The complete guide to visas, residence permits, and administrative procedures for EU and non-EU nationals looking to settle in Spain.
5
Visas covered
20 days – 3 months
Average timeline
Jul. 2026
Updated
Free · Results in 3 minutes
Overview
Spain — UGE-CE, IPREM, Law 14/2013.
Spain applies free movement for EU/EEA citizens. Non-EU nationals go either through the UGE-CE for the qualified routes of Law 14/2013, or through the consulate for non-lucrative residence and studies.
EU / EEA
Free movement
UGE-CE
Qualified routes
20 days
UGE-CE decision
Spain is a member of the Schengen Area. The qualified routes of Law 14/2013 (international remote work, highly qualified professional, entrepreneur) are processed by the UGE-CE within 20 business days, while non-lucrative residence and the student visa go through the consulate. The Golden Visa was abolished in April 2025.
Which visa for your situation in Spain?
Free assessment · Results in 3 minutes · No commitment
Available visas and permits
The main visas we support.
Click a permit to see the requirements, required documents, timelines, and practical tips. Each of these visas comes with full guidance in your nomadpass space.
TEL
International remote work visa (digital nomad)
Remote work for companies outside Spain · non-EU
Non-EUDedicated route
›
Timeline
10 days (visa) · 20 business days (UGE-CE)
Cost
€90 (2026 consular fee schedule)
Duration
1 year (consulate) or 3 years (UGE-CE)
Min. income
€34,188 / year — 200% of the 2026 SMI
Two knockout conditions: more than 3 months of seniority in the working relationship, and at most 20% of income from Spanish entities. Deemed approval after 20 business days without a decision.
NLU
Non-lucrative residence
Living without professional activity · non-EU
Non-EUDedicated route
›
Timeline
About 3 months
Cost
€90 visa + €10.94 authorization
Duration
1 year, then 2-year renewals
Min. funds
€2,400 / month — 400% of the IPREM · +€600 per dependent
This permit prohibits any professional activity, including remote work for a foreign employer. Renewal requires actual presence of at least 183 days per year, with the tax consequences that implies.
ETU
Student visa
Higher education · non-EU
Non-EUAccessible
›
Timeline
About 1 month
Cost
€90 (2026 consular fee schedule)
Min. funds
€600 / month — 100% of the IPREM
Family
€450 (1st member) · €300 per additional person
A common trap: the money used to pay for your studies does not count toward the required means of subsistence. You must prove both separately. A criminal record and medical certificate are required beyond 6 months.
PAC
Highly qualified professional
Skilled employment · non-EU
Non-EUSalary threshold
›
Timeline
20 business days (UGE-CE)
Cost
€90 (2026 consular fee schedule)
Duration
Renewable in 2-year periods
Min. salary
1.4 × the INE average salary — amount published by the UGE-CE
Since Order PJC/44/2026, the threshold is no longer a fixed amount but an indexed formula, with a 0.8 coefficient for shortage occupations or degrees less than 3 years old. Check the UGE-CE portal: it is the only up-to-date reference.
EMP
Entrepreneur visa
Innovative project · non-EU
Non-EUProject evaluated
›
Timeline
ENISA 10 days + UGE-CE 20 business days
Cost
€90 visa + €73.26 authorization
Min. investment
None — no threshold, no job-creation requirement
Key requirement
A favorable ENISA report on the innovative nature of the project
Spain's Golden Visa was abolished in April 2025: there is no longer a passive-investment route. Here, everything rests on the quality of the business plan, evaluated by ENISA within 10 business days.
This list presents the main residence permits, which cover the vast majority of relocation situations. It is not exhaustive: other specific visas exist for particular situations, available from the country's official authorities.
Not sure which permit to choose?
Our assessment identifies the right visa in 3 minutes
Competent authorities
The official bodies for your procedure.
The competent authorities vary depending on your nationality and your project.
UGE-CE — Large companies and strategic groups unit
5 visas and permits are covered for Spain, including International remote work visa (digital nomad) · Non-lucrative residence · Student visa. The free assessment identifies the one that fits your situation in 3 minutes.
How long does it take to get a visa for Spain?
From 20 days to about 4 months depending on the visa. For example, International remote work visa (digital nomad): Consular visa 10 business days · UGE-CE authorization 20 business days.
How much does a visa for Spain cost?
Official fees depend on the visa. For example, International remote work visa (digital nomad): ≈ €90 consular visa (by consulate and nationality) + €16.08 TIE card.
Is the information on Spain up to date?
Yes: every sheet cites its official sources (UGE-CE — Remote workers (the 200% / 75% / 25% SMI thresholds), BOE — Real Decreto 126/2026 setting the 2026 SMI (€1,221/month, €17,094/year), Spanish consulates — the 2026 consular fee scale) and carries a verification date. Last verified: 2026-10-06.
