How to get a residence permit in Spain: a complete guide

A residence permit (autorización de residencia) is what lets you legally live in Spain: work, study, run a business and move freely around Schengen. "Residence permit", "residencia" and the plastic TIE card all refer to the same thing. There are many types, and the question isn't "which is best" but "which fits you" — a retiree, a remote worker, a student and an entrepreneur all need completely different bases. Here are every active option for 2026, honestly and with figures from primary sources.

One fork applies to almost everyone: first a type D visa at a Spanish consulate, then you exchange it in Spain for the resident card (TIE). You can no longer buy residency — the golden visa was abolished (Ley Orgánica 1/2025, in force 3 April 2025).

Temporary permit, permanent residence and citizenship

• Type D visa — the entry document, issued by a consulate; it lets you enter and arrange the resident card.
• Temporary residence — usually 1 year, then renewed 2 + 2 (the digital nomad permit is 3 years first).
• Permanent residence (residencia de larga duración) — after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
• Citizenship — generally after 10 years (2 years for many Latin American nationals). Years on a permit and PR count.

Non-Lucrative residence permit

For those who can support themselves without working in Spain — retirees, rentiers, people with passive income.

• Financial proof — 400% IPREM for the applicant. With IPREM frozen at €600/month in 2026, that's ≈ €28,800/year, plus +€7,200/year per family member.
• Full private health insurance, no co-payments.
• No working in Spain — see passive income under the NLV.

Digital nomad permit

For remote workers and freelancers whose work isn't tied to Spanish employers.

• Income from 200% SMI — ≈ €2,849/month in 2026, +75% SMI for a spouse and +25% for each additional member.
• Proof of remote work: a contract with a foreign company or foreign clients, plus 3 months' history.
• First card issued for 3 years. Taxes: the flat 24% Beckham regime (see taxes for nomads).

Startup (entrepreneur) visa

For founders of an innovative business — not a restaurant or shop, but something with new technology or a new model.

• Business plan approved by ENISA as innovative.
• Funds — 100% IPREM (≈ €7,200/year) for the applicant, +50% IPREM (≈ €3,600) per family member. Notably less than the digital nomad threshold.

Work permit and self-employment

• Employed (cuenta ajena) — a Spanish employer's job offer; salary at least the legal level; subject to the national employment situation.
• Self-employed (cuenta propia, autónomo) — a viable project, licences and sufficient investment, plus registration and Social Security contributions.

Student permit and family reunification

• Student — admission to an accredited institution, funds ≈ €7,200/year (100% IPREM), insurance; work up to 30 h/week.
• Family reunification — for the spouse, children or parents of a resident or citizen; the term matches the sponsor's, often with the right to work.

Comparison of the main permits

Not sure where to start? See the step-by-step relocation roadmap, and what to do once approved in residence approved — what's next.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources:
• Ministry of Inclusion — types of residence authorisation
• RD 1155/2024 — Immigration Regulation
• Ley Orgánica 1/2025 — abolition of the golden visa