# Spain — Residency & Citizenship Conditions

> Source: https://residencyradar.org/conditions/spain.html | Last checked: 2026-10-12 | Last updated: 2026-09-13

## Quick answer

- Passive income / no work: Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): Passive income ≥ 400% IPREM (~€2,400/mo); no work (1 yr → 2 yr) [source: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/]
- Remote workers: Digital Nomad Visa (DNV): Remote work income ≥ 200% SMI (€2,849/mo in 2026) (1–3 yr) [source: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/]
- Investment: Golden Visa (CLOSED): Closed 3 Apr 2025; existing holders retain permits [source: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/]
- Skilled workers: EU Blue Card: Job offer + degree; salary threshold (Up to 4 yr) [source: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/]
- Founders: Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013): Innovative business project; favorable report (3 yr) [source: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/]
- Citizenship by naturalisation: 10 years of legal residence

## Overview
Spain is a large EU/Schengen economy with a strong passport. It offers several residence routes: the Non-Lucrative Visa (passive income), Digital Nomad Visa (remote work), and work permits. The former Golden Visa (investor residence) was permanently closed on 3 April 2025. Citizenship requires 10 years of continuous legal residence (2 years for Ibero-American nationals). ^[https://goldenharbors.com/articles/spain-non-lucrative-visa]

## Residency Programs

| Type | Official Program | Key Conditions | Duration | Detail |
|------|-----------------|----------------|----------|--------|
| investment_residency | Golden Visa (CLOSED) | Closed 3 Apr 2025; existing holders retain permits | — | [[#investment-residency]] |
| passive_income_residency | Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) | Passive income ≥ 400% IPREM (~€2,400/mo); no work | 1 yr → 2 yr | [[#passive-income-residency]] |
| digital_nomad_visa | Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) | Remote work income ≥ 200% SMI (€2,849/mo in 2026) | 1–3 yr | [[#digital-nomad-visa]] |
| highly_skilled_employment | EU Blue Card | Job offer + degree; salary threshold | Up to 4 yr | [[#highly-skilled-employment]] |
| startup_entrepreneur | Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013) | Innovative business project; favorable report | 3 yr | [[#startup-entrepreneur]] |
| employment_residency | Cuenta Ajena (Work Permit) | Job offer; labor market test | 1 yr | [[#employment-residency]] |
| student_residency | Estancia por Estudios | Enrollment in Spanish institution | Course duration | [[#student-residency]] |
| family_reunification | Reagrupación Familiar | Sponsor with valid permit ≥ 1 yr; income ≥ 150% IPREM | 1–5 yr | [[#family-reunification]] |
| retired_residency | NLV (retirement route) | Pension ≥ ~€2,400/mo; same as passive income | 1 yr → 2 yr | [[#retired-residency]] |
| citizenship_by_investment | Not available | — | — | — |

## Per-Program Detail

### investment_residency
- **Official name**: Golden Visa — Visado de Residencia para Inversores (CLOSED)
- **Conditions**: Closed for new applications since 3 April 2025. Existing permit holders retain rights and can renew. ^[https://goldenharbors.com/articles/spain-non-lucrative-visa]
- **Duration / renewal**: N/A for new applicants.
- **Path to citizenship**: Existing holders: 10 years residence (2 Ibero-American).
- **Official source**: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
- **Community verdict**: Not applicable (closed).

### passive_income_residency
- **Official name**: Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa (NLV)
- **Conditions**: Passive income ≥ 400% IPREM. IPREM 2026: €600/mo → threshold ≈ €2,400/mo (€28,800/yr). +100% IPREM (≈€600/mo) per dependent. Private health insurance. Clean criminal record. NO work of ANY kind, including remote work for foreign employers. ^[https://www.immigrationspain.es/en/financial-requirements-non-lucrative-visa]
- **Duration / renewal**: 1 year initial; renewals of 2 years. Permanent residence after 5 years.
- **Path to citizenship**: 10 years (2 Ibero-American); DELE A2 + CCSE exams.
- **Official source**: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
- **Community verdict**: Works well (clear requirements; main pitfall is remote work = rejection).

### digital_nomad_visa
- **Official name**: Visado para Teletrabajadores Internacionales (DNV, Ley 28/2022)
- **Conditions**: Remote work income ≥ 200% SMI. SMI 2026: €1,424.50/mo → threshold €2,849/mo gross. +75% SMI for first dependent (€1,068), +25% SMI for each additional (€356). Foreign employer/clients; max 20% income from Spanish companies. ^[https://www.expatfy.es/en/blog/spain-digital-nomad-visa-income-requirements]
- **Duration / renewal**: 1 year (consular) or 3 years (in-country UGE); renewable up to 5 years. Permanent residence after 5 years.
- **Path to citizenship**: 10 years (2 Ibero-American); DELE A2 + CCSE.
- **Official source**: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/ (Ley 28/2022, Startup Law)
- **Community verdict**: Works well (fast in-country processing: 20 working days; Beckham Law access is major draw).

