If you want to stay in Spain for under 90 days, you have to get a Schengen short-stay visa (also called a C-type visa). But, which visa depends on what you’re doing there. Spain offers different visas, such as an airport transit visa, a tourist visa for sightseeing and family visits, a business visa, an official visit visa, a medical visa, a study visa for short courses, and a cultural, sports, and film crew visa. However, having a visa does not guarantee entry—border officials may request additional documents.
For stays longer than 90 days, a long-stay visa is required unless you are an EU citizen. To apply, you first need a Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE). If staying longer than six months, a TIE card is also necessary. The NIE is an essential ID number in Spain and must be obtained at the Spanish Embassy before applying for a visa.
Easiest Visas to Live in Spain
A Spain long term visa for US citizens allows you to stay in Spain for more than three months. Here are some of the easiest options to obtain.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
If you want to live in Spain but not work there, this visa is ideal. Unlike the golden visa, it does not require property investment, but you cannot work or run a business in Spain. You must prove you can financially support yourself for a year. After one year, you can renew it every two years, and after five years, you may qualify for permanent residency. Family members can be included if financial support is assured. Requirements include sufficient savings, proof of non-employment, and a clean criminal
record.
Spain Golden Visa
This visa is for investors. You must invest in property, start a company, or create jobs in Spain to qualify for a residence permit. If investing in property, it must be debt-free. You must also show stable income (at least 400% of IPREM annually, plus 75% per additional family member) and have no criminal record. For investments in stocks, bonds, or businesses, official certificates are required. Company investments must be registered with Spain’s foreign investment authority.
Easiest Work Visas for Spain
Digital Nomad Visa
This visa allows remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies to live in Spain for up to five years. Unlike the non-lucrative visa, it permits employment, provided the work is for foreign companies or clients.
Application options for digital nomad visa Spain 2025 :
- Obtain a one-year visa in your home country, then switch to a three-year permit in Spain.
- Enter Spain on a tourist visa and apply for a three-year permit from within the country. This visa counts toward permanent residency and citizenship. It also allows spouses and children to be included and provides EU travel freedom. Unmarried individuals have to apply for unmarried partner visa Spain separately. Applications are processed quickly under Spain’s Entrepreneur Law, usually within 20 days.
This visa counts toward permanent residency and citizenship. It also allows spouses and children to be included and provides EU travel freedom. Unmarried individuals have to apply for unmarried partner visa Spain separately. Applications are processed quickly under Spain’s Entrepreneur Law, usually within 20 days.
Entrepreneur Visa (Startup Visa)
Entrepreneur visa is for those starting a business in Spain. Your business must contribute positively to Spain’s economy or society. If approved, you receive a three- year residence permit.
Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo Visa)
If the entrepreneur visa doesn’t fit, there’s always this one. Autonomo visa Spain is for freelancers and small business owners. First, set up your business, get the right licenses, and make some investment (amount depends on what you’re doing). You also have to prove you have enough money to live for at least a year. If you’re freelancing, you may need contracts with Spanish clients.
Initially, it’s a one-year visa. Once in Spain, you need to apply for a residence permit, a foreign ID, and social security as self-employed—all within the first month. The residence permit lasts two years, renewable as long as you meet the rules and live in Spain for at least 183 days per year. Stick with it for five years, and you can apply for permanent residency.
Spain’s got plenty of visa options, whether you want to chill, work remotely, invest, or start a business. The trick is figuring out which one fits your plans best and making sure you’ve got all the paperwork lined up.
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