Conditions for Residency in Spain

To obtain residency in Spain, you must be familiar with the conditions for permanent residency in Spain. While there are various methods to obtain residency in this country, the requirements for each method differ from one another. However, there are certain common conditions necessary for all methods. The conditions for residency in Spain include:

• Financial ability to pay the fees
• No criminal record
• Health certificate
• Fluency in English or Spanish

Spain as a Country for Immigration

Obtaining residency in Spain is possible through six main methods: work, study, investment, childbirth, marriage, and asylum. Malekpour Institute helps Iranians choose the best option for their residency in Spain.

Spain attracts immigrants with its cultural diversity, religious freedom, excellent living conditions, and four distinct seasons. Its capital is Madrid, and the currency is the Euro. As a Schengen and EU member, residency in Spain allows visa-free travel across Schengen countries.

Ways to Obtain Residency in Spain

The conditions for obtaining residency in Spain vary by the method chosen, and applicants must choose the best route according to their conditions. Some of the best ways to obtain residency in Spain include investing through residency in Spain by purchasing real estate as well as working in this country. Below, we will detail the methods of obtaining residency in Spain.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Employment

One way to obtain residency in Spain is through work in Spain. To obtain residency in Spain through work, you must first secure a job offer from a Spanish employer who proves that no suitable candidate is available within Spain or the EU. This process involves coordination with the Spanish embassy and labor authorities. Competition is high, but healthcare and IT jobs have better opportunities.

Job vacancies are advertised for three months in Spain and the EU before hiring from outside Europe. The minimum salary requirement is around €1,000. After receiving a job offer, applicants submit their documents to the embassy in their home country. Another option is the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, allowing remote workers to live and work legally in Spain.

Among the required documents for Spain Work Visa are passport with a minimum of 6 months validity, work permit, and residency certificate issued by the Ministry of Labor, a work contract with the employer, which is approved and stamped by the immigration office in Spain, a certificate of no criminal record from the home country, and a medical health certificate.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Education

It is possible to obtain residency in Spain through education. Studying in Spain is available at the school, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Malekpour Institute has examined these levels.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through School Education

For students and individuals under 18, studying in Spanish schools is available. Many families send their children to Spain to join top football clubs and pursue both academic and athletic success. Students under 18 need a guardian, which is provided by Spanish boarding schools. Parents can visit their children via school-issued tourist invitations.

Tuition at elite private schools ranges from €25,000 to €40,000 per year, including full board. These schools offer sports camps, a healthy learning environment, and recreational activities, making them ideal for international students. Residency for student minors is typically valid for the academic year.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Bachelor’s Degree

Obtaining residency through studying at the bachelor’s degree in Spain is possible. Like most countries, a bachelor’s degree in Spain lasts four years. Tuition costs at this level can vary between public universities, typically costing between 1,000 to 3,500 euros. Studying at public universities requires a proficient level of the country’s official language.

Private universities, which offer programs in English for international students, have tuition costs starting from 4,000 euros to 20,000 euros. Programs in fields such as engineering, management, business, and information technology are among the best available majors in Spain for bachelor’s level studies.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Master’s Degree

Obtaining residency through pursuing a master’s degree in Spain is also feasible. This level typically lasts two years, similar to global standards, offering programs in business management, engineering, social sciences, and technology for international students.

Tuition costs for this level in Spain are comparable to the bachelor’s degree level, for example, the tuition for an MBA program in public universities ranges from approximately 960 to 1,800 euros. Tuition at private universities starts from around 4,000 euros.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through PhD Studies

Obtaining residency through PhD in Spain is also possible. You can obtain residency in Spain through studies depending on your educational background. PhD programs require strong academic credentials, published papers, and a supervisor, lasting 3–5 years. Tuition is €22–36 per ECTS unit, totaling around €2,200–€3,600 in the first year.

Student residency allows part-time work 10–30 hours/week, limited to your visa duration. Required documents include education and language certificates, passport, acceptance letter, student insurance, and proof of financial stability.

Barcelona Business School offers Level 4 undergraduate programs in business and hospitality and a Level 7 strategic management course, with internships and part-time work opportunities in Barcelona.

Studying in Spain offers flexible work options and valuable career experiences.

Ranking of Best Universities in Spain

Special Study Program in Spain with Malekpour Institute

Malekpour Institute helps you get admission to colleges in Spain without needing language certificates, though an IELTS 5 level is recommended. Accepted students receive free language courses. Tuition fees range from €5,000 to €6,000 per year. Applicants with strong finances can apply for spouse visas.

