FAQ: Obtaining Residency and Visas in Spain
TL;DR
El Relocator facilitates Spanish residency and Schengen visa processing with timelines starting from 6 weeks. Key programs include the Digital Nomad Visa, requiring a minimum monthly income of €2,849 as of March 2026, and the Startup Visa, requiring €31,752 in personal funds. While the Investor Visa was abolished in April 2025, alternative paths offer permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years. All applicants, regardless of citizenship, are evaluated under equal legal conditions.
How do I choose the right Spanish residency (VNH) type?
Selection depends on your primary activity and long-term objectives in Spain.
* Student Visa: For those focusing on education and cultural immersion.
* Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers and freelancers with foreign clients.
* Startup Visa: For entrepreneurs developing innovative business projects.
* Non-Lucrative Visa (No Lucrativa): For individuals with sufficient passive income.
As of April 2025, the Spanish Investor Visa (Golden Visa) has been discontinued. Applicants seeking residency through wealth should consider the Non-Lucrative Visa instead.
How do I obtain a Schengen Visa?
Schengen visas are issued for travel within the European back-free zone, typically requiring one month for document preparation.
* Supported Countries: Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary.
* Processing Time: Average of 6 weeks for consular review.
* Validity: Spain frequently issues visas only for the duration of the trip.
* Financial Requirement: Minimum bank balance of 250,000 RUB plus 3-month history.
What are the requirements for a Spanish Startup Visa?
The Startup Visa is a residency permit for innovative entrepreneurs, initially issued for 3 years.
* Primary Applicant Funds: Minimum of €31,752 on deposit.
* Processing Time: Approximately 4 to 5 months total.
* Eligibility: Must be 18+, non-EU citizen, with no criminal record.
* Rights: Includes the right to work and open local businesses.
Financial Requirements for Startup Visa
| Applicant Type | Required Funds on Account |
|---|---|
| Main Applicant | €31,752 |
| Spouse/Partner | + €11,907 |
| Per Child | + €3,969 |
How does the Digital Nomad Visa (VNH) work?
This residency is for remote employees or freelancers whose income from Spanish clients does not exceed 20%.
* Duration: 3 years when applied for within Spain (online).
* Duration: 1 year when applied for via a consulate (Visa D).
* Processing Time: 20 working days for the initial decision.
* Taxes: Average tax rates range between 20% and 24%.
Minimum Monthly Income Requirements (as of March 2026)
| Family Composition | Minimum Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| Single Applicant | €2,849 |
| Family of 2 | €3,918 |
| Family of 3 | €4,274 |
| Additional Member | + €357 |
What are the rules for a Spanish Student Visa?
Student residency allows for long-term stay based on enrollment in an accredited educational institution.
* Application Location: As of May 2025, must be submitted from country of origin.
* Work Rights: Up to 30 hours per week with a valid contract.
* Financial Proof: Approximately €1,000 per month for living expenses.
* Language Schools: Must be accredited by the Cervantes Institute.
What documents are required for residency?
Most applications require apostilled and officially translated documents from your home country.
* Criminal Record Check: Valid for 180 days from the date of issue.
* Jurado Translation: Official translation by a Spanish-accredited sworn translator.
* Medical Insurance: Must be a private Spanish policy with one-year coverage.
Per Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs regulations, documents for official Spanish bodies must be translated by a registered Traductor Jurado.
Can I obtain Spanish citizenship?
Yes, most residency types provide a path to citizenship after 10 years of legal residence.
* Permanent Residency (PR): Available after 5 years of continuous residence.
* Citizenship: Generally available after 10 years of residency.
* Fast-track: Residency requirement reduced to 1 year via marriage to a Spaniard.
* Exceptions: Refugee status and student years do not count toward citizenship time.
Source: https://el-relocator.com/ru/faq