Self-sufficiency in Spain
Self-sufficiency in Spain is a method to obtain residency in Spain without the need to invest in this country. The country of Spain offers this immigration program with the aim of attracting investors who contribute to the economy of this country without the need to work in Spain.
Some important conditions for Self-sufficiency residency in Spain include the following:
- Provide evidence that the applicant has an amount of approximately 35,000 euros in his bank account, to which, if there is a companion, 25% for the spouse and approximately 2,500 to 3,000 euros for each child will be added to this amount.
- Have a fixed monthly income of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 euros from a source of income outside of Spain.
- Rent or buy property in Spain to live in this country.
- Have valid health insurance in Spain.
The Self-sufficiency visa for Spain does not grant applicants the right to work in Spain, and applicants must have an income source outside this country to cover their living expenses in Spain. However, applicants can have a source of income in Spain by investment in Spain and thereby support their living costs.
For further information on other aspects of this immigration to Spain, please follow us in this article. You can also contact the experts at Malekpour Immigration Institute to discuss your situation in choosing the best path.

What is Self-sufficiency in Spain?
Self-sufficiency in Spain is one of the immigration programs of the country Spain for individuals with the necessary capital and income (amounts determined by the Spanish government).
This immigration method does not permit applicants to work in Spain. Therefore, applicants must prove that they have the capital and financial capability required to cover living expenses in Spain from an income source outside of Spain.
This program allows for the spouse and children under 18 years to accompany, the possibility of investment in Spain, the establishment of a source of income in this country, obtaining European residency, and traveling to other European countries without needing to obtain a visa and… to the applicant.
Advantages of Self-sufficiency in Spain
Self-sufficiency residency in Spain comes with several advantages, some of which are listed below:
- Free insurance is available for individuals
- Schools are free for children
- The entire residency process can be completed between 7 and 9 months
- There is no limit to the number of applications accepted
- No need to provide educational and language certificates
- Living in a country with an amazing history and rich culture
- No specific age requirements
- Ability to travel without a visa for the applicant and his family members to EU and Schengen member countries
- Possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit after 5 years
- Obtaining citizenship after 10 years of residence in Spain
Rules and conditions for Self-sufficiency in Spain
The most important conditions for the Self-sufficiency visa in Spain are proving sufficient assets and financial resources. In this program in Spain, the more capital you show, the higher your chances of obtaining a Spanish visa will be.
The table below presents the essential and basic conditions for applying through the Self-sufficiency pathway in Spain:
| Self-support requirements in Spain | Explanation |
| Provide financial means | 35,000 euros for the main person, 25% for the spouse and 2,500 to 3,000 euros for each child |
| Proof of a fixed monthly income | 2,500 to 3,000 euros from a source of income outside Spain |
| Provide a lease | You must prove to the Spanish government that you have rented or purchased a suitable home to live in this country |
| Health insurance | Your health insurance must cover your medical expenses in this country |

Further conditions that applicants immigrating to Europe through Self-sufficiency in Spain should know include:
- Applicants must be aware that by obtaining Self-sufficiency residency in Spain, they will not have the right to work in this country but are allowed to invest. Applicants can have a euro income source in Spain through investment.
- The presence condition for Self-sufficiency residency in Spain is 6 months. This means individuals must reside in Spain for at least 6 months a year (this period might not be continuous).
- The duration of the visa process in Spain is typically 7 to 9 months, provided the applicant’s documents are complete.
- If the necessary conditions are met and approved by the officer, applicants initially receive a 1-year residency in Spain, which is also renewable.
- Applicants can simultaneously apply for residency in Spain for their spouses and children under 18 years of age.
What is the presence condition for Self-sufficiency in Spain?
The presence condition for Self-sufficiency in Spain means that the applicant must have sufficient financial means to support their living expenses and their family’s expenses during their residency in this country. This type of visa is granted to individuals who intend to live in Spain without the need to work. Therefore, the applicant must provide documents indicating stable and sufficient financial resources, such as bank accounts, fixed incomes, or investments.
The presence condition for Self-sufficiency in Spain is 6 months.
Required documents for Self-sufficiency in Spain
One of the most important steps in the visa application process is to provide complete documents. To stay updated on the conditions and documents for the Self-sufficiency visa in Spain or contact the experts at Malekpour Immigration Institute.
The most important documents required for obtaining a Self-sufficiency visa in Spain are as follows:
- Visa application form
- A recent passport photo with a white background
- A passport valid for at least 1 year
- Proof of financial means of the amount indicated
- A lease or title deed of residence in Spain
- Marriage certificate
- Health insurance
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Birth certificates for children
- Medical certificate of physical and mental health and absence of contagious diseases in Spanish
Steps to obtain a Self-sufficiency visa in Spain
The steps to obtain a Self-sufficiency visa in Spain are as follows:
- First, preparing documents and translating documents is a priority.
- In the second step, you must make an appointment at the embassy.
- The third step is to visit the embassy, present the documents, and register the application.
- The final step is to wait for the embassy to review and announce the final result and issue the visa.

Cost of Self-sufficiency visa in Spain
The cost of a Self-sufficiency visa in Spain may vary from individual to individual depending on factors such as the number of family members, the conditions of each person, etc. Below is a rough estimate of the cost of a Self-sufficiency visa in Spain:
| Items | Cost |
| Cost of obtaining a self-sponsored visa for Spain | 60 to 80 euros |
| VFS service fee for a self-sponsored visa for Spain | 30 to 50 euros |
Conditions for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship in Spain through Self-sufficiency
As mentioned earlier, if an individual’s application is approved by the Spanish embassy, they will initially be granted a residency valid for 1 year. If the individual meets the financial capability and all necessary conditions, they can renew this residency. After 5 years of residency in Spain, individuals, if qualified, can apply for permanent residency in Spain.
Furthermore, after 10 years of residency, applicants will be eligible to apply for citizenship and Spanish passport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Self-sufficiency in Spain
- Can residency in Spain be obtained without investment?
In the Self-sufficiency method in Spain, individuals with high financial capability can obtain residency in this country without investment and transfer of capital to Spain.
- Do individuals on Self-sufficiency residency in Spain have the right to work?
No, in Self-sufficiency methods in most countries, the applicants do not have the right to work.
- How much capital is required for immigration to Spain through Self-sufficiency?
The applicant must have around 35,000 euros in their account and must demonstrate an income of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 euros per month.
- How long does the Self-sufficiency visa process take?
It takes 7 to 9 months.
- What is the validity of the Self-sufficiency visa in Spain?
Initially, a visa valid for 1 year is granted to the applicant.
- Is a language certificate required for obtaining a Self-sufficiency visa in Spain?
No, a language certificate is not required.
- Is it possible to obtain a dependent visa with Self-sufficiency residency in Spain?
Yes, it is possible to obtain a dependent visa for a spouse and children under 18 years of age.
Conclusion:
The necessary conditions for obtaining Self-sufficiency residency in Spain include providing documentation indicating an amount of about 35,000 euros in the applicant’s bank account, with a 25% increase for a spouse and adding 2,500 to 3,000 euros for each child. Additionally, a stable monthly income of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 euros from a source outside Spain, along with documents proving rent of a house in Spain for living, is required.
In the Self-sufficiency method, applicants initially receive a 1-year residency in Spain, which is renewable. Applicants can simultaneously apply for self-support residency in Spain for themselves, their spouses, and their children under 18 years old. For precise conditions, you can contact the consultants at Malekpour Immigration Institute.