Navigating Visas in Spain
What residency permit works for you?
Buying a property or getting a visa might seem like a long process, but that's not the case in Spain. Since 2008, the property market has transformed in every aspect. Buyers will find great opportunities to settle or invest in Spain. However, EU and non-EU nationals must fulfill certain conditions to purchase or rent a house.
Understanding the crucial aspect of the real estate market, we are here to simplify the entire process for you. In this article, you will find answers to all your questions regarding buying property and visas in Spain. In addition, you will also get to learn about different types of visas and enjoy living in Spain. Let’s dive in.
How do you buy property as an EU national or non-EU citizen?
The first and foremost question that comes before buying a property in Spain is, “How to buy property as an EU or non-EU national in Spain”? Well, the answer is that there is no different process for buying a property as an EU and non-EU national. Simply put, both go through the same process and pay the same amount for a property. Whether you are looking for property for sale in Sotogrande, Marbella, or other popular areas, the process remains the same. The whole process simply comes down to whether you are looking for the purpose of an investment or want to live in Spain. This is where the difference lies. If you are an EU national citizen, buying a property requires applying for residency. Meanwhile, non-EU citizens are required to apply for a visa. If you are an EU national and intend to spend more than 90 days in a 180-day period, applying for residency is an obligation. But if you are a non-EU national and wish to spend more than 90 days in a 180-day period, you can apply for a visa. In either case, you would still require a passport, an NIE number, and a Spanish Bank Account to purchase a property in Spain.
The whole process simply comes down to whether you are looking for the purpose of an investment or want to live in Spain. This is where the difference lies. If you are an EU national citizen, buying a property requires applying for residency. Meanwhile, non-EU citizens are required to apply for a visa.
If you are an EU national and intend to spend more than 90 days in a 180-day period, applying for residency is an obligation. But if you are a non-EU national and wish to spend more than 90 days in a 180-day period, you can apply for a visa.
In either case, you would still require a passport, an NIE number, and a Spanish Bank Account to purchase a property in Spain.
Different Types of Visas
Spain offers various types of visas depending on the purpose of the visit. Some come to enjoy breathtaking views of the city while others visit the country for work. So, let’s understand the different types of visas you can get to live, work, and travel in Spain.
Holiday Visa
Commonly known as a tourist visa, this type of visa lets non-EU citizens come and enjoy a short trip, say up to 90 days, and return to their home country. You can come with your passport, get a stamp when you enter and leave the country.
Non-Lucrative Visa
This type of visa simply allows a non-EU national to live, but one is not allowed to work in Spain. You are not even allowed to work overseas without a non-lucrative visa. With this, one can come and spend more than 90 days, surpassing the limit of a holiday visa.
Digital Nomad Visa
Launched in 2023, a digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows a person to live and work remotely in Spain. These visas are specifically designed for people who work remotely, which enables them to work while living in other countries.
Non-EU citizens can simply work for companies overseas while living in Spain. Also, most people with digital nomad visas can bill 20% of their business in Spain, and the remaining 80% has to be spent overseas
Golden Visa
Non-EU nationals can apply for golden visas if they invest €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate. This visa allows non-EU nationals to live and travel freely within the Schengen Area. The Spanish government announced this option would not be available in the Spring of 2024, for now, you can still apply.
How do you apply for a visa to work or live in Spain?
You can very well apply for a Spain visa right from your home country. Here’s how you can do that:
- Check eligibility and verify which kind of visa you require.
- Once you know what kind of visa you need, prepare your documents, including the application form, passport, photographs, proof of financial means, travel itinerary (in case of a tourist visa), and others.
- Further, submit your application and consult with the Spanish consulate. For British citizens, there are three consulates available: Edinburgh, Manchester, and London.
- Pay the fees, let the consulate complete the paperwork, and visit on the day of the appointment. You’ll get your visa. The process for non-lucrative visas is simple.
- Later, after coming to Spain, one can apply for a foreign identification card.
- Digital nomad visas are granted for up to three years or for the length of the contract, which allows you to work in Spain.
Cost and Renewal of Visas in Spain
The cost of applying for a visa depends on various factors, such as family visas, married couple visas, or individual visas. This cost is generally the same for most people, but it depends on the number of people applying for it. Let’s say the cost ranges from 2,500 euros to 3000 euros for a married couple.
As for renewal of visas, a non-lucrative visa is up to one year and can be renewed for two years. Once the two-year period expires, one can apply for a two-year extension. However, after the third time, the non-EU citizen is eligible for long-term residency.
Documents Required for Non-Lucrative Visas
- Proof of address in Spain as well as in their home country.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources, depending on the number of people applying.
- Marriage certificates and birth certificates.
- Health insurance and clean criminal record certificate.
All of the above-mentioned documents are required to be stamped with the Hugue apostille.
Documents Required for Nomad Visas
- An authorization letter from the employer allowing you to work in Spain.
- Proof of financial resources.
- Proof of address in Spain.
Conclusion
Moving from your home country to Spain can be a big change. Spending a fortune can be rewarding, and obtaining a visa can open the door to living in the beauty of Spain. So, be thorough about the process and seek professional advice before taking this big step!
To learn more about tax-saving tips, watch our video on buying property and visas in Spain!