### highly_skilled_employment
- **Official name**: Tarjeta Azul UE (EU Blue Card) / Profesionales Altamente Cualificados
- **Conditions**: University degree + job offer; salary ≥ 1.5× average gross annual salary (or 1.2× for shortage occupations).
- **Duration / renewal**: Up to 4 years; permanent residence after 5 years.
- **Path to citizenship**: 10 years (2 Ibero-American).
- **Official source**: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
- **Community verdict**: Works well.

### startup_entrepreneur
- **Official name**: Visado de Emprendedores (Ley 14/2013)
- **Conditions**: Innovative business project with favorable report from ENISA/CDTI; sufficient financial means; health insurance.
- **Duration / renewal**: 3 years, renewable.
- **Path to citizenship**: 10 years (2 Ibero-American).
- **Official source**: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
- **Community verdict**: Mixed (subjective "innovative" assessment; favorable report can be slow).

### employment_residency
- **Official name**: Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena
- **Conditions**: Job offer from Spanish employer; labor market test (employer proves no suitable EU candidate); occupation in shortage list eases process.
- **Duration / renewal**: 1 year, renewable.
- **Path to citizenship**: 10 years (2 Ibero-American).
- **Official source**: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
- **Community verdict**: Mixed (labor market test is hurdle; easier for shortage occupations).

### student_residency
- **Official name**: Estancia por Estudios / Autorización de Estancia
- **Conditions**: Enrollment in recognized Spanish institution; proof of financial means (100% IPREM/mo); health insurance.
- **Duration / renewal**: Course duration, renewable.
- **Path to citizenship**: Student time counts 50% toward 10-year clock (via arraigo social conversion).
- **Official source**: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
- **Community verdict**: Works well.

### family_reunification
- **Official name**: Reagrupación Familiar
- **Conditions**: Sponsor with valid permit ≥ 1 year + renewed; income ≥ 150% IPREM (€900/mo) + 50% IPREM per additional family member.
- **Duration / renewal**: Aligned with sponsor (up to 5 years).
- **Path to citizenship**: 10 years (2 Ibero-American).
- **Official source**: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
- **Community verdict**: Works well (but consular processing delays common).

### retired_residency
- **Official name**: NLV (retirement route) — same program as passive_income_residency
- **Conditions**: Pension/retirement income ≥ ~€2,400/mo; passive income only; no work permitted.
- **Duration / renewal**: 1 year → 2-year renewals.
- **Path to citizenship**: 10 years (2 Ibero-American).
- **Official source**: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
- **Community verdict**: Works well (popular among retirees on Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca).

### citizenship_by_investment
Not available. Spain does not offer direct citizenship by investment.

## Citizenship
- **Residence requirement**: 10 years continuous legal residence (standard); 2 years for Ibero-American, Andorran, Filipino, Equatorial Guinean, Portuguese, Sephardic origin; 1 year for marriage to Spanish citizen. ^[https://www.costaluzlawyers.com/personal/visas/spanish-citizenship-guide-2026]
- **Language**: DELE A2 (Spanish) + CCSE (cultural/constitutional knowledge) exams.
- **Dual citizenship**: Generally requires renunciation of previous citizenship (exceptions: Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal).
- **Processing**: 1–3 years in practice.

## Tax
- **Standard rates**: Progressive 19%–47% (varies by autonomous community).
- **Beckham Law (Special Impatriate Regime)**: 24% flat tax on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 for first 5 years + year prior to arrival. Available to Digital Nomad Visa holders and employees relocating for work. ^[https://recht-spanien.com/en/blog/tax/beckhamlaw]
- **Wealth Tax**: Varies by region; some (Madrid, Andalusia) offer 100% relief.
- **NLV holders**: Generally do NOT qualify for Beckham Law; subject to standard progressive rates.

## IT / Digital Nomad
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (Ley 28/2022) is the primary route. Income: €2,849/mo (200% SMI 2026). Beckham Law (24% flat tax) available. Can apply in-country (UGE) with 20-working-day processing, or via consulate abroad. Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and the Canary Islands are major nomad hubs.

## Yacht / Maritime
Extensive Mediterranean and Atlantic coastline. Spanish flag yacht registration (Registro de Buques) available. Major yachting hubs: Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Málaga, Balearic and Canary Islands. Matriculation tax on yacht purchases: 12% (reduced in some autonomous communities).

## Notes for RU Citizens
Spain is popular with Russian nationals. NLV and DNV routes are accessible. Golden Visa (closed) was heavily used by Russian investors. Consular applications may face administrative delays. Significant Russian-speaking communities on Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. "Arraigo social" (roots-based regularization after 3 years of undocumented presence) exists historically but is not a recommended pathway. Renunciation-of-original-citizenship requirement for naturalization is a major barrier (unless you qualify for exceptions).

