Spain visa options, compared
Six main ways to live in Spain legally — each with different income rules, application paths and timelines to citizenship. Start here, then open the one that fits you.
The six routes at a glance
| Visa | Best for | Minimum means (2026) | Apply from Spain? | Work allowed | Counts for citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers | ≈ €2,849/month | Yes, if there legally | Remote work | Yes |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees, savers | €28,800/year | No — consulate only | No | Yes |
| Student Visa | Degrees, master's | €600/month | Higher education only | Up to 30 h/week | No |
| Work Permit & EU Blue Card | Job offer in Spain | Salary ≥ €41,356/year | Yes, if there legally | Yes | Yes |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Founders | Business plan + ENISA | With a legal stay | Own business | Yes |
| Family Reunification | Joining family | €10,800/year for 2* | Depends on route | Yes | Yes |
Approximate 2026 figures. *Family reunification; family of Spanish citizens need no minimum income. Citizenship: 2 years of legal residence for Ibero-American nationals, 10 for most others including US citizens.
Three questions that decide your route
- Will you work? Remotely for a foreign employer → Digital Nomad. For a Spanish company → Work permit or Blue Card. Not at all → Non-Lucrative.
- Are you already in Spain legally? Digital Nomad, highly-qualified and Blue Card permits can be requested from inside Spain — the Non-Lucrative can't.
- Is your goal Spanish citizenship? Choose a residence permit: student time doesn't count toward nationality.
- Not sure about the numbers? Try the income calculator.
Spain visas: common questions
What is the easiest visa to move to Spain?
It depends on your situation. Remote workers usually find the Digital Nomad Visa the most flexible, retirees the Non-Lucrative Visa, and people with a Spanish job offer the highly-qualified or Blue Card permit, which has a 20-day legal deadline.
Does Spain still have a golden visa?
No. The investor (golden) visa was abolished in April 2025.
Which Spanish visas let me apply from inside Spain?
Digital Nomad, highly-qualified professional, EU Blue Card and, with conditions, Entrepreneur and higher-education student permits — if you are in Spain legally. The Non-Lucrative Visa must be requested at a consulate.
Which visa is fastest to Spanish citizenship?
Any residence permit counts. Citizens of Ibero-American countries can apply after 2 years of legal residence; most others, including US citizens, after 10. Student stays don't count.
Not sure which visa is yours? Ask us
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