As language skills improve, the college assists in job placement, earning €100–€500 weekly. Accommodation and three meals daily are provided. Admission age limits are 29 for undergraduates and 35 for master’s programs.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Investment

Obtaining residency in Spain through investment is one of the best ways to immigrate to this country. Malekpour Institute will examine each of these methods for obtaining Spain Investment Visa. Individuals can start a business in Spain and invest 500,000 euros in it to acquire residency in this country.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Purchasing Property

One way to obtain residency is buying property in Spain. You can invest in a property of your choice valued at 500,000 euros in Spain. Keep in mind that the economy of Spain has fluctuations and is quite unstable, so there is no guarantee that property prices will remain stable in Spain. That is, after you purchase your property in this country, it may experience a significant drop in value.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through the Golden Visa

Residency in Spain through Property Investment allows you to invest €500,000 in real estate or a business. Malekpour Institute offers a special option to invest €350,000 with property guarantees, letting you reclaim your investment and benefit from price increases. This visa grants an initial one-year residency, renewable twice for two years each if the investment is maintained. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency, and after 10 years, for Spanish citizenship and passport.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Company Registration and Entrepreneurship

Applicants seeking residency through entrepreneurship in Spain must submit a business plan for approval to obtain the investor visa. After registering a company, they receive a one-year residency, extendable for two more years if the business remains profitable. Maintaining residency and business for 5 years allows eligibility for permanent residency and citizenship. The basic cost is 60,000 euros, plus 2,000 euros for ancillary and 4,000 euros for administrative company registration fees.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Financial Means

One way to obtain residency in Spain through investment is through financial means or self-sufficiency in Spain. The financial means residency in Spain requires proof of sufficient income and financial stability in your home country.

It grants a one-year permit for the whole family (children under 18 included) with no age or language limits. Employment is not allowed, but self-employment and business ownership are permitted. Residents must stay at least 6 months (184 days) in Spain. This is a popular investment residency option but carries risks due to officer discretion.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Company Registration

Obtaining residency in Spain through company registration is also possible. By establishing and company registration in Spain or creating innovative entrepreneurial ventures with an investment of over 1 million euros, you can obtain permanent residency in Spain after 5 years of activity in this country. The principal criteria and conditions for the Spanish government are as follows.

1. Your business must generate entrepreneurship and employment.
2. Have a positive economic impact in Spain.
3. Have a public benefit or technological and scientific innovation.
4. Employ at least one Spanish person.

Investing through Purchase of Government Bonds

Purchasing government bonds is one method of obtaining residency through investment in Spain. Government bonds in Spain mainly fund city development and infrastructure projects. The Spanish government welcomes international investors interested in this route. To qualify for residency through this method, a minimum investment of 2 million euros is required.

Required documents include employment proof, passport, criminal record certificate, financial proof, medical certificate, debt-free evidence, personal asset documentation, marriage certificate (if applicable), and tax declarations for the past three years. All documents must be translated into Spanish and approved by the Spanish embassy.

Obtaining Residency in Spain and Citizenship through Birth

One way to obtain residency in Spain is through birth in Spain. Spain follows the blood-based nationality system, meaning citizenship is mainly through descent. Obtaining Spanish nationality for your child does not grant citizenship or a passport to parents.

To apply for residency through a child born in Spain, you need documents like the parents’ marriage certificate, birth certificate from the hospital, proof of the child’s birth in Spain, parents’ passports, criminal record checks, and proof of parents’ eligibility to have a child in Spain.

• Children born to parents who are Spanish citizens
• Children who have at least one Spanish parent
• Children born in Spanish territory but whose parents do not have the citizenship of any country (apartheid) or whose country of origin does not recognize the nationality of their parents
• Children born in Spain but whose parents are unknown
• People who were adopted by Spanish parents before the age of 18 can apply for Spanish citizenship to the authorities of this country after the age of 18.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Marriage

For foreign individuals, obtaining residency in Spain through marriage is possible. Marrying a Spanish citizen allows you to apply for Spanish residency. You must provide documents such as your passport, proof of your spouse’s Spanish nationality, financial means, and a certificate of no impediment to marriage.

After marriage registration, you can receive a 5-year residency permit (EU Family Member Card). If you live in Spain for at least one year and prove the marriage is genuine, you may apply for citizenship, though delays of 1–2 years are common.

