal record — for the last 5 years
- Private health insurance — or a commitment to register with Spanish Social Security
- Proof of visa-fee payment — the applicable consular fee for your nationality — see Key figures above
2. After the visa is issued — next steps
- Enter Spain within the visa validity — the entry visa covers your arrival window
- Apply for your TIE (residence card) — within 30 days of arrival — this also assigns your NIE
- Register as autónomo — with the tax office (Modelo 036/037) and Social Security (RETA)
- Empadronamiento (padrón) — at your local town hall
- Open a (business) bank account — to keep business and personal money separate
- Set up your tax filings — quarterly IVA and IRPF, and keep proper invoices
- Ask about the autónomo 'tarifa plana' — a reduced Social Security rate often available in your first year
- Exchange your UK driving licence — within 6 months of becoming resident
Legalisation note: Foreign public documents need the Hague Apostille, and anything not in Spanish needs an official sworn (jurada) Spanish translation. Build in time — apostille and translation turnaround is the usual bottleneck.
| Deadlines that catch people out | |
|---|---|
| Criminal-record certificate | Must be less than 90 days old at submission |
| TIE residence card | Within 30 days of arrival in Spain |
| Social Security (RETA) registration | Before you start trading |
| UK driving-licence exchange | Within 6 months of becoming resident |
Family Reunification Visa
Bring your spouse/partner, children or dependent relatives to join you in Spain.
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Family Reunification Visa
Bring your spouse/partner, children or dependent relatives to join you in Spain.
| Key figures at a glance (2026) | |
|---|---|
| Sponsor income — 1 family member | ≈ €900 / month (150% of IPREM) |
| + each additional family member | ≈ €300 / month (50% of IPREM) |
| Sponsor's prior residence | usually 1 year legally resident, with renewal applied for |
| Consular visa fee | £516 for UK applicants (reciprocity rate) |
| TIE residence-card fee | ≈ €16 |
1. The sponsor (in Spain) gathers
- Proof of legal residence — your TIE and at least 1 year residing, with your renewal in hand
- Proof of sufficient income — 150% of IPREM for the first family member, plus 50% for each additional — contracts, payslips, tax return
- Proof of adequate housing — a housing report (informe de vivienda / adecuación) from the town hall or authority
- Proof of the family relationship — marriage/birth certificates, apostilled and sworn-translated
- Health cover for the family — arranged in Spain
2. The family member submits to the consulate
- Valid passport — with two blank pages
- National (type D) visa application form — dated and signed
- Recent passport-size photo — colour, white background
- The approved family-reunification authorisation — issued after the sponsor's application succeeds
- Relationship certificates — apostilled and sworn-translated
- Criminal-record certificate (over-18s) — apostilled and sworn-translated, issued within 90 days
- Medical certificate — confirming no diseases with public-health implications
- Proof of visa-fee payment — the applicable consular fee for your nationality — see Key figures above
3. After arrival — next steps
- Enter Spain within the visa validity — the entry visa covers the arrival window
- Apply for the TIE (residence card) — within 30 days of arrival — this also assigns the NIE
- Empadronamiento (padrón) — at your local town hall
- Register for healthcare — once the padrón and residence are in place
- Work rights — spouses/partners reunited this way can generally work in Spain
Legalisation note: Foreign public documents need the Hague Apostille, and anything not in Spanish needs an official sworn (jurada) Spanish translation. Build in time — apostille and translation turnaround is the usual bottleneck.
| Deadlines that catch people out | |
|---|---|
| Criminal-record certificate | Must be less than 90 days old at submission |
| TIE residence card | Within 30 days of arrival in Spain |
| Padrón (empadronamiento) | Within the first days of arrival |
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💬 WhatsApp me Book a free callThese checklists are general guidance, not legal advice. Rules, fees and thresholds change and consular practice varies. Expat Paperwork helps you understand and prepare, and connects you with a licensed gestor or immigration lawyer where one is needed.