#Higher education #Relocation #Residence permit of a digital nomad

25/04/2025

Reading time: 8 min

Ways to Move to Spain 2025: Where to Start

The article was provided by an expert

Olga

Chief Spain Relocation Specialist, Company Co-founder

Moving to Spain in 2025 is a hot trend among investors, passive income recipients, startups, digital nomads, people dreaming of getting a European education. For all these people, there are many reliable and legal ways to make their dream come true. Let's figure out what ways to move to Spain are available and where to start moving to Spain in 2025.

The main options for moving to Spain in 2025

In 2025, there are several popular and proven grounds for obtaining a Spanish residence permit. The first thing to start moving to Spain is to determine which one is right for you:

Digital Nomad Visa;

startup residence permit in Spain;

student visa Spain;

Residence permit without the right to work (no lucrativa);

additional grounds: family reunification, settlement (Arraigo).

Each of these methods is suitable for different life situations and goals. Below we will take a closer look at which path is best for whom.

Who can move to live in Spain in 2025

Spanish visa programs cover a wide range of people. Here are the main categories for which different ways of moving to Spain are relevant:

students admitted to Spanish universities and language schools;

freelancers and remote workers working for foreign companies;

startups with innovative ideas and working, scalable startups;

real estate or business investors;

pensioners and persons with passive income;

relatives of Spanish citizens or residents.

Each category has its own specifics of visa processing, terms and requirements. Let's look at them in order.

Digital Nomad Visa

If you work remotely for a foreign company or operate as a freelancer, then this type of visa is your chance. All issues related to moving with a digital nomad residence permit are regulated by the law on startups , which came into force in 2023. The main conditions for this option of moving to Spain:

confirmation of remote work for a non-Spanish employer;

employer's consent to remote work from Spain;

work experience of more than three months in an organization registered for more than 1 year;

annual income from 33,152 euros (if you move with your family, the amount increases);

a diploma in a specialty or work experience of at least 3 years;

CV in spanish;

any visa that guarantees legal residence in Spain at the time of filing the application for a residence permit.

If you are a highly paid specialist working remotely, value freedom of movement, want to live by the sea without losing your job and have the opportunity to relocate your family - this is the perfect option for you. The full list of documents for the Digital Nomad Visa and digital nomad residence permit and the visa application process in 2025 is here .

Startup Residence Permit Spain

Spain actively supports innovative business ideas, so a startup founder or at least just the owner of an innovative startup idea can count on a startup residence permit in Spain under the laws “On support for entrepreneurs and their internationalization” of September 28, 2013 and “On the development of the startup ecosystem” of December 21, 2022 . What conditions must be met for this method of moving to Spain:

an innovative business plan or a presentation of a finished project, reviewed and approved by ENISA (the Spanish start-up support agency);

proof of financial solvency: from 33,152 euros per applicant + funds for family maintenance;

project approval through ENISA (Spanish startup support agency).

An ideal option for technology entrepreneurs who want to launch a business in the European Union or relocate an existing business. The startup residence permit can include the applicant's family, including adult financially dependent children and parents over 65 (or under 65 if they require special medical care). The full list of documents for this method of moving to Spain is here .

Student visa Spain

The classic and affordable way for young people to move to Spain is to enroll in Spanish universities or enroll in accredited language courses. The issue of foreigners studying in Spain is regulated by the “Law on Foreigners” . Conditions:

admission to an accredited educational institution (university or language school);

proof of financial solvency (from 7,200 euros per applicant);

medical insurance.

Suitable for those who want to start a new life through education, learn a language, and have the opportunity to subsequently obtain a residence permit through work. The applicant's family can obtain a visa without the right to work, tied in terms to the validity of the student's documents. Important: from May 25, 2025, changes in laws will come into force, changing the rules for issuing student visas. Order a free consultation with El Relocator on all the innovations!

Residence permit without the right to work (No Lucrativa)

A residence permit without the right to work is relevant for recipients of passive income. If you have a stable source of income outside Spain, are ready to spend 183 hours a year in this country and do not plan to work, this is your option for moving to Spain. This type of visa is issued in accordance with the Law “On the Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners in Spain and Their Social Integration” , Royal Decree 1155/2024 and financial criteria . The following requirements are imposed on the applicant:

availability of savings of at least 28,800 euros per applicant;

bank documents confirming the legality of funds (deposits, pensions);

passport valid for the entire period of residence;

no criminal record;

medical certificate according to international regulations of 2005;

lack of work activity.

The full list of documents for this type of visa is here . An ideal choice for retirees or those who want to move to Spain alone or with their family to enjoy a quiet life, sea and sun.

Additional Ways to Move to Spain 2025

There are also less obvious, but working ways:

reunification with family members who already have a residence permit or Spanish citizenship. For example, through marriage;

Settlement (Arraigo) - for living in Spain illegally for more than 2 years;

employment in a Spanish company and obtaining a work residence permit.

These paths require a special approach and often competent legal support.

Moving to Spain: Where to Start in 2025?

When planning a move to Spain in 2025, the first step is to determine which visa is right for you. Then you need to collect and correctly prepare the documents, translate and certify them, and submit an application to the Spanish consulate or immigration service. Moving to Spain in 2025 is quite possible if you entrust it to professionals who understand the specifics of obtaining Spanish visas for various reasons. The El Relocator agency has been helping clients move to Spain for many years, accompanying them at every stage of the process. I want to move to Spain, you say? We will help you do it easily, legally and with the best chances of visa approval! Don't waste time and order a free consultation - we will help you determine the best type of visa and option for moving to Spain in your case!

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