Residency in Spain for Non-EU Citizens: Complete 2026 Guide

What Is a Spanish Residence Permit for Non-EU Citizens?

Residency Visas for non European Union citizens are visas that are specifically for those who are not part of the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.

If you plan to work, live, study, invest, or reunite with family in Spain, that requires you to be there for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit. It is provided in the form of a residence card called the ‘tarjeta de residencia’, and it is considered your visa.

In general, you will be gaining short term residency in Spain, and your visa will be valid for at least 1 year. To be eligible for permanent residence, generally you must live in Spain for five consecutive years.

Do You Need a Visa to Live in Spain? (I Will Be in Spain for Less Than A Year)

As a Non EU national, you have the right to visit and stay in Spain on a tourist visa (the Schengen Short Stay Visa) for 90 days within a 180 day timeframe. Single, double and multiple entry options are available.

However, if you plan to live in the country for more than 90 days within the valid visa duration, a residence card must be applied for. You must do this within three months of being in Spain.

You have the right to extend your stay whilst already in Spain and obtain a residence card called the “tarjeta de residencia”, and you can apply for this within the first month of arriving in Spain.

How Much Do Non EU Residency Visas Cost?

The standard processing fee for most applications of a non-lucrative residence visa (NLV) is around €516 per applicant.

However, fees may vary considerably according to your country of origin, which one of the residence visas you apply for, whether you will need legal support to apply, or if you need to appeal an application refusal. Canadians can expect to pay closer to €600 per application, and US citizens up to €300.

How Long Will the Application Process Take?

It will vary according to the visa that you apply for, and could take anywhere from 15 days to 6 months or longer. Sometimes, the authorities will require further documentation or will call you in for an interview to clarify your circumstances, which could add additional weeks or months to the process.

Make sure you apply with plenty of time to organise your move or so that your current visa doesn’t expire before you obtain your residence card.

Cost & Processing Time Comparison

Most non EU Residence Visas for Spain require you to prove that you have larger sums of money to support you during your time in the country.

How Do I Apply for the Spanish Residency Permit as a Non EU Citizen?

If you are in Spanish territory whilst applying for residency, you need to present yourself to the Spanish authorities at the national police station (Comisería National de Policía) or immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería).

If you are abroad whilst applying for residency, you will need to apply through your closest Spanish embassy or consulate. If you do not have a Spanish embassy in your country of origin, you may be able to apply through another Schengen country’s embassy.

What Documents Will I Need for the Application for Residence in Spain?

For your application for residence, you will at least need the following documents. Please note each residence visa type is different and require further specific documentation than that listed below.

• Your passport, valid for a minimum of 4 months, and at least one photocopy of the whole document
• Three passport photos of you
• Proof of financial stability
• Proof of current address in Spain
• A criminal background check spanning the past five years
• A medical certificate confirming you do not have a disease that could endanger public health e.g. SARS
• Medical insurance that covers the Schengen zone and covers a minimum of €30,000 worth of costs.

You will not be offered a residence permit if you

• Entered the country illegally, or
• if you have committed a crime deemed criminal by Spain in any country that you have previously lived in.

Types of Residency Visas in Spain for Non-EU Citizens

There are multiple residence visa options available for citizens who are not from the EU.

It can be confusing to figure out which Spanish Residence Visa is right for you, especially if you qualify for more than one option. Give us a call on +34 919015010

Student Visa Spain

The Student Residence Visa is for those who wish to study their bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. in Spain.

You must prove that you have the financial means to support yourself through the duration of your stay in Spain. You must also prove that you have applied for a valid university course that is at least a year long and has a minimum of 20 hours of contact time per week.

The duration of the Student Resident Visa will depend on the length of your course.

Usually, you will receive a decision on this application within one month.

Family Members Visa

There are several different routes for gaining residency as a family member or spouse of a person living in Spain. The Family Residence Visa options available to you vary according to whether the person living in Spain that you wish to unify with is an EU or non-EU national, and what your relationship is to them.

How Can IAS Help with Spanish Residency Visa?

We understand that there are so many different residence card options available for Non EU citizens that it might feel overwhelming.

You may also be concerned about a minor criminal conviction on your record and you aren’t sure whether the Spanish authorities will accept your application. Perhaps you have already received a refusal on your application and have no idea what to do next.

Applying through IAS and having a qualified member of our team help you with your application will take the stress of the process away and equip you with the knowledge you need to take the big step of moving abroad to live in Spain. We also offer consultation and, if required, representation for those looking to appeal an application refusal.

We are here and ready to help. Give us a call today on +34 919015010 or contact us online.