Whether or not you already have Spanish residency, we can provide the guidance and the steps required.
Since the investor visa closed in April 2025, residency in Spain depends on how you earn rather than what you own. The practical question is whether your income is passive, remote, self employed or from employment here, and how much of the year you intend to spend in Spain.
We talk it through with you first, so that the application we prepare is the one most likely to succeed rather than simply the best known.
Most applications can now be made here in Spain, submitting the documents through the electronic platform, and we handle that for our clients. The consulate route applies to the non lucrative visa and a small number of others.
Applying from within Spain often gives a longer initial authorisation than the consular visa does, which is one reason it is worth considering the route carefully rather than assuming.
The longest part is usually gathering the documents, since papers from abroad need apostille and sworn translation and carry their own validity periods. We tell you what is needed and in what order, which is where most of the delay is avoided.
These are separate questions. A route that involves spending more than 183 days a year here will generally make you tax resident in Spain on your worldwide income. It is far easier to plan for that before applying than to unpick it later, and we will raise it with you at the outset.
It may also work in your favour. The special regime for inbound workers, widely known as the Beckham Law, can apply alongside the digital nomad visa and certain other routes where the conditions are met, and the deadline for electing it is short. We look at the two together rather than separately.
It depends on how you earn rather than what you own. Passive income and no need to work points toward the non lucrative route, remote work toward the digital nomad visa, and a business here toward self employment. Tell us your circumstances and we will advise.
No. The non lucrative route is for people who do not need to work in Spain at all, and that includes working remotely for a company abroad. If you intend to keep working, the digital nomad route is the one designed for you.
Usually not. Most routes can be applied for here in Spain through the electronic platform, and we take care of the submission. The consulate route applies to the non lucrative visa and a few others.
It varies by route and by office. Gathering and legalising the documents is usually the longer part, so we recommend starting that early.
If you spend more than 183 days a year here, generally yes, on your worldwide income. We raise this at the outset so it can be planned for rather than discovered afterwards.
This page gives general information about Spanish law and is not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts and should be assessed individually.
Tell me a little about what you are planning and I will reply personally, usually within one working day.