Find the Right Route to Live Here
Spain Visa
Choosing the right Spain Visa depends on your income, your work situation, and your family, not on which one you've heard of first. Here's how to tell them apart, and which one fits your case.
THE BASICS
Types of Visa Spain Offers
Schengen Short-Stay Visa vs Spain National Visa
A Schengen short-stay visa covers tourism or business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and the UK don't need one for short visits. It's not the same as a Spain national visa, which is what you need to stay for more than 90 days, whether that's for work, study, or residence. If you're planning to live in Spain, the national visa is where the routes below come in.
Spain Entry Visa vs Residence Permit
The entry visa gets you into Spain and lets you apply for a residence permit once you're here. The residence permit is the separate document that actually lets you stay long-term. It's an easy distinction to overlook, but the two aren't interchangeable.
NO LONGER AVAILABLE
What Happened to the Spain Golden Visa?
Spain's Golden Visa was formally abolished on 3 April 2025, under Organic Law 1/2025. No new applications have been accepted since that date, though existing holders and applications submitted before the cut-off continue under the previous rules. If you're seeing guides that still promote it as an open route, they're out of date.
COMPARE
Compare Spain Visa Types Side by Side
Non-Lucrative Visa
For passive income only, pensions, dividends, rental income. You're not allowed to work in any capacity while holding it.
Learn more about this route
Digital Nomad Visa
For active remote income, employment or freelance work for a foreign employer or clients. Freelancers can earn up to 20% of their income from Spanish clients.
Learn more about this route
Work Visa
For those who already have a confirmed job offer from a Spanish employer. Your employer sponsors the application on your behalf.
Highly Qualified Professional Visa
A fast-track route for executives, managers and specialists earning above set salary thresholds. No labour market test required.
Learn more about this route
Job Seeker Visa
For coming to Spain to look for work, before you have a job offer or contract in hand.
Learn more about this route
Family Reunification Visa
For joining a spouse, partner, or family member already living legally in Spain, under one of three distinct routes depending on their status.
Learn more about this route
WHAT'S NEXT
Spanish Citizenship — What Comes After Your Visa
Your visa is the starting point, not the destination for most of our clients. We'll confirm exactly where your nationality and timeline stand when the time comes.
10 Years
Standard naturalisation route
2 Years
Ibero-American nationals, including Chile and Brazil
GOOD TO KNOW
Before You Apply — Passport, Fees and ETIAS
01
Passport Validity and Photo Requirements
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, and issued within the last 10 years.
02
Schengen Visa Fees vs National Visa Fees
A Schengen short-stay visa costs €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12, plus a local service provider fee where applicable. National long-stay visas are priced separately, and we confirm the exact fee for your specific case before you apply.
03
Do You Need an ETIAS Instead of a Visa?
If you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country visiting for tourism or short business, you may only need an ETIAS, not a visa at all. ETIAS and a national visa serve different purposes, and confusing the two is a common and avoidable mistake.
WHY PONTE
Why Choose Ponte for Your Spain Visa Application
A Licensed Lawyer, Not Just a Visa Application Centre
Application centres process paperwork. We assess your situation, tell you honestly which visa fits, and handle the legal side directly, not just the submission.
24-Hour Quote Guarantee
Send us your situation and we'll come back with a clear quote within 24 business hours.
Free Exploratory Consultation
Not sure which Spain visa fits your situation? Book a free consultation and we'll help you work it out.
NEXT STEPS
Focused on Portugal? See Our Portugal Visa Options
Weighing Spain against Portugal, or considering both? Our Portugal visa page covers the equivalent routes there, D7, D8, D2, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spain Visas
Which Spain visa do I need to live here?
It depends on your income and situation. Passive income points to the Non-Lucrative Visa, active remote work to the Digital Nomad Visa, an existing family member in Spain to family reunification. If none of these fit cleanly, book a free consultation and we'll work it out with you.
Do I need an ETIAS to travel to Spain in 2026?
Only if you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country travelling for short-term tourism or business. If you're planning to live in Spain long-term, you need a national visa, not an ETIAS.
Is the Spain Golden Visa still available?
No. It was abolished on 3 April 2025. Existing holders and applications submitted before that date continue under the previous rules, but no new applications are accepted.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a Spain visa?
It's not legally required, but a lawyer reduces the risk of refusal, prepares your file correctly the first time, and represents you with the consulate and Spanish authorities. Incomplete or incorrect applications are one of the most common causes of delay.
Not Sure Which Visa Fits Your Case? Book a Free Strategy Session
Send us your situation and we'll tell you honestly which Spain visa route makes sense for you.