Immigrate to Spain
Spain welcomes newcomers through work, family, and long-term residence routes. Most people start with a visa from a Spanish consulate, then get a residence card (TIE) after arriving — here's how it works.
Main ways to immigrate
The most common official routes. Which one fits you depends on your situation — we help you compare them.
Work and residence permits
Permits for employees, self-employed workers, and qualified professionals who want to live and work in Spain.
Family reunification
Legal residents in Spain can bring eligible family members — such as a spouse and children — to live with them.
Residence and nationality
After living legally in Spain for a qualifying period, many residents can apply for long-term residence and, eventually, Spanish nationality.
Who this is for
- Employees and self-employed workers with a job or project in Spain
- Family members of someone who is legally resident in Spain
- People planning to build toward long-term residence or nationality
- Students and remote workers looking for a route to stay long-term
How the process works
- 1
Choose the right permit
Identify which visa or residence category fits your situation — work, family, study, or residence.
- 2
Apply for your visa
Submit your application, usually at the Spanish consulate in your country, with the required supporting documents.
- 3
Enter Spain and register
After arriving, complete local registration and book your appointment for the foreigner identity card (TIE).
- 4
Get your residence card (TIE)
Provide your fingerprints and collect your TIE, which proves your legal residence in Spain.
Settling in after you arrive
- Register your address at the town hall (empadronamiento)
- Get your NIE and, later, your TIE card
- Open a Spanish bank account and find housing
- Register for healthcare and understand local taxes
Official sources
Every step links back to the official government source. We point you to them — we never replace them.
- Gobierno de España — Immigration information sheets
- Gobierno de España — Full list of procedures
- Exteriores — Consular visas
- Ministerio de Justicia — Spanish nationality
Informational guidance, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; always confirm on the official government pages above.
Frequently asked questions
- How can I immigrate to Spain?
- Common routes are a work or residence permit, family reunification, or building toward long-term residence and, later, nationality. Most people start with a visa from a Spanish consulate. Immigrate matches you to the right route and links to the official Spanish government pages.
- How do I get residency in Spain?
- After entering on the right visa, you register locally and apply for the foreigner identity card (TIE), which proves your legal residence. Immigrate lays out each step and points you to the official appointment and procedure pages.
- How long does it take to immigrate to Spain?
- Timelines vary by permit type and consulate, and official processing times change. Immigrate builds a timeline for your specific route instead of quoting one fixed number.
- Can I move to Spain as a remote worker or self-employed person?
- Spain offers routes for self-employed and remote workers alongside standard work permits. Immigrate helps you compare which residence option fits your situation.
Ready to start your move to Spain?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized, step-by-step plan — official processes, costs, and timelines, all in one place.