Spanish Visa Options
An updated 2025 guide for Expats looking to relocate to Spain
Spanish Visa Options in 2025
A guide for expats, digital nomads, and long-term movers
Thinking of moving to Spain? Whether you’re relocating from the UK, elsewhere in Europe, or further abroad — the visa process can feel complex. With free movement no longer available to many non-EU citizens (including Brits post-Brexit), it’s essential to plan your move with the right visa from the start.
In this guide, we break down the main Spanish visa options in 2025, helping you choose the route that fits your goals — whether you’re retiring, working remotely, joining family, or studying.
If you’re still deciding which destination fits your lifestyle best, check out our guide to the Best Country to Move to from the UK.
Still planning your relocation? Start with our complete Moving to Spain from the UK guide.
Do You Need a Visa to Move to Spain?
Yes — unless you’re an EU/EEA citizen, you will need a visa for stays beyond 90 days.
For many non-EU nationals (including UK, US, Canada, Australia), Spain allows:
- 90 days visa-free within a 180-day period (Schengen rules)
- Longer stays require a national visa or residence permit, depending on your reason for relocating
Types of Spanish Visas for Expats in 2025
1. Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement / Passive Income)
Perfect for: Retirees, long-term travellers, early retirees
This visa allows you to live in Spain without working. It’s popular with retirees or those living off savings or passive income.
Requirements:
- Proof of income (around €2,400+/month for individuals)
- Full private health insurance
- No criminal record
- No employment or freelance work (locally or remotely)
📎 Budgeting for Spain? See our Cost of Living in Spain blog for a full breakdown.
2. Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers & Freelancers)
Perfect for: Remote employees, online business owners, freelancers
Launched in 2023, Spain’s digital nomad visa offers a pathway to live in Spain while working remotely for non-Spanish clients or employers.
Requirements:
- Remote income (~€2,500/month minimum)
- Company contract or proof of ongoing freelance work
- Health insurance & background checks
- Available to many nationalities — including UK, US, Canada, Australia
🔗 Already planning your move? Read: Renting in Spain: What You Need to Know
3. Work Visa (If You Have a Job in Spain)
Perfect for: Skilled professionals with a Spanish employer
If you’ve secured a job offer in Spain, your employer can sponsor your work visa application. You’ll need to go through a formal process with Spain’s Ministry of Labour.
Requirements:
- Valid job offer from a registered company
- Role must be on Spain’s “shortage occupation” list (in most cases)
- Sponsorship paperwork from your employer
- Background check + medical clearance
Want to know what daily life looks like? Read Living in Spain – A Guide for Expats
4. Student Visa
Perfect for: University students, study abroad, language schools
If you plan to study in Spain for longer than 90 days, this is the visa you’ll need.
Requirements:
- Acceptance letter from a recognised school or university
- Proof of funds + housing
- Valid insurance policy
- May allow part-time work depending on your course
5. Family Reunification Visa
Perfect for: Joining family already living in Spain legally
If your spouse, parent, or dependent relative is already a legal resident in Spain, you may qualify to join them via this visa.
Requirements:
- Proof of family relationship
- Sponsor must have been resident in Spain for 1+ year
- Proof of income and housing
How to Apply for a Spanish Visa
Applications are usually made through the nearest Spanish consulate in your home country (e.g. London, New York, Sydney). Each visa type has specific documents, but most follow a similar process:
- Book your appointment online
- Gather your documentation (including translated & apostilled documents)
- Submit your application and pay the visa fee
- Attend your in-person appointment
- Await processing (anywhere from 3–8 weeks depending on the visa)
📎 UK-based? Check the Spanish Consulate London page
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Visa
Spain’s visa system is varied — but not impossible. The key is identifying:
- Whether you plan to work, retire, or study
- Your monthly income, savings, or job offer
- Your passport and nationality (requirements differ slightly)
Still weighing up whether Spain is right for you? Compare it to other top destinations in our Best Country to Move to from the UK blog.
Need Help with Your Move?
From removals and shipping to planning and paperwork — we help expats move to Spain with less stress and more confidence. Reach out for a free quote today.
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