Residency in Spain 2026: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners

Thinking about staying in Spain long-term? Here’s how to get legal, stay compliant, and settle into life in the sun in 2026. Whether you’re arriving from the EU, UK, US, Canada or elsewhere, understanding Spain’s residency requirements is essential before committing to a move.

Spanish residency allows you to live in Spain for more than 90 days and may provide access to public services such as healthcare, education, and administrative rights granted by Spanish authorities.

What Is Spanish Residency?

If you plan to stay in Spain longer than 90 days, you must apply for residency. This usually involves:

• Getting your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
• Applying for the TIE (residency card) if you are a non-EU national
• Registering on the padrón (local census) at your town hall

A residence permit is issued once documentation is approved, and it confirms your legal status. Some foreign nationals experience delays because of missing documents or submitting other documentation that does not meet entry requirements, so preparing carefully is key.

Residency Rules for EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

Citizens from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland enjoy freedom of movement under EU law. You do not need a visa to enter or live in Spain. However, after 90 days in the country, you must legally register your residence.

The EU Registration Certificate (Green Certificate)

EU citizens obtain what is known as the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión — a green A4 certificate or wallet-sized green card. This is your residency certificate and proves your right to live and work in Spain.

Requirements for EU Residency Registration

• Proof of employment or self-employment in Spain, or
• Sufficient financial means to support yourself, and
• Public or private health insurance, plus
• Proof of your address (padrón)

Spain wants to ensure that EU arrivals are economically self-sufficient and insured. For more information about registering your address, see our guide to Empadronamiento in Spain.

Can EU Citizens Apply for a TIE Instead?

The standard document for EU nationals is the green registration certificate. In some specific situations, an EU citizen may also be issued a TIE (for example as a family member or in certain special regimes), but for most EU citizens the green certificate is the main proof of residency and right to work.

Residency Rules for Non-EU Citizens (Visa → TIE Process)

Non-EU citizens must follow a structured two-stage process:

1. Apply for the correct long-stay visa in your home country.
2. After entering Spain, apply for the TIE residency card within 30 calendar days of entry.

Why Non-EU Citizens Must Apply from Their Home Country

Spanish law requires most non-EU applicants to request their long-stay visa before entering Spain. You cannot normally enter on a tourist visa and then switch to residency from inside Spain (with very limited exceptions, such as certain highly specialised or exceptional visas).

The Visa → TIE Timeline

• Apply for visa abroad
• Attend consulate appointment
• Receive visa (if approved)
• Travel to Spain
• Obtain NIE (if not already assigned)
• Register on the padrón
• Apply for TIE at the police station or immigration office within 30 days of entry
• Biometric data collected (fingerprints, photo, signature)
• Collect TIE card, usually 30–45 days later

Typical Validity Periods for Non-EU Residency

• Non-Lucrative Visa: 1 year → renewable for 2 years → another 2 years
• Work Visa: 1 year → renewable based on employment
• Student Visa: Valid for duration of studies
• Family Reunion Visa: Valid while the main permit holder maintains and renews their status

After five consecutive years of living in Spain with legal residence, foreign nationals may apply for permanent residency (residencia de larga duración). This grants stronger protections and removes many renewal requirements.

Main Residency Routes for Non-EU Citizens

Depending on your circumstances, these are the primary residency pathways:

• Non-Lucrative Visa – For retirees or those with passive income.
• Digital Nomad Visa – For remote workers employed by or contracted to foreign companies.
• Self-Employed Visa – For freelancers and autónomos.
• Medical Treatment Visa – For long-term medical care in Spain.
• Work Visa – For individuals with a job offer or intra-company transfer.
• Student Visa – For academic studies.

Applying as a Family Member of an EU Citizen

If you are a spouse, registered or unregistered partner, dependent parent, or child of an EU citizen living in Spain, you may be eligible for the EU Family Member Residence Card. This gives you the right to live and work in Spain under EU law.

Health Insurance Requirement for Residency

Most residency applicants — especially non-EU citizens — must provide proof of private health insurance. To qualify for residency, the policy must typically:

• Include no co-payments
• Cover you for the entire period of stay
• Be issued by a Spanish-regulated insurer

For visa-compliant cover, see our dedicated guide to health insurance without copayments for visas.

Useful Resources

• Book Immigration Appointments (Cita Previa)
• How to Get Your NIE Number
• Insurance for Residency Applications

Your Next Steps

Applying for residency can feel overwhelming, but once you understand which pathway fits your situation, the process becomes far more manageable. Staying organised, preparing the necessary documents, and meeting deadlines will help you avoid delays.

Once your residency is approved, you’ll enjoy the full benefits of living in Spain — from legal security to access to services and the freedom to build your new life here.

Get Visa-Compliant Health Cover

If you’re starting your residency journey, one of the first requirements is demonstrable private health insurance with no copayments. Our Sanitas visa-compliant plans are fully accepted by Spanish consulates and include full hospital and outpatient care.

Click here to view no-copayment health insurance plans for residency