## Community Pulse
The closure of the Golden Visa shifted focus entirely to NLV and DNV. DNV is generally smooth — in-country processing is fast (20 working days), and Beckham Law access is a major draw. NLV is straightforward but the "no work" rule is rigidly enforced; remote workers using NLV face rejection or revocation. 10-year citizenship clock is considered long but standard for Western Europe. Ibero-American fast-track (2 years) is a unique advantage.

## Country Snapshot

| Field | Value | Source / Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | ~48,600,000 (2024) | [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/country/spain) — hard/official |
| Main religion | Roman Catholicism | [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain#Religion) — hard/official |
| Main language | Spanish (Castilian) | [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain) — hard/official |
| Main city (capital or largest) | Madrid | [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrid) — hard/official |
| On the coast? | Yes (Mediterranean + Atlantic, ~4,964 km) | Geographical fact [soft/estimate] |
| Tourism impact in season | High — mass tourism in Barcelona, Costa del Sol, Balearics, Canaries; severe summer peaks | [soft/estimate] |
| GDP per capita (PPP) | ~$49,000 (2023) | [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.PP.CD?locations=ES) — hard/official |
| Median net monthly salary | ~€1,870 (~$2,030) | [Numbeo](https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_price_rankings?itemId=105) [soft/estimate] |
| Cost of living index | 43.5 (NYC=100, Numbeo 2025) | [Numbeo](https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings_by_country.jsp?title=2025) [soft/estimate] |
| Monthly rent, 1-bedroom apartment | €903 (city centre) | [Numbeo](https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Spain) [soft/estimate] |
| Effective personal tax rate for remote workers | 24% under Beckham Law (first 5 years), or progressive 19%–47% | [Recht Spanien](https://recht-spanien.com/en/blog/tax/beckhamlaw) [soft/estimate] |
| Remote-work / self-employment residence available? | Yes — Digital Nomad Visa (DNV, €2,849/mo) | See [[#digital-nomad-visa]] |
| Years to citizenship | 10 years (2 for Ibero-American nationals) | See [[#citizenship]] |
| Maximum permitted absence during residence | Must maintain continuous residence; significant gaps may reset citizenship clock | See [[#citizenship]] |
| Passport strength after citizenship | 189 visa-free destinations (Henley Q3 2025, rank 3) | [Henley & Partners](https://www.henleyglobal.com/newsroom/press-releases/henley-global-mobility-report-july-2025) — hard/official |
| Rule of Law Index | 0.70 (WJP 2024) | [WJP](https://worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of-law-index/global/2024) — hard/official |
| Freedom House score | 90/100 (Free) | [Freedom House](https://freedomhouse.org/country/spain/freedom-world/2025) — hard/official |
| Average annual sunshine hours | ~2,500 h (Barcelona 2,524; Madrid ~2,769; southern coast higher) | [Current Results](https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Europe/Cities/sunshine-annual-average.php) — hard/official |
| Average annual temperature | ~14 °C (varies: coastal Mediterranean ~17 °C, interior ~12 °C) | [Wikipedia / AEMET](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain#Climate) — hard/official |

## Country Card

### General description
Spain is a large southern European country occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, with both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. It has the fourth-largest EU economy, driven by services, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Spain offers a popular Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), a Non-Lucrative Visa for passive-income holders, and access to the Beckham Law flat-tax regime, making it a top-tier destination for remote workers and retirees — though its Golden Visa was permanently closed in 2025.

### Well-known strong points
- Excellent visa-free passport (189 destinations, joint 3rd globally)
- Digital Nomad Visa with Beckham Law access (24% flat tax for 5 years)
- Competitive cost of living (Numbeo index 43.5) vs. northern Europe
- World-leading tourism infrastructure and cultural wealth
- Very high sunshine hours and diverse climates (Mediterranean, Atlantic, Canary Islands)
- Fast in-country DNV processing (20 working days via UGE)

### Well-known problems
- 10-year citizenship clock — among the longest in the EU
- Dual citizenship generally requires renunciation of original nationality
- Bureaucratic complexity and regional administrative variation
- Overtourism in Barcelona, Balearics, and coastal hotspots
- High unemployment relative to EU average and modest median salary (~€1,870/mo)
- Golden Visa permanently closed (April 2025), removing the investor pathway

## Status
- **Last monitored**: 2026-10-12
- **Recent changes**: Golden Visa permanently closed (3 Apr 2025). SMI raised to €1,424.50/mo (Royal Decree 126/2026), affecting DNV and other thresholds.
- **Watch items**: Monitor NLV income threshold updates. Track DNV renewal processing times. Watch for any revival of investment residence proposals.

## Official and primary sources
- https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
- https://goldenharbors.com/articles/spain-non-lucrative-visa
- https://www.expatfy.es/en/blog/spain-digital-nomad-visa-income-requirements
- https://www.immigrationspain.es/en/financial-requirements-non-lucrative-visa