Immigration

Residence in Spain

We handle every type of residence permit in Spain — whether you are a NON-EU or EU citizen, a family member of an EU citizen, or you want to work, study or retire in Spain.

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20,000+
Permits handled
98%
Approval rate
Residence permits in Spain
Residence options in Spain

What is a Spanish residence permit?

A Spanish residence permit allows you to live legally in the country for a set period of time. There are three main types of residence permits: EU residence, for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members; non-EU residence, which includes temporary residence, long-term residence and the different forms of arraigo (settlement-based residence); and residence for investors and retirees.

EU residence

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members

🇪🇺Who can apply?

  • EU, EEA or Swiss citizens living in Spain
  • Family members of EU citizens (spouse, children, dependent parents and grandparents)
  • Registered domestic partners of an EU citizen

📝What we handle

  • Registration certificate (certificado de registro) — for the EU citizen themselves
  • EU family member residence card (tarjeta de familiar de comunitario) — for non-EU family members
  • Proof of financial means and health insurance
  • Municipal registration (empadronamiento) and proof of family relationship
Non-EU residence

Temporary residence, long-term residence and arraigo

📅Types of residence

  • Initial residence — non-lucrative, as an employee or as self-employed
  • Renewal — of any temporary permit
  • Long-term residence — after 5 years of continuous legal residence
  • Social, employment and family arraigo — for people already in Spain without legal residence
  • Family reunification — spouses, children, dependent parents and grandparents

🕐Our process

  • Consultation — we analyze your situation and the viability of your case, free of charge
  • Legal advice — we tell you which permit applies to you and which documents to gather
  • Filing — we prepare and submit your complete application
  • Follow-up — until a favorable decision is issued

Not sure which residence permit you need?

Free consultation with a residence permit specialist.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about residence permits

What is the difference between temporary and long-term residence?
Temporary residence allows you to live (and in some cases work) in Spain for up to 5 years, with periodic renewals. Long-term residence is granted after 5 years of continuous legal residence and no longer requires periodic renewals or proof of financial means each time.
Can I work with a non-lucrative residence permit?
No. Non-lucrative residence is designed for people who can prove their own financial means without needing to work in Spain. If you want to work, you need a residence and work permit as an employee or as self-employed.
How do I renew my residence permit if I still haven’t been given an appointment?
You can submit your renewal application during the 90 calendar days before it expires, and even up to 90 days afterwards without a penalty. If you can’t get an appointment, there are alternative filing channels that prove you started the process on time; we help you complete it correctly.

Shall we talk? Your first consultation is free

Tell us about your case with no obligation. A specialist lawyer will analyze your situation and explain your best options.

Request your free initial consultation →

Not what you were looking for? See also: Spanish Nationality · Degree Recognition · All Immigration practice areas