Immigration & Immigration Law in Spain
Welcome to our Immigration and Immigration Law section. Here you will find clear guidance on entry rules, visas, residence permits, long-term residence and Spanish nationality.
In this section we are going to talk about
Use this roadmap to find the exact legal route that matches your situation: visitor, student, worker, family member, investor, or long-term resident.
I. Difference between “Stay/Entry” and “Residence” in Spain
This is the key concept in Spanish immigration law. Many issues arise from confusing a short stay with legal residence.
Read the full guideII. Entry and Stay Visas in Spain (Up to 90 days)
Short stays are time-limited and do not grant residence rights. We explain the most common scenarios:
- Tourist Visa
- Student Visa
- Volunteering
- ETIAS – Online entry authorisation (visa-exempt nationals)
III. Types of Residence for More Than 90 Days
If your plan is to stay in Spain beyond 90 days, you need a residence route that matches your profile (EU / non-EU, work, study, family, investment).
Explore residence options (+90 days) →IV. Temporary Residence
Temporary residence allows you to live in Spain legally beyond 90 days, usually on a renewable basis. The correct path depends heavily on whether you are an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen.
IV.1 Temporary Residence for EU Citizens
Registration and residence formalities for EU nationals and their families.
Includes: The Residence Certificate for communitary citizens (EU).
EU citizens: start hereIV.2 Temporary Residence for Non-EU Citizens
Visas and permits for third-country nationals: study, work, business, family, and special regimes.
Non-EU citizens: explore optionsCommon temporary residence routes (Non-EU)
- Student Visa
- Business Visas
- Entrepreneur Visa (Golden Visa framework)
- Business Visa
- Non-Lucrative Temporary Residence Visa
- Work Visa (as an employee)
- Highly Skilled Workers (Golden Visa)
- Other employed workers
- EU Family Member Card (Community Family Card)
- Family Reunification
- Rooting (“Arraigo”)
- Political Asylum and International Protection
- EU Blue Card (“Tarjeta Azul”)
- Residence for Researchers and Investigation
Also covered:
- Requirements to obtain temporary residence
- The importance of private health insurance
- How to go from temporary to long-term or permanent residence
11. Golden Visa for Investors →
12. Digital Nomads – Beckham Law →V. Permanent or Long-Term Residence
Long-term residence provides stability and stronger rights, subject to legal residence history and compliance requirements.
V.1 EU Citizens
Permanent Residence Card for relatives of EU citizens →
V.2 Non-EU Citizens (Extra-Community)
- Permanent or Long-Term Residence Permit/Stay in Spain
- EU Long-Term Residence Authorisation
VI. Spanish Nationality
Spanish nationality is not the same as long-term residence. We explain eligibility, timelines and key differences.
Also covered: Differences between long-term residence and nationality.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is the European zone of free movement. It currently includes 27 EU states and 4 members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) applying the Schengen acquis.