Required documents must be translated into Spanish and include a criminal record check, medical certificates, and relevant marital status documents.

Obtaining Residency in Spain through Asylum

Asylum in Spain is one way to obtain residency under the Geneva Refugee Convention for those facing threats due to religion, politics, or social affiliations. While it may seem less costly, it is an unpredictable and risky path, often involving illegal travel, psychological stress, and harsh living conditions in refugee camps.

Asylum seekers may face limited work rights, uncertain outcomes, and inability to return home. Safer legal options—like work, study, investment, or marriage—are recommended to avoid these serious risks.

Malekpour Institute does not provide any services in the field of asylum. This article is provided solely to increase your knowledge and inform you about the risks and important points of asylum.

Obtaining Residency in Spain for Artists

Spain offers a special residency path for renowned artists, athletes, and successful individuals with strong resumes and official contracts. Applicants must prove international recognition, health, insurance, and tax compliance. This residency allows travel across 145+ Schengen countries and benefits for family members.

Residency in Spain without Residency Condition

Immigrating to Spain requires meeting specific residency conditions. There is no residency without requirements; all applicants must follow certain rules, including presence in Spain for a set period.

Some investment options, such as financial means, allow residency with only 6 months per year in Spain. Spain’s Golden Visa and property purchase programs also offer residency without full-time presence, making them attractive options for investors.

Residency in Spain with 25,000 Euros

Financial means is one of the methods for immigration and residency in Spain. In this method, one can apply for residency in Spain with a specific amount and prove it. One of the most recognized methods of residency in Spain is residency with 25,000 euros.

In this method, the applicant must prove to the Spanish government that they have 25,000 euros in their bank account, which can be confirmed through bank statements. The individual has to provide the embassy with recent three months of bank statement. After this period, applicants may have success in obtaining their residency card in Spain.

Steps to Obtain Residency in Spain

Candidates from countries outside the European Union wishing to immigrate to Spain must obtain Spanish residency and, as a non-EU citizen, should apply for a visa for legal work and living in this country. Various types of residency in Spain can be categorized as follows.

Each residency permit and each visa has its specific conditions and varies in terms of documents that must be submitted to the Spanish immigration office. However, regardless of the route the applicant has chosen, there are specific common aspects. Below are the steps to obtain residency in Spain.

• Selecting the Immigration Method to Spain

The primary and most important task in the steps to obtain residency in Spain is to select the best immigration method suitable for your circumstances. You should be fully informed about the immigration routes and choose the best pathway that aligns with your objectives and conditions.

• Preparing the Documents

At this stage of the residency application process, you must prepare the required documents. The required documents vary by immigration route; for instance, for the educational route, a letter of acceptance from universities in Spain is necessary, while the employment route mandates a job offer from a Spanish employer.

• Obtaining Embassy Appointment and Submitting Documents

In this stage, you must get an appointment at the embassy and, after preparing all required documents, submit them to the embassy. Note that one of the most significant stages in obtaining residency in Spain is document submission to the embassy because at this stage, you must clearly explain your immigration motive to Spain and convince the case officer that you do not intend to seek asylum in this country and that you do not pose a burden or challenge for it.

• Receiving the Visa and Preparing for Immigration to Spain

Typically, after 2 to 3 months, the consulate issues its response. If it’s positive, you’ll get the Spanish visa stamp on your passport. You need to prepare for immigrating to this country once your request for the Spanish visa is approved.

• Traveling to Spain

Once you obtain your Spanish visa, you have one month to travel to this country. Upon entering Spain, you need to make an appointment with the police department for fingerprinting and ultimately receive your TIE residency card.

Required Documents for Residency in Spain

One of the most important and influential stages in obtaining a visa for Spain is gathering and preparing the necessary documents for residency in Spain. Applicants must pay great attention while submitting the required documents for residency in Spain since any deficiencies in documents may lead to visa rejection.

As mentioned above, there are various paths for obtaining residency in Spain, and consequently, the necessary documents for each path differ. Below are some necessary documents for residency in Spain that are consistent across all immigration routes:

1. Proof of sufficient means and funds: Depending on the residence card you are applying for, the amount of financial means varies.
2. Proof of no criminal record: You must show that you have not had a criminal record in the past years (not only in Spain, but in any country).
3. Have full health insurance throughout Spain, whether public or private
4. Provide the necessary documents to obtain a residence permit for your chosen route
5. Completed and signed visa application form
6. Receipt of payment of the relevant fee
7. Copy of all pages of your passport
8. Provide identification documents

Advantages and Disadvantages of Residency in Spain

Before making the decision to migrate, you must thoroughly understand the advantages and disadvantages of residency in Spain to have realistic expectations of living in this country and its culture, benefits, and shortcomings.

You must carefully evaluate the benefits and downsides of the Spanish residency visa, comparing it with the benefits and limitations of living in other countries to choose the best country suitable for your conditions and goals for living.

Costs of Residency in Spain

Prospective applicants often ask about residency in Spain and the cost of living. Monthly expenses vary by city and lifestyle, with larger cities being more expensive.

For example, a family of four in Bilbao spends around €2,616.8 per month (excluding rent), while in Valencia, costs are €2,329.5, making Valencia more affordable. Compared to London, Valencia is 38% cheaper and Bilbao 26% cheaper.

The table below provides a detailed breakdown of living expenses in Spain.

Best Cities for Residency in Spain

For residency in Spain, selecting the best city depends on your preferences concerning working, studying, or living expenses. Here, we have presented a list of the best cities for residency in Spain.

Located on the northeastern coast, Barcelona is famous for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

As the capital and geographical center, Madrid is a bustling metropolis known for its world-class museums like the Prado, a vibrant nightlife, and grand squares such as Puerta del Sol.

A harmonious blend of ancient and modern, Valencia showcases futuristic architecture like the City of Arts and Sciences alongside medieval structures like Valencia Cathedral.

Granada, home to the stunning Alhambra Palace, is one of Spain’s most beautiful and touristic regions. Granada is a lively and bustling city with numerous beauties.

Renowned for its university, Salamanca has a stunning Plaza Mayor and numerous historic buildings made of golden sandstone. The vibrant student population of this city contributes to its lively atmosphere.

Rules of Permanent Residency in Spain and Obtaining Citizenship

To apply for Spanish citizenship, you must live in Spain legally for 10 years (5 years for permanent residency, then 5 more for citizenship), without long absences. You’ll need a clean criminal record, stable income, and Spanish language skills. Required documents include a no criminal record certificate, language certificate, and the completed application form.

Some cases allow faster citizenship—such as marriage to a Spanish citizen or birth in Spain. Even if you are born outside Spanish territory to Spanish parents, you can still possess citizenship and Spanish passport.

Refugees can apply for Spanish citizenship after 5 years of legal residency. The process begins with submitting an application to the Spanish embassy in the home country. Required documents include valid ID, visa, proof of income, clean criminal record, medical certificate, travel insurance, and marital status.

All documents must be translated into Spanish or English and submitted properly. Residency permits are issued by the Spanish Ministry of Interior and can be renewed if financial conditions remain stable. Renewal requests must be submitted at least one month before expiry to avoid penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Residency in Spain

• What are the conditions for obtaining permanent residency in Spain?

The conditions for obtaining permanent residency depend on the method you choose to immigrate. For instance, in many methods, including work, you can obtain permanent residency in Spain after 5 years of living in Spain.

• How to obtain residency through purchasing property in Spain? Is residency possible through buying a house in Spain?

Yes, residency in Spain can be obtained by buying a house; residency through property purchase in Spain is done through an investment of at least 500,000 euros.

• How much is the cost of living in Spain?

The cost of living for one person is approximately between 600 to 1,000 euros per month.

• What are the conditions for obtaining residency in Spain by purchasing property, and can residency be obtained through real estate purchase?

The conditions for obtaining residency in Spain by purchasing property include buying a property valued at a minimum of 500,000 euros; by adhering to these conditions, residency can be obtained through purchasing property in Spain.

• What are the conditions for residency in Spain without investment?

Individuals who have high financial means can obtain residency in this country without the need for investment and transferring assets through self-sufficiency.

• What are the conditions for obtaining permanent residency in Spain and how can residency in Spain be obtained?

To obtain permanent residency in Spain, you must have at least 5 years of legal residency; to understand how to obtain Spanish residency, you can apply through methods like investment, work, or study.

• How is student residency obtained in Spain?

To obtain student residency in Spain, you must be accepted by a valid university or educational institute; student residency in Spain is usually issued for the duration of the study.

There are several ways to obtain residency in Spain, including work, study, investment, marriage, and birth. Among these, investment is often the most reliable, offering lower risk and easier visa conditions.

For expert guidance, contact the Malekpour Immigration Institute. You can also leave your questions in the comments section for quick